CMS, a leading provider of legal and tax services, has appointed Amir Kordvani to head its Middle East projects team.

In his new role, Kordvani will also supervise the launch of the firm’s Iran Desk in Dubai, splitting his time between Tehran and Dubai, said a statement from CMS.

This follows the opening of CMS’ office in Tehran earlier this year, making it the first international law firm to open in Iran.

He joins CMS from Clyde & Co in Abu Dhabi, having spent over three years at the firm, it added.

Kordvani brings with him considerable experience in the energy and resources sector, with a particular focus in the development of infrastructure projects. His experience includes advising on public-private partnerships (PPPs), including procurement regime, contractual documentation, construction and financing, said a statement.

He has a deep understanding of the Iranian business environment and the Iranian laws which underpin that, and has significant experience advising on various aspects of doing business in Iran including foreign direct investment (FDI), private funds, contracts, projects work, licensing, joint ventures, and oil and gas projects, said the company.

Paul Smith, head of the infrastructure and project finance group for CMS, said: “Kordvani’s practice builds on our global projects offering, and his deep knowledge of the Iranian market will strengthen our position with clients looking to invest in the region.”

“The Iran practice in Dubai will provide the highest quality and most efficient legal service to clients in relation to their business in Iran, and is a strategic addition to our new base in Tehran. We are delighted to welcome him to the firm,” he said.

On his new role, Kordvani said: “I am thrilled to have joined CMS which offers a terrific platform for developing the practices I have. The fact that we are the first and so far the only international law firm in Iran puts us in a unique position to provide clients with high-quality advice that reflects the reality on the ground.”

“I am delighted to be part of our Iran team and look forward to working with my Iranian colleagues to drive further growth in a very exciting market. CMS also has a robust, globally-recognised projects capability, and it is a very exciting opportunity for me to lead on our projects practice in the Middle East by building on our strong global projects offering,” he added.-TradeArabia News Service