William J. Brown
Executive Director, Managing Director of Kuwait Office, Founding Shareholder

William is a strategic adviser with over 40 years of extensive experience in all phases of “doing business”, including capital formation, ventures, governance, strategic planning and management of complex projects (including dispute resolution). His industry sector expertise covers Oil & Gas, Power, Aerospace, Construction, Asset Management and Financial Services.

For 16 years, William practiced general corporate and securities law with Sullivan & Cromwell, focused on serving clients who demand solutions rather than problem identification, requiring counsel to develop a full appreciation of its clients’ goals, objectives and business approach. William also served as chief operating officer and general counsel to a family business group involved in Saudi Arabian, Kuwaiti and Qatari construction sites. Since 1981, he has spent considerable time in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Abu Dhabi and Oman.

William served in Abu Dhabi Investment Authority from 2000 to 2017 as a Senior Legal Adviser providing strategic advice to the Managing Director’s Office. He also advised the Director General of Abu Dhabi Retirement Pensions and Benefits Fund on its establishment, including design, preparation and implementation of its “Master Plan”. Also, he served as member of the UAE Free Trade Agreements (“FTAs”) negotiation team; as adviser to Abu Dhabi government agencies regarding FTAs, investment treaties and tax treaties, with particular reference to Energy Resources Sector; as one of UAE’s representatives to the International Working Group (“IWG”) and a leading member of its Drafting Committee that drafted the “Santiago Principles”; and as one of ADIA’s representatives to the International Forum of Sovereign Wealth Funds.

William is a founding shareholder and a member of the Board of Directors of The Cragus Group Limited and Managing Director of its Kuwait Office. Mr. Brown divides his time between the Kuwait and Oman offices.