Secretariat, the global disputes, investigations, economics, and expert witness advisory firm, welcomes Managing Directors Ian Greenhough and Ralph Stobwasser as senior-level leaders to the firm’s Dubai office. Greenhough and Stobwasser join at a time of tremendous growth for Secretariat globally and in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, adding expertise to the firm’s Construction Quantum and Investigations & Regulatory Advisory practices respectively.

Ian Greenhough brings more than 23 years of experience in the construction industry with 17 years based in the Middle East. He is a seasoned testifier and has been appointed on multiple occasions as a quantum expert witness on projects in the Middle East and Europe with disputes in excess of US$250m. His experience includes major infrastructure works, renewable energy, power and technology/IT projects. Lexology Index (formerly Who’s Who Legal) recognizes Greenhough in “Thought Leaders – Arbitration,” noting he: “performs strongly under cross-examination,” is “great to deal with and I’d highly recommend him,” and highlights his “common-sense approach.” Greenhough earned a Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) from Lancashire Law School and a Bachelor of Science from the University of Newcastle upon Tyne.

“I am delighted to join Secretariat and to be part of an award-winning global construction disputes team,” says Greenhough. “I look forward to contributing to the team’s success and advancing our impressive growth story in the region.”  

Ralph Stobwasser has more than 20 years of experience leading large and highly complex investigations, remediation, asset tracing, and due diligence assignments. His sector expertise and client coverage spans government and public sectors, financial services, sovereign wealth funds, and public and private corporations in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and wider Middle East. He has developed a reputation as a trusted advisor to a broad client base in the legal community in the Middle East, Europe, and United States where he is regularly engaged to provide litigation support and strategic advice in special situations. Stobwasser earned a Master’s Degree in Middle Eastern Studies from Freie Universität Berlin and an Undergraduate Degree from Universität Freiburg.

“The team Secretariat is assembling, globally and in the MENA region, represents some of the most respected and trusted leaders who handle high-stakes investigations and regulatory matters,” says Stobwasser. “The opportunity to join this impressive team and build the Secretariat brand marks an exciting chapter in my career.”

Welcoming both leaders to the firm, Managing Director Don Harvey notes, “Ian and Ralph embody the special kind of talent we look to add to our roster – passionate problem solvers who have earned the distinction of being trusted advisors by delivering the highest-quality work. I am excited to call both of them colleagues.”