Scott Jolliffe, a partner at Gowling WLG, has been elected Chair of the board of directors of the Canada Arab Business Council (CABC). Jolliffe succeeds Mohammad Al Zaibak, who retired from the board in May upon the completion of his term.
The CABC is a pan-Canadian association focused on promoting trade and investment between Canada and the Arab world. Since 1983, the Council has been the principal advocate for and the driving force behind Canada’s growing economic relations with Arab countries in the Middle East and North Africa region.
Jolliffe joined CABC’s board of directors as vice chair and secretary in June 2017, and has served as the council’s president since January 2018.
"As trade and investment activity between Canada and Arab countries grows significantly every year, the Canada Arab Business Council continues to play a vital role in assisting Canadian and Arab businesses and organizations identify and take full advantage of new opportunities for business and investment,” said Jolliffe. "I look forward to working with our members and our board in this new role as we continue to further the CABC’s mission at home and abroad.”
An intellectual property lawyer with more than 40 years of experience, Jolliffe served as Gowling WLG’s national managing partner, Chair and CEO for 20 years. During his leadership tenure, he played a key role in positioning the firm to become one of the most respected law firms in Canada and a top-100 global law firm.
He continues to serve as senior counsel on intellectual property cases and as an adviser to businesses in the transportation, aerospace, manufacturing and pharmaceutical areas. Jolliffe also regularly serves as a mediator in intellectual property and technology disputes.
Gowling WLG manages an Arab States country desk to help coordinate legal services for Canadian and international clients who are pursuing business opportunities in Arab nations. The firm also maintains an on-the-ground presence in the United Arab Emirates through its Dubai office, which has been in operation for more than a decade. Learn more