Team size: >25

What are the key projects that you have been involved in over the past 12 months?

Over the past 12 months, I have been involved in two key projects. The first was the refinancing of approximately $1bn for our Brazilian subsidiary, which was structured through a combination of a high-yield bond and a term loan. This complex transaction required extensive coordination with external legal advisors, internal stakeholders, and financial institutions to ensure the successful execution of the deal in line with regulatory and strategic requirements. The second major project focused on trade mark enforcement efforts in China, where I was involved in planning and executing a series of raids targeting counterfeit goods. This work was essential in safeguarding our intellectual property and maintaining brand integrity in a challenging enforcement environment.

What do you think sets you apart from other in-house counsel?

My academic and professional background gives me a unique edge: I hold a full U.S. Juris Doctor degree and have also passed the German bar exam, allowing me to operate fluently across two major legal systems. Additionally, having led the company’s Strategy and M&A department for several years, I bring a strong business-oriented perspective to legal work. This combination enables the legal team to contribute meaningfully not just on legal risk, but also on the economic and strategic dimensions of every negotiation.

Based on your experiences in the past year, are there any trends in the legal or business world that you are keeping an eye on, of which you think other in-house lawyers should be mindful?

Digitalisation and AI are key trends that continue to evolve rapidly. While these technologies hold great potential to streamline legal operations and enhance decision-making, the high costs and implementation challenges still limit their practical use for many in-house teams. That said, staying informed and preparing for more accessible solutions is essential, as adoption is likely to accelerate soon.