Al Tamimi appoint leading international HR expert to oversee Training and Development Academy

Central to these efforts is the firm's Centre for Development which was launched 8 months ago and was, until recently, primarily an intranet based e-learning platform supplemented with some face to face training delivery. However, Essam Al Tamimi, Al Tamimi & Company's founder is looking to build on this initiative so that the firm can have an internal Training Academy equaling some of the top tier international law firms.

"Al Tamimi is an international player and we want to ensure that our staff have access to the best available support. Our vision is for the Centre for Development to become an internal university ensuring the knowledge and skills of our staff are as comprehensive and up to date as possible"

Said Al Tamimi of the firm's new training academy.

To oversee the evolution of the Centre for Development, the firm has just announced the appointment of Andrew Mayo, Professor of Human Capital Management at Middlesex University, to act as its Patron. The role will involve Andrew overseeing the plans of the Centre and delivering topical seminars to enhance best practice within the firm.

Mayo himself is no stranger to the Middle East. Aside from being a Professor, Mayo runs his own international consultancy, Mayo Learning, and has delivered a variety of leadership development programmes for Saudi Arabian Basic Industries Corporation (SABIC) as well as the Islamic Development Bank and open seminars in the UAE.

"I am honoured to have been approached for this role." Said Mayo. "Although I have worked closely with international law firms in London, this will be my first experience of working with a similar entity in the Middle East. Al Tamimi & Company is clearly going places and I am happy to be associated with the firm on such a positive project."

Mayo previously worked for nearly 30 years in major international organisations - his last appointment being that of Director of Human Resource Development for the ICL Group. Andrew is a frequent speaker at conferences around the world and is also President of the UK based HR Society.

Head of Al Tamimi & Company's Human Resources, Chris Lipscomb, has no doubts as to what benefits Mayo's role will bring to the firm "Andrew's experience of people development is second to none." Said Lipscomb of the new appointment. "His guidance and support will be invaluable to us in setting up what will be a highly professional and comprehensive internal training and development academy".