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

As part of Havfram’s management team, I have been contributing to the growth of Havfram to being an important player in the offshore wind transport and installation business. Havfram has evolved from its carveout from the oil and gas industry in 2022, securing equity from new investors, to ordering two state-of-the-art newbuild Wind Turbine Installation Vessels currently under construction in China, and building a solid backlog of projects, involving some of the largest offshore wind farms.

Recently, the key project has been to contribute to the successful sale of Havfram to DEME Offshore. The transaction is valued at approximately EUR 900 million and is expected to close at the end of April. See more info about the transaction in the press release: Sandbrook Capital and PSP Investments Announce Sale of Offshore Wind Pioneer Havfram to DEME.

Have you had any experiences during your career as a lawyer that stand out as particularly unique or interesting?

Being part of the journey of building a company into a successful business, including a successful IPO of the Norwegian shipping company Höegh Autoliners in 2021, and now the build-up and acquisition of Havfram, has been particularly interesting and rewarding.

What do you think are the most important attributes for a modern in-house counsel to possess?

Legal expertise is not sufficient; a modern in-house counsel should possess strong strategic visions, be dynamic and adaptable and understand broader business objectives. This involves working closely with different stakeholders, being proactive in identifying and addressing potential legal issues to mitigate legal risks. By combining strategic thinking, effective communication and a proactive approach to new technology and developments, modern in-house counsel can effectively contribute to the overall success of the company.

How can general counsel foster a corporate culture that supports ESG principles and compliance across all levels of the organisation?

The General Counsel role is becoming increasingly integrated in a company’s sustainability strategy, especially in Havfram where the GC and CSO roles are integrated. A general counsel can contribute by establishing clear policies, conducting regular training on ethical behaviour and raising awareness, as well as endorsing an “open door” culture of accountability and transparency. The key to success is to integrate ESG into its business strategy and company goals.