Highly commended: Tom Hudson, DP World
Finalists: Avinash Kumar Rana, National Bank of Ras Al-Khaimah • Dima Abuasabeh, Sharaf HQ Investments

Jason Taylor – one of three lawyers hired to set up a legal department at Muntajat- has played a key role helping to secure his company's global expansion following its establishment in 2013.

Muntajat was created to market, sell and distribute all chemicals, polymers and fertilizers produced in Qatar. Taylor arrived at the company with 10 years of post-qualification experience under his belt, gained from leading law firms in London and Japan.

At Muntajat he was responsible for undertaking the legal work to support the setting up of 15 international branches and subsidiaries across the world. This work involved obtaining the relevant licences and negotiating office leases, IT contracts and contracts with other service providers.

It also required him to manage more than 15 law firms and undertake a country-by-country governance analysis highlighting all of the legal considerations and risks associated with this expansion, which was presented to Muntajat's senior management. His approach was endorsed by senior management, who gave him an exceptionally high score in a feedback survey.