Speaker details

Biography

Richard DEFONTAINE serves as Regional Head of Legal of Grid Solutions and Global Business Line Lead Counsel of Grid Automation within GE Vernova – Grid Solutions, bringing over 20 years of legal expertise spanning private practice and in-house counsel roles. Based in Dubai, Richard has spent the past decade practicing in the Middle East & Africa region, specializing in the Energy & Infrastructure industry. In this capacity, Richard supports complex energy projects for Grid Solutions, the Transmission business of the U.S conglomerate GE Vernova, and has managed a significant volume of international negotiations throughout the region, with particular focus on Saudi Arabia. Richard regularly interfaces with public utilities, state-owned companies, and private EPC contractors, providing strategic legal guidance across a range of transactions. A French-qualified attorney, Richard was admitted to the Paris Bar in 2003 and holds a Master’s degree in International Law and Management from HEC Paris.