Team size: 4

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

Heineken Ireland renewed its exclusive distribution agreement with Molson Coors for the Coors brand in return on investments and also announced that it would exclusively distribute all Molson’s brands in Ireland.

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

My most recent standout achievement is my promotion to the Executive Management team in Heineken Ireland in 2023. Being both a legal advisor and business leader is a role I really enjoy. General counsel serving on executive teams can play a crucial role in shaping a company’s strategy and culture while also serving as a constant reminder of the importance of legal considerations in many aspects of the business.

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

I think there are a number of key attributes. Firstly, it is important to have strong business acumen. Secondly, you need excellent stakeholder management skills. Thirdly, you must be agile and able to work smart. Fourthly, you need to be digitally adept, particularly in today’s world of AI.

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?

I think there are a number of trends we need to be mindful of, namely increased regulation and the challenges this brings for general counsel, who are under pressure to drive efficiency within the business. Additionally, geopolitical issues and their impact on policy and law are important considerations. Finally, there is increased employee activism and the need to manage this effectively within the business and workplace.