Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Professional References
Timeline
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Reham Soliman

Reham Soliman

Head Of Legal And Compliance Egypt And Libya
Cairo

Summary

Results-driven Head of Legal & Compliance with 18+ years of experience in pharmaceutical, telecom, and corporate sectors. Currently serving as Head of Legal & Compliance for Egypt & Libya at Sandoz, Board member and strategic legal advisor supporting all business functions. Proven success in legal structuring, governance, risk mitigation, regulatory alignment, compliance program implementation, and internal investigations. Passionate about building ethical, agile, and business-integrated legal functions. Diligent Legal Director with a comprehensive background in leading legal teams and managing complex legal matters. Successfully navigated multifaceted legal challenges and driven impactful legal strategies. Demonstrated expertise in regulatory compliance and contract negotiation.

Overview

19
19
years of professional experience
2
2
Languages

Work History

Head of Legal & Compliance, Egypt & Libya

Sandoz Pharmaceuticals
04.2018 - Current
  • Provide strategic legal and compliance advice across all functions in Egypt & Libya.
  • Represent company before government bodies, external stakeholders, and industry forums.
  • Advise on contracts, litigation, M&A, data privacy, anti-bribery, anti-corruption, and labor laws.
  • Lead implementation of global compliance frameworks (P3, ERM, RAM).
  • Drive cultural adoption of compliance principles and ethical leadership.
  • Lead and mentor legal and compliance teams across both countries.
  • Streamlined legal processes by implementing efficient document management systems and software.
  • Safeguarded company assets by overseeing the negotiation of insurance coverage policies tailored to specific business needs.
  • Drafted clear and concise employment agreements that outlined expectations for both employer and employee while minimizing potential liability risks.
  • Reduced outside counsel expenses by cultivating strong in-house capabilities and expertise in key areas of law.
  • Negotiated high-value contracts with vendors and partners, ensuring optimal terms and conditions for the organization.
  • Continuously monitored changes in laws and regulations, ensuring timely updates to company policies and procedures to maintain compliance.
  • Resolved disputes efficiently through mediation or arbitration, avoiding costly litigation when possible.
  • Collaborated with cross-functional departments to develop policies that mitigate risk while supporting business objectives.
  • Enhanced compliance with regulatory requirements through conducting thorough audits and risk assessments.
  • Implemented corporate governance best practices by advising board members on fiduciary duties and compliance matters.
  • Fostered a culture of compliance and ethical behavior by designing and implementing comprehensive training programs for employees.
  • Created effective communication channels between the legal department and other internal stakeholders for prompt resolution of issues.
  • Managed a team of legal professionals, providing mentorship and guidance to foster professional growth and development.
  • Board Member of Sandoz Egypt Pharma S.A.E.

Legal Manager

Novartis Pharmaceuticals
04.2013 - 04.2018
  • Managed corporate governance, IP, licensing, labor law, and contract matters.
  • Advised business units on legal frameworks and strategy.
  • Coordinated litigation and led internal compliance investigations.
  • Supported rollouts of compliance and data privacy training programs.
  • Handled alliance and BD-related legal affairs.
  • Served as Local Data Privacy Officer.
  • Assisted human resources department in navigating complex employment law matters, reducing potential liabilities related to labor disputes.
  • Drafted and negotiated numerous agreements and transactions on behalf of company.
  • Proactively identified legal risks in proposed business strategies, providing alternative solutions to minimize potential negative impacts.
  • Drafted clear and concise contracts that protected the company''s interests while fostering positive business relationships with clients and partners.
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams on strategic projects, providing expert guidance on legal matters and risk mitigation strategies.
  • Spearheaded intellectual property protection efforts through diligent patent research, trademark registrations, and copyright enforcement strategies.

Senior Litigation& Property Asset Lawyer

Vodafone Egypt
08.2006 - 04.2013
  • Implement, monitor, and control a key compliance program company-wide, ensuring timely and professional execution. Engage with various business stakeholders to manage non-compliance risks effectively and consistently.
  • Establish and maintain process controls to align with the VF Way and support business objectives within the compliance framework.
  • Draft and review a variety of contracts, including lease agreements for stores, apartments, warehouses, and sites, as well as franchise agreements. Conduct these activities in both English and Arabic languages.
  • Provide legal opinions and advice on company incorporation, and necessary governmental approvals.
  • Negotiate, prepare, and review all contracts executed and signed by the company, including those related to marketing, retail, human resources, and outsourcing services. Ensure compliance with legal standards and company policies in all contractual matters.
  • Act as the primary attorney, meeting with clients to understand their needs, and developing appropriate legal strategies.
  • Take full responsibility for the litigation process, handling cases from initiation to resolution.
  • Provide prompt and accurate responses to legal inquiries and questions raised by various departments and branches of the company. Offer guidance and clarification on legal issues as needed.
  • Stay informed about new laws, decrees, and regulations relevant to the company's operations.
  • Ensure that all team members are fully aware of, and compliant with, these legal developments.
  • Prepare reports outlining the impact of new laws on the company's business activities.
  • Oversee the implementation, monitoring, and control of a major compliance program, collaborating with business stakeholders to manage non-compliance risks effectively.
  • Establish and maintain process controls to support business functions within the compliance framework, and in alignment with the VF Way.

Education

Bachelor of Law (LLB) - English Section

Cairo University
01.2001 - 2005.01

Skills

Strategic legal risk analysis

Accomplishments

  • Successfully led the full legal separation of Sandoz in Egypt (01/2023), ensuring full regulatory compliance and business continuity.
  • Oversaw Sandoz HQ relocation project and finalized a fire system asset sale valued at EGP 1.81 million.
  • Designed and implemented new importation model saving 7% annually (~USD 7M), and mitigating tax risk (USD 5M).
  • Concluded Libya reentry strategy and finalized distribution deals for both public and private markets.
  • Reduced litigation exposure by 25% through proactive legal and compliance engagement.
  • Handled high-stakes investigations, SpeakUp cases, and audit findings with timely resolution.

Professional References


  • Rodrigo Osorio Aguilar, Head of Legal, Sandoz International Region, rodrigo.osorio_aguilar@sandoz.com, +41 79 784 8518
  • Reham Naeem, Head of Legal, IM Gulf Cluster – Novartis MEA Legal, riham.naim@novartis.com, +971 52 639 6056

Timeline

Head of Legal & Compliance, Egypt & Libya

Sandoz Pharmaceuticals
04.2018 - Current

Legal Manager

Novartis Pharmaceuticals
04.2013 - 04.2018

Senior Litigation& Property Asset Lawyer

Vodafone Egypt
08.2006 - 04.2013

Bachelor of Law (LLB) - English Section

Cairo University
01.2001 - 2005.01
Reham SolimanHead Of Legal And Compliance Egypt And Libya