Longstanding Linklaters Middle East corporate partner Scott Campbell has stepped back into the role of regional head following his successor’s decision to step down after just over a year in the role.

Announcing the appointment, the UK Magic Circle firm said Jonathan Fried, who took over from Campbell as Middle East managing partner in December 2022, had decided to focus full-time on the Middle East capital markets practice he has led since 2014.

Campbell was previously regional managing partner for eight years having been based at the firm’s Dubai office since it opened in 2006. 

He specialises in M&A and corporate finance transactions and is known for his work in the financial services, telecoms and property sectors.

The New Zealander trained and qualified at Russell McVeigh before joining Linklaters, where he has spent the remainder of his career. 

He said: “I am honoured to be taking on this role again. I am extremely proud of our fantastic cross-practice work in this dynamic and growing region and eager to support our clients on their strategic growth opportunities.”

Firmwide managing partner Paul Lewis said the Middle East was a key growth area for the firm, adding that, under Campbell’s leadership, he was confident that it was “in great hands” while acknowledging the firm had plans to develop its existing capabilities in the region further to meet client demand.

Asia managing partner William Liu added: “While we are sorry that Jonathan has decided to return to full-time practice, we thank him for leading the expansion of our firm’s regional capabilities and deepening key relationships, and are excited about our strong and growing capital markets practice with Jonathan’s additional energy.”

As part of its 2023 partnership promotions round, Linklaters appointed one partner, Dalia Nammari, and one counsel, Peter Cullen, in Dubai. Both are capital markets specialists.

In March 2023, the firm added a third office to its Middle East network alongside its Dubai and Abu Dhabi arms when it hired Amro Bakhaidar from Saudi Arabian firm Khoshaim & Associates to open an office in Riyadh after securing a licence to set up shop in Saudia Arabia.

Linklaters grew its Middle East revenue by 52% to £33.8m in its financial year ending 30 April 2023, according to its LLP filing.