Team size: General Counsel, 5 Senior Legal Counsels, plus 1 paralegal

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

Over the past year, I’ve led the legal strategy for our transformational Skouries project in the Kassandra Mines in northern Greece. Skouries is Greece’s largest non-EU direct foreign structural investment and one of Europe’s most strategically significant gold and copper developments. This venture marks a milestone for our company and the broader mining sector in Greece, positioning Greece to become one Europe’s leading producers of gold and copper, balancing economic development with the highest industry environmental and social performance standards. The financing structure exceeds one billion euros, including shareholder equity, major Greek banks, the Greek Recovery and Resilience Fund, as well as EBRD equity contribution through the ultimate parent company, and won several international accolades for the innovative solutions we adopted. I oversee the regulatory strategy and permitting, working closely with internal and external stakeholders as well as Greek authorities to advance the project within a very demanding legislative and environmental framework. As an industry leader in Greece, we prioritise regulatory compliance, operational excellence, and meaningful engagement with local communities, key pillars to securing long-term social license. The Skouries project is more than a mining initiative: it’s a blueprint for responsible resource development in Europe. Leading its legal aspects has been a rewarding challenge, blending legal precision with strategic vision and collaborative leadership.

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

In today’s corporate landscape, the role of the General Counsel has evolved into that of a strategic executive, deeply embedded in the leadership fabric of the company. We’re part of the leadership team, helping shape strategy and drive the business forward. Legal advice is still core, but to really add value, in-house counsel need to understand how the company works; its goals, challenges, and what is the vision for success.

The increasing complexity of today’s regulatory and stakeholder environments makes legal leadership essential to navigating change and unlocking business opportunities. Our role is about spotting risks early, working with operations to find opportunities and help the business move efficiently and confidently. In essence, combine legal know-how with business sense.

Strong project management skills are critical, particularly in complex, cross-functional initiatives where legal input must be timely, precise, and aligned with broader business goals.

Equally important is the ability to manage external resources, such as law firms or consultants, bringing specialized expertise, when necessary, while making sure their input is aligned with corporate goals.

The old adage is truer than ever: the modern General Counsel is not just a legal advisor, but also a strategic partner, bridging legal, business and executive needs to help drive sustainable success.

What strategies do you employ to ensure the successful digital transformation of a legal department while maintaining compliance with your country’s data protection laws?

We are gradually integrating modern digital tools, including artificial intelligence, into our legal department’s workflow. These technologies help enhance efficiency in document management, legal research, and contract review. Our main concern is ensuring the confidentiality of data. We evaluate AI products and prioritise those with robust security features, ensuring that our data is not used for training the algorithm, maintaining compliance with data protection laws while safeguarding information.

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

The General Counsel plays a critical role in fostering a corporate culture that supports ESG principles and compliance. As a gatekeeper of company culture, we ensure that ESG principles, including inclusion and diversity, are clearly communicated and embedded across all levels of the organisation. We also safeguard compliance through effective grievance handling and whistleblowing mechanisms, promoting a safety culture where people feel they can speak up and be heard. Some GCs are thought leaders in the field, and this is part of our contribution to a better future, fostering accountability, responsibility, diversity, and a culture of psychological safety.

What is a cause, business or otherwise, that you are passionate about?

Animal welfare. I believe it is one of the fundamental measures of our humanity. The way we treat animals reflects our values, compassion, and responsibility towards all living beings. As part of my personal commitment, I support initiatives that promote ethical treatment, protect animal rights, and encourage sustainable practices that reduce harm.