A&O Shearman Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

A&O Shearman has 7 executives leading key functions including operational scaling, financial management, global finance oversight, regional administration, and office operations.

Focused on delivering complex legal solutions across global jurisdictions, A&O Shearman maintains a commitment to excellence in energy transition, life sciences, and private capital markets while navigating the intricacies of international law.

Leadership Roles at A&O Shearman

  • Chief Financial Officer - Faheema Maiter
  • Chief Financial Officer (Americas) - Karen O'Shea
  • Chief Operating Officer - Emiley Yeow
  • Chief Operating Officer & Managing Director, Global Finance - Anna Sullivan
  • Chief Operating Officer (Asia) - Yarman Vachha
  • Chief Operating Officer & Chief Operating Officer (Japan, South Korea) - Fabrizio Palombi
  • Office Operations Chief of Staff (Americas) - Cindy Salvatierra-Lamar
  • Faheema Maiter - Chief Financial Officer

    Faheema Maiter, the Chief Financial Officer at A&O Shearman, manages the firm's global fiscal strategy and capital allocation. Overseeing financial reporting and budgetary planning, the Chief Financial Officer ensures the firm maintains a robust economic foundation to support its expansion into private capital and technology sectors. Faheema Maiter directs the financial analysis required for complex cross-border transactions, providing the necessary data for strategic decision-making. By monitoring global market trends and currency fluctuations, the Chief Financial Officer mitigates financial risks associated with international legal operations. This role involves close coordination with the partnership to ensure long-term profitability and sustainable growth. Through the implementation of advanced financial controls, the Chief Financial Officer secures the firm's fiscal health, enabling the continued delivery of premium legal services across North America, Europe, and the Asia Pacific region.

    Karen O'Shea - Chief Financial Officer (Americas)

    Karen O'Shea, the Chief Financial Officer (Americas) at A&O Shearman, directs the financial operations and fiscal strategy across the North American market. Overseeing regional budgeting, tax compliance, and financial reporting, the Chief Financial Officer (Americas) ensures that the firm's regional activities align with global financial objectives. Karen O'Shea manages the financial health of the Americas practice, supporting the firm's expertise in energy transition and life sciences. By analyzing regional revenue streams and cost structures, the Chief Financial Officer (Americas) provides critical insights that inform the firm's growth strategy in the United States and beyond. This role involves collaborating with regional leadership to optimize resource distribution and maintain fiscal discipline. Through the execution of precise financial management, the Chief Financial Officer (Americas) strengthens the firm's competitive position and ensures the successful delivery of legal services to clients operating within the Americas.

    Emiley Yeow - Chief Operating Officer

    Emiley Yeow, the Chief Operating Officer at A&O Shearman, directs the firm's internal infrastructure and administrative efficiency. Overseeing the integration of cross-jurisdictional legal teams, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that internal processes support the firm's complex legal mandates in energy transition and finance. Emiley Yeow manages the alignment of support staff with the needs of global partners, facilitating seamless service delivery across diverse markets. By optimizing resource allocation and streamlining operational workflows, the Chief Operating Officer strengthens the firm's ability to handle high-stakes legal matters. This leadership role involves constant collaboration with the executive board to refine internal policies and maintain high standards of professional conduct. Through rigorous oversight of daily operations, the Chief Operating Officer drives the firm's capacity to provide consistent, high-quality legal solutions to business clients facing multifaceted global challenges.
    Emiley Yeow

    Anna Sullivan - Chief Operating Officer & Managing Director, Global Finance

    Anna Sullivan, the Chief Operating Officer & Managing Director, Global Finance at A&O Shearman, architects the operational framework for the firm's global finance practice. Overseeing the intersection of legal service delivery and financial management, the Chief Operating Officer & Managing Director, Global Finance ensures that teams remain aligned with the specific requirements of international finance clients. Anna Sullivan directs the development of specialized legal products that address the needs of private capital and finance sectors. By coordinating with global practice heads, the Chief Operating Officer & Managing Director, Global Finance optimizes the deployment of legal talent across multiple jurisdictions. This leadership role involves driving efficiency in complex financial transactions and ensuring that the firm's global finance operations remain competitive. Through strategic oversight, the Chief Operating Officer & Managing Director, Global Finance supports the firm's mission to provide comprehensive legal solutions in dynamic global markets.

