Chartered Institute of Arbitrators Announces Appointment of New Director General

The Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIArb) is pleased to announce the appointment of Anthony Abrahams TD DL MBA as the new CIArb Director General (Chief Executive).

Mr Abrahams will start at CIArb’s Executive offices in Bloomsbury Square, London on 10 April 2012 and will replace Michael Forbes Smith MCIArb. Mr Smith, who led CIArb since February 2006, left the Institute on 23 March and will retire as Director General of CIArb on 6 April.

Mr Abrahams is currently Chief Executive of Charter Chambers in London, prior to which he was Group Managing Director of Kain Knight Group plc. Qualified as a solicitor and specialising in civil litigation, he has considerable hands-on experience in legal practice management which he has reinforced academically, gaining an MBA with distinction from Nottingham Law School. He also sits as a Deputy District Judge.

Mr Abrahams says, “I am delighted to have this opportunity to lead CIArb. The Institute is at the forefront of alternative dispute resolution and our members have a vital role to play in the field of ADR. I look forward to building on the excellent work CIArb and its dedicated team of staff have already done.”

Mr Abrahams’ legal background has been complemented and enhanced with leadership and organisational skills acquired in the Territorial Army where he attained the rank of Colonel. He was mobilised in 2006 to undertake an operational tour in Iraq working to develop the rule of law and dealing with human rights issues there.

He is involved with a number of military charities caring for the needs of service personnel and their families as well as St John Ambulance Brigade. Married with three children Mr Abrahams enjoys supporting Northampton Saints rugby team with his family and has recently taken up sailing.

Nicki Alvey, currently Director of Membership and Marketing, will be Acting Director General until Mr Abrahams takes up his post.

John Wright FCIArb, Chairman of CIArb’s Board of Trustees says, “I look forward to welcoming Anthony Abrahams to CIArb. His background in dispute resolution and his more recent experience at Chief Executive level will stand him in excellent stead to lead the Institute forward. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Michael Forbes Smith for all his hard work over the last 6 years, a period during which CIArb has advanced considerably under his leadership.”