A&O Shearman Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

A&O Shearman has 7 executives leading key functions including financial strategy, global operations, regional management, and administrative oversight.

Driven by a commitment to legal excellence, A&O Shearman delivers sophisticated counsel across energy transition, life sciences, and private capital sectors to navigate complex global regulatory landscapes.

Leadership Roles at A&O Shearman

  • Chief Financial Officer - Faheema Maiter
  • Chief Financial Officer (Americas) - Karen O'Shea
  • Chief Operating Officer - Sani Pradipto
  • Chief Operating Officer (Asia) - Yarman Vachha
  • Chief Operating Officer & Managing Director, Global Finance - Anna Sullivan
  • 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, directs the global fiscal strategy and capital allocation for the firm. Overseeing the integration of financial systems following the recent merger, the Chief Financial Officer ensures robust liquidity management and long-term economic stability. This leadership role involves coordinating with international partners to optimize tax structures and resource distribution across North America, Europe, and Asia Pacific. By implementing rigorous financial controls, Faheema Maiter maintains the fiscal health necessary to support complex legal services in energy transition and finance. The Chief Financial Officer monitors global market fluctuations to mitigate risk, ensuring the firm remains competitive in dynamic jurisdictions. Through precise budgetary oversight and strategic investment planning, the Chief Financial Officer secures the financial foundation required for sustained growth. Maiter drives the firm's commitment to operational efficiency, ensuring that financial performance aligns with the overarching goals of the global legal practice.

    Karen O'Shea - Chief Financial Officer (Americas)

    Karen O'Shea, the Chief Financial Officer (Americas) at A&O Shearman, directs the financial planning and reporting functions for the firm's North American operations. Overseeing regional revenue management and cost control initiatives, the Chief Financial Officer (Americas) ensures that the firm's financial performance in the Americas supports global strategic objectives. This leadership role involves managing regional budgets and providing financial insights to the executive team regarding market opportunities in life sciences and technology. By optimizing financial processes within the region, Karen O'Shea enhances the firm's ability to deliver high-value legal services. The Chief Financial Officer (Americas) monitors regional economic trends to mitigate financial risk and ensure resource availability for key practice areas. Through rigorous financial analysis and reporting, the Chief Financial Officer (Americas) drives accountability and fiscal discipline. O'Shea ensures that the firm's financial operations in the Americas remain robust, supporting the overall growth and stability of the global legal practice.

    Sani Pradipto - Chief Operating Officer

    Sani Pradipto, the Chief Operating Officer at A&O Shearman, manages the firm's global operational infrastructure and cross-jurisdictional service delivery. Overseeing the alignment of administrative processes, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that legal teams operate with maximum efficiency across the United Kingdom, Germany, and Singapore. This leadership role involves streamlining internal workflows to support complex matters in technology and private capital. By optimizing the firm's operational framework, Sani Pradipto facilitates seamless collaboration between international offices. The Chief Operating Officer monitors performance metrics to enhance service delivery standards, ensuring that the firm meets the rigorous demands of global business clients. Through the implementation of scalable technology solutions, the Chief Operating Officer drives productivity improvements across all practice areas. Pradipto maintains a focus on operational excellence, ensuring that the firm's internal systems support the delivery of high-quality legal solutions in every market where the firm maintains a presence.
    Sani Pradipto

    Yarman Vachha - Chief Operating Officer (Asia)

    Yarman Vachha, the Chief Operating Officer (Asia) at A&O Shearman, directs all operational activities across the Asia Pacific region. Overseeing the expansion of legal service capabilities in key markets like China and Australia, the Chief Operating Officer (Asia) ensures that regional teams possess the necessary resources to handle complex cross-border transactions. This leadership role involves managing local infrastructure and aligning regional performance with the firm's global strategy. By fostering strong operational ties within the Asia Pacific legal community, Yarman Vachha enhances the firm's competitive position in energy transition and finance. The Chief Operating Officer (Asia) monitors regional regulatory developments to ensure compliance and operational agility. Through the coordination of specialized legal teams, the Chief Operating Officer (Asia) drives growth and efficiency in one of the firm's most dynamic markets. Vachha ensures that regional operations remain fully integrated with the global firm's mission, supporting the delivery of comprehensive legal services to clients throughout the region.

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

    Anna Sullivan, the Chief Operating Officer & Managing Director, Global Finance at A&O Shearman, oversees the intersection of operational efficiency and global financial strategy. Managing the firm's financial operations on a global scale, the Chief Operating Officer & Managing Director, Global Finance ensures that fiscal processes support the firm's complex legal service delivery. This leadership role involves architecting financial systems that facilitate seamless cross-border transactions and resource management. By aligning operational workflows with global financial goals, Anna Sullivan drives the firm's ability to serve clients in the finance and private capital sectors. The Chief Operating Officer & Managing Director, Global Finance monitors global performance metrics to identify opportunities for operational improvement and cost optimization. Through the integration of financial and operational data, the Chief Operating Officer & Managing Director, Global Finance provides the leadership necessary to maintain the firm's market position. Sullivan ensures that global financial operations remain agile, supporting the firm's commitment to excellence in every jurisdiction.

    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 firm's operational strategy with a specific focus on the Japanese and South Korean markets. Overseeing the integration of local office operations with the firm's global standards, the Chief Operating Officer & Chief Operating Officer (Japan, South Korea) ensures that regional teams deliver consistent legal solutions. This leadership role involves managing complex operational challenges in these key markets to support the firm's expertise in energy transition and technology. By fostering operational excellence in Japan and South Korea, Fabrizio Palombi enhances the firm's ability to navigate local regulatory environments. The Chief Operating Officer & Chief Operating Officer (Japan, South Korea) monitors regional performance to drive growth and efficiency. Through the coordination of local resources and global strategy, the Chief Operating Officer & Chief Operating Officer (Japan, South Korea) ensures that the firm remains a leader in these critical markets. Palombi drives operational success, supporting the firm's global mission.

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

    Cindy Salvatierra-Lamar, the Office Operations Chief of Staff (Americas) at A&O Shearman, manages the day-to-day administrative functions and operational logistics across North American offices. Overseeing the coordination of support staff and office resources, the Office Operations Chief of Staff (Americas) ensures that legal professionals maintain focus on complex client matters. This leadership role involves executing strategic initiatives that improve office productivity and internal communication. By streamlining operational processes, Cindy Salvatierra-Lamar supports the firm's ability to provide fluent U.S. law services to global clients. The Office Operations Chief of Staff (Americas) monitors facility management and administrative performance to ensure alignment with the firm's high standards. Through the effective management of regional office operations, the Office Operations Chief of Staff (Americas) drives efficiency and fosters a collaborative work environment. Salvatierra-Lamar ensures that the firm's North American presence remains a cornerstone of the global legal practice, facilitating seamless service delivery across all practice groups.

    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 Sani Pradipto (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)), Sani Pradipto (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 (Asia), Chief Operating Officer & Managing Director, Global Finance.