Gerard Daniels has opened its first office in the United Arab Emirates, establishing a permanent presence in Abu Dhabi and a new regional headquarters for the Middle East and Africa.
The opening marks an important step in the continued growth of Gerard Daniels’ international business, building on almost two decades of working with organisations across the Middle East and Africa.
Located at World Trade Center Abu Dhabi, the new office will support organisations across the GCC and wider region with senior executive and board appointments, bringing Gerard Daniels’ international reach and sector expertise closer to clients operating in one of the world’s most dynamic markets.
Building on long-standing relationships in the region
Gerard Daniels has worked with organisations throughout the Middle East and Africa for almost 20 years, supporting leadership appointments across a range of industries and international markets.
Establishing a permanent base in Abu Dhabi strengthens these existing relationships while allowing Gerard Daniels to work more closely with clients, providing local insight and international expertise to support their evolving leadership needs.
The regional practice will have a particular focus on energy, including oil and gas, oilfield services and the energy transition; industrial services and data centre development; infrastructure and the built environment; and mining and critical minerals.
“Our decision to establish a permanent presence in Abu Dhabi reflects both the strength of our longstanding relationships across the Middle East and our confidence in the region's future,” said Warren Rushbrook, Chief Executive Officer at Gerard Daniels.
“This investment allows us to work even more closely with our clients, while continuing to deliver the agility, accountability and highly personalised approach that have always defined our business.”
Local presence, international reach
Managing Partner EMEA James Christian has relocated from London to Abu Dhabi to lead the regional business.
James brings extensive experience advising organisations on senior executive and board appointments across the Middle East and international markets, with particular expertise across the energy and industrial sectors.
“We have worked with organisations across the Middle East and Africa for almost two decades, and establishing our office in Abu Dhabi is a natural next step in the development of those relationships,” James said.
“The region continues to attract significant investment, with increasing demand for experienced leadership as businesses grow, diversify and expand internationally.
“Being on the ground here means we can combine our understanding of the local market with the international reach and expertise of the wider Gerard Daniels business.”
The Abu Dhabi office provides clients in the region with direct access to Gerard Daniels’ broader international network, connecting local market knowledge with leadership expertise across Asia Pacific, Europe and the Americas.
Continuing our international growth
The opening also comes as Gerard Daniels celebrates its 40th anniversary.
Founded in 1986, Gerard Daniels has grown from its Australian origins into an international executive search and board consulting firm, with offices in Perth, Sydney, Brisbane, London and now Abu Dhabi.
Across those markets, the firm supports organisations with senior leadership and board appointments through a partner-led approach built around rigorous assessment, sector expertise and long-term relationships with clients and candidates.
With a 97% two-year retention rate for executive placements, the firm’s track record reflects its commitment to identifying leaders who are not only right for the role, but positioned to deliver lasting value for the organisations they lead.
The establishment of the Abu Dhabi office represents both a continuation of that international growth and a deeper commitment to the organisations and leaders shaping the future of the Middle East and Africa.
To discuss your current and future leadership needs across the Middle East and Africa, connect with James Christian, Managing Partner EMEA.