    Yarman Vachha - Chief Operating Officer (Asia)

    Yarman Vachha, the Chief Operating Officer (Asia) at A&O Shearman, directs the operational strategy and administrative functions across the Asia Pacific region. Overseeing the firm's presence in key markets like Singapore and China, the Chief Operating Officer (Asia) ensures that regional teams possess the necessary infrastructure to handle complex legal matters. Yarman Vachha manages the integration of local legal expertise with the firm's global standards, facilitating seamless service for clients in the technology and finance sectors. By streamlining regional workflows and enhancing operational agility, the Chief Operating Officer (Asia) supports the firm's expansion and market impact in the Asia Pacific. This leadership role involves coordinating with global executives to ensure regional alignment with the firm's overarching mission. Through the effective management of regional operations, the Chief Operating Officer (Asia) drives the firm's success in navigating the unique legal landscapes of the Asia Pacific.

    Fabrizio Palombi - Chief Operating Officer & Chief Operating Officer (Japan, South Korea)

    Fabrizio Palombi, the Chief Operating Officer & Chief Operating Officer (Japan, South Korea) at A&O Shearman, directs the operational execution and administrative oversight for the firm's activities in Japan and South Korea. Overseeing the specific requirements of these dynamic markets, the Chief Operating Officer & Chief Operating Officer (Japan, South Korea) ensures that legal teams maintain high performance standards while addressing complex local regulatory environments. Fabrizio Palombi manages the alignment of regional resources with the firm's global strategy in energy transition and finance. By optimizing operational processes within these specific jurisdictions, the Chief Operating Officer & Chief Operating Officer (Japan, South Korea) enhances the firm's ability to provide tailored legal solutions. This role involves close collaboration with regional partners to drive efficiency and growth. Through strategic leadership, the Chief Operating Officer & Chief Operating Officer (Japan, South Korea) ensures the firm's continued success in these critical Asian markets.

    Cindy Salvatierra-Lamar - Office Operations Chief of Staff (Americas)

    Cindy Salvatierra-Lamar, the Office Operations Chief of Staff (Americas) at A&O Shearman, directs the daily administrative functions and operational coordination across the Americas offices. Overseeing the implementation of firm-wide policies at the regional level, the Office Operations Chief of Staff (Americas) ensures that office environments support the high-level legal work performed by the firm's attorneys. Cindy Salvatierra-Lamar manages the logistical aspects of regional operations, including facility management and administrative support services. By facilitating communication between regional offices and global leadership, the Office Operations Chief of Staff (Americas) ensures operational consistency and efficiency. This role involves resolving complex administrative challenges and optimizing the use of office resources to support the firm's legal practice. Through the effective management of office operations, the Office Operations Chief of Staff (Americas) contributes to the firm's overall mission of providing exceptional legal services to clients throughout the Americas.

    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding A&O Shearman Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads A&O Shearman?
    A&O Shearman is led by Faheema Maiter (Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as Karen O'Shea (Chief Financial Officer (Americas)) and Emiley Yeow (Chief Operating Officer).
    Who is part of A&O Shearman’s executive team?
    The executive team of A&O Shearman includes leaders such as Faheema Maiter (Chief Financial Officer), Karen O'Shea (Chief Financial Officer (Americas)), Emiley Yeow (Chief Operating Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does A&O Shearman have?
    A&O Shearman has 7 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in A&O Shearman’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of A&O Shearman includes roles such as Chief Financial Officer, Chief Financial Officer (Americas), Chief Operating Officer, Chief Operating Officer & Managing Director, Global Finance, Chief Operating Officer (Asia).