Chief legal & compliance officer | Viking Assistance Group AS
Monica Bårdseth
Chief legal & compliance officer | Viking Assistance Group AS
What are the key projects that you have been involved in over the past 12 months?
As the first in-house lawyer in the Viking Group, the past year has been about learning the business and the people, with a particular focus on assessing the company’s legal and compliance risks, aiming to prioritise where to implement improvements first.
A key initial priority has been to review the compliance programme for the Viking Group, as well as leading a full update of our GDPR policies and procedures, with the goal of developing clear, practical guidance for all levels of the company. The next step is to develop straightforward compliance policies in the Viking tone of voice.
Another important priority is to develop template agreements for key repeat contracts, for example with our franchisees. I am also a key member of the group that regularly communicates with our franchisees to increase the value they gain from being part of the Viking Group.
Have you had any experiences during your career as a lawyer that stand out as particularly unique or interesting?
Starting at Aibel Group in 2008, I experienced the company having an American monitor due to Aibel’s plea deal under the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act. Under the leadership of General Counsel Carine Smith, I had a steep learning curve on compliance matters during an early phase when compliance was becoming a key practice area for in-house counsel.
What do you think are the most important attributes for a modern in-house counsel to possess?
Being able to prioritise and guide management in the fast-expanding regulatory environment for companies operating internationally is essential. Furthermore, it is important to remember that companies must take some risks to balance profitability while protecting themselves from risks that could threaten their survival. An understanding of the commercial environment in which the company operates is key to providing practical advice that the business will actually follow.
How can general counsel foster a corporate culture that supports ESG principles and compliance across all levels of the organisation?
A general counsel must learn the business and culture of a company before being able to successfully implement ESG principles across all levels of the organisation.