Akin announced that Skye Smith has joined the firm as a partner in its investment management practice. And Smith will start in the Dallas office and relocate to Abu Dhabi in the coming months. Smith joins Akin from DLA Piper.
Smith’s addition reinforces the firm’s commitment to growth in the Middle East, and it also strengthens its position as a leading investment management advisor in the Abu Dhabi global market, where sovereign wealth funds manage approximately $1.7 trillion.
Smith advises institutional investors, with a focus on sovereign wealth funds, on complex investments across private equity, venture capital, infrastructure, real estate, and hedge funds. And she regularly counsels these clients on primary commitments, co-investments, continuation vehicles, funds-of-one, GP stakes, and other customized arrangements. Her practice also features public and private pension plans, university endowments, funds of funds, and multifamily offices.
Earlier this year, Akin announced that corporate partner Alexander Malahias and project finance partner Jennifer Riddle have joined the firm and will be based in Akin’s Abu Dhabi office until the firm opens its new office in Riyadh later this year. The firm also recently added investment management partner Wendy Dodson Gallegos in Chicago.
KEY QUOTES:
“We are continuing to expand our investment management offerings in Abu Dhabi. The Middle East is a growing asset management market and an area of intense focus for Akin, serving our clients in their most sophisticated transactions. Skye brings significant experience working with sovereign wealth funds in Abu Dhabi, and we’re pleased to welcome her to our team.”
Akin co-chair Abid Qureshi
“Skye is a highly regarded investment management lawyer with a longstanding client network in Abu Dhabi.”
Barbara Niederkofler, co-leader of Akin’s investment management practice
“Skye brings deep knowledge of the fundraising opportunities and challenges in the UAE and she is a phenomenal addition to our investment management practice in the Abu Dhabi global market.”
Robert Griffin, an Akin investment management partner based in Abu Dhabi
“I am thrilled to join Akin and its premier investment management team,” said Smith. “The firm has a growing platform in the UAE and Abu Dhabi in particular, advising some of the most prominent sovereign wealth funds, making this the ideal setting for my practice.”
Skye Smith
