GC Influencers
Most Influential GCs - United Arab Emirates
Olivier Schwartz of DP World
Based in Dubai, Olivier Schwartz manages DP World’s legal operations globally. Sources agree: “Olivier’s job is most demanding and exciting; he has the whole world to deal with. He is an A-Z global player.”
Schwartz joined the terminal and shipping giant in 2007; he is widely regarded as a high-level operator within a public company with a substantial footprint. Peers in private practice say: “He has to look at cutting-edge regulatory issues across this huge business covering a vast range of geographies.”
One source said: “I think he manages his team in a low-key, humble way. He’s commercial and his team is commercial. He recognises that his role is to be the check and balance around managing risk while driving the growth of the business – that’s a real strength.”
In recent months, DP World has completed a number of strategic acquisitions, including its USD1.1 billion acquisition of Topaz Energy & Marine.
Schwartz previously worked as vice president in the general counsel’s office at American Express. He was also a senior legal consultant at DLA Piper Middle East LLP in Dubai.
Most Influential GCs - Global-wide
Olivier Schwartz of DP World
With highly regulated operations in 40 nations across all six inhabited continents, DP World’s general counsel Olivier Schwartz must remain closely attuned with a vast array of regulatory systems and public policy issues, alongside handling the broad scope of commercial agreements, labour law issues and risk management associated with a port operator which moves 174,000 containers each day. Schwartz arrived at DP World in 2007 with a strong pedigree in handling legal oversight over a global business, having taken charge of American Express’ legal departments in the EMEA region and subsequently in Latin America and the Caribbean. His recent accomplishments include advising on the company’s USD421 million acquisition of P&O Ferries and its EUR660 million acquisition of Unifeeder.