Osborne Partners has strengthened its Middle East practice with two senior hires from Kroll. The firm has appointed Obaid Kazmi as Partner and Jonathan Hancox as Director. Both will be based in Dubai.
These appointments mark a clear step in the firm’s regional growth strategy. Moreover, they enhance its ability to handle complex disputes across the GCC.
Building Stronger Disputes Capabilities
Obaid Kazmi brings more than 20 years of accounting experience. Importantly, he has spent over 15 years advising clients in the Middle East. He specialises in damages assessment, lost profits analysis, and forensic accounting.
Over the years, he has acted as an independent expert witness in major disputes. In addition, he has advised on cases before regional tribunals and the DIFC Courts. His experience includes disputes exceeding AED 250 million. Furthermore, he has handled cases involving fraud, financial manipulation, and shareholder conflicts.
Before joining Osborne Partners, Kazmi served as Managing Director at Kroll in Dubai.
Director Appointment Strengthens Forensic Practice
Jonathan Hancox joins as Director with strong experience in forensic accounting and expert testimony. Notably, he has acted as a testifying expert before tribunals such as the DIAC. In several cases, tribunals adopted his damages assessments in full.
His work spans industries including energy, banking, insurance, manufacturing, and real estate. Additionally, he has led cross-border investigations and advised on regulatory matters and market abuse claims.
Previously, he worked as Senior Manager at Kroll.
Strategic Investment in Dubai
The firm continues to invest in its Dubai office as part of its wider Middle East expansion. As dispute volumes grow in the region, demand for independent expert evidence is rising.
Montek Mayal, Partner and Practice Head for Asia and the Middle East, welcomed the appointments. He noted that both hires add significant technical depth to the regional team.
Kazmi said he looks forward to contributing to the firm’s growth. Similarly, Hancox expressed confidence in strengthening the forensic and expert witness offering in the Middle East.
Expanding Regional Presence
Osborne Partners operates in Dubai, London, Mumbai, and Singapore. The firm advises clients on complex legal and commercial challenges. It applies expertise in economics, finance, valuation, and accounting to support litigation, arbitration, and regulatory matters.
With these appointments, Osborne Partners strengthens its position in the Middle East disputes market and signals continued regional investment.
