Road Town, Tortola – 20 October 2023:  A leading authority in the field of arbitration and dispute resolution in the region, the BVI International Arbitration Centre (BVI IAC) is delighted to announce the appointment of Professor Emilia Onyema as the new Vice President of the BVI IAC Arbitration Committee. Professor Onyema’s extensive experience and exceptional expertise in the field make her the ideal candidate for this prestigious position.

As the Vice President, Professor Onyema will play a pivotal role in advancing the organization’s mission of promoting fair and effective dispute resolution worldwide. With her exceptional leadership skills and deep understanding of international arbitration, she is set to drive the committee’s initiatives toward achieving greater transparency, efficiency, and accessibility in resolving international disputes.

Professor Onyema brings a wealth of knowledge and a distinguished academic background to her new role. She is a Professor of International Commercial Law at SOAS University of London. She holds a PhD in international commercial arbitration from Queen Mary University of London. And is qualified to practice law in Nigeria and as a Solicitor in England & Wales, and she is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators.

In addition to her remarkable academic achievements, Professor Onyema’s practical experience in arbitration further strengthens her position as the Vice President. She has served as an arbitrator and an expert witness in numerous international arbitration cases, earning her a well-deserved reputation for her insightful and innovative approach to dispute resolution.

“We are thrilled to welcome Professor Emilia Onyema as our new Vice President of the Arbitration Committee,” said BVI IAC CEO, Shan Greer.  “Her vast knowledge, exceptional leadership skills, and commitment to promoting fairness in arbitration make her the perfect fit for this role.

In her new capacity, Professor Onyema will work closely with the current President, Dancia Penn OBE KC, and other committee members to foster collaboration, drive innovation, and expand the committee’s influence in shaping arbitration practices.

Following her appointment, Profession Onyema stated, “I am very grateful to the leadership of the BVI-IAC for the trust and confidence they repose in appointing me to this role. I am excited and look forward to working with colleagues to promote the standards and ideals of international arbitration at the BVI and globally.”

Her appointment marks an exciting chapter for the BVI IAC, and we are confident that her leadership will propel us towards achieving our goals of promoting fairness and excellence in dispute resolution.