Dealmakers Dialogues Riyadh: M&A Headwinds and Horizons in 2026

LinkedIn: Fikry Younis

Philip Kotsis is the head of Al Tamimi’s operations in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and is a partner on the Corporate & Commercial team based in Riyadh. 

Philip is a US qualified attorney and has accumulated a broad range of experience in the areas of local and transnational mergers and acquisitions, commercial and corporate transactions, corporate establishments, corporate/joint venture organization, corporate finance as well as substantial experience in the commercial and financial aspects of PPP projects.  Additionally, Philip is known for his expertise in complex restructurings (corporate and debt related) and was deeply involved in large infrastructure projects, including water desalination and power generation plants and wastewater treatment plants.

Philip began his legal career in the U.S., where he gained his experience in complex commercial transactions, petroleum distribution and marketing transactions and has litigated complex commercial matters before U.S. state and federal courts.  With over 15 years of experience practicing in the GCC (including tenure has Head of Kuwait for Al Tamimi & Company), Philip has amassed a wealth of regional knowledge, practical and comparative legal experience, and has been involved in some of the largest deals in the jurisdictions where he has practiced.  In addition to his leadership role with the firm in KSA, Philip’s day to day legal practice primary includes assisting both local and international clients in M&A transactions, private equity, joint ventures, corporate structuring, foreign direct investment advisory and structuring, and commercial drafting and advisory.

Dr. Christopher Kummer is the founder and CEO of the Institute for Mergers, Acquisitions and Alliances (IMAA) - a global leader in M&A education and coaching empowering organizations to realize better transactions. He previously worked at a Big Four firm and continues to serve as a trusted advisor.

Christopher has served as a Professor, Lecturer and Researcher for Strategy and Finance at leading business schools, including IMD and The Institute for Strategy and Competitiveness at Harvard Business School. His work has been cited in the media, including Bloomberg, Reuters, and the Wall Street Journal; the Financial Times featured him as "Professor of the Week".

Christopher holds a lic. oec. HSG (MBA equivalent) from the University of St. Gallen, Switzerland, and a PhD from the
Technical University of Berlin, Germany. He is a member and an Accredited Director (SID-AD) by the Singapore Institute of Directors.