The Australian branch of global arbitration body the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIArb) has elected barrister Rashda Rana as its first female president.

“I am deeply honoured to be elected as president of CIArb Australia and see this is as an opportunity to advance the promotion of international arbitration in Australia as well as the role of women in dispute resolution,” Rana said in a statement.

Rana is  also a board member and fellow of the Australian Centre of International Commercial Arbitration (ACICA) and director and treasurer of global body ArbitralWomen. She is a former General Counsel for Lend Lease Project Management & Construction, leading a 13 person team in the Asia Pacific operation.