Team size: 7

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

Amidst the political turmoil globally, the shipping industry has been hit with tariffs and other economic measures. Along with our external counsels, my team and I contributed towards the amendment of certain provisions in our agreements to ensure compliance with the evolving regulatory framework across multiple jurisdictions.

In furtherance of the above, I have participated in several investment projects with investment banks and financial institutions, with the purpose of adding value for our shareholders.

I have handled the group’s S&P transactions as well as its loan agreements and financing arrangements for the acquisition of vessels. In addition, I coordinated the drafting and execution of agreements, such as bareboat charters, long-term time charters and other, ensuring smooth transitions in vessel ownership and employment while protecting the group’s interests.

A further key area of involvement was corporate governance and capital markets compliance. I advised the executive team on Nasdaq requirements and SEC disclosure obligations. I also took the lead in drafting communications and disclosures to ensure transparency and alignment with best practices for listed entities.

Finally, I lead several cross-border corporate structuring projects involving various entities, navigating complex legislative changes and maintaining alignment with both local laws and international regulations. These projects not only safeguarded the group’s compliance posture but also enhanced its flexibility in pursuing strategic investments and fleet growth.

How do you approach managing legal aspects during periods of instability or crises, and how does your legal strategy align with the broader business strategy to ensure the organisation’s resilience?

Periods of instability demand that in-house counsels adopt a proactive, strategic, and business-aligned approach to risk management. In such moments, the legal function becomes a critical pillar of a company’s resilience.

The first step is a structured risk assessment to identify key exposures — regulatory, contractual, or reputational — and implement immediate safeguards. Close collaboration with senior management can ensure that legal considerations are embedded within the group’s broader crisis response.

Clear communication is also essential. Executives require timely, actionable advice to navigate complex issues. An in-house counsel must distill legal analysis into practical guidance that enables swift and compliant decision-making.

Legal strategy needs to also align with business continuity objectives. Whether managing regulatory scrutiny, entering new markets, or stabilising supply chains, the legal team ensures contractual protections, compliance frameworks, and governance structures support the group’s operational and strategic priorities. In my role, this includes overseeing complex transactions under volatile market conditions and ensuring the companies of our group remain fully compliant with applicable laws and regulations.

Finally, every crisis presents an opportunity for institutional learning. Post-crisis reviews often result in strengthened compliance programs, improved contractual risk allocation, and enhanced crisis preparedness, ensuring the organisation emerges stronger and more resilient.

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

The role of the in-house counsel has expanded well beyond its traditional remit. Today, the most effective in-house lawyers combine legal expertise with commercial awareness, strategic vision, and strong interpersonal skills.

Commercial acumen is paramount. Legal advice should not exist in isolation; it must be informed by the organisation’s business model, risk appetite, and strategic objectives. The modern in-house counsel serves as both legal advisor and commercial partner, ensuring legal solutions that are pragmatic and aligned with a company’s growth ambitions.

Equally important is the ability to communicate complex legal issues with clarity and precision. In-house counsel regularly advises senior executives and teams within an organization who need actionable guidance rather than theoretical legal analysis. The capacity to translate legal risks into clear business implications adds significant value.

Ultimately, the modern in-house counsel is no longer solely a gatekeeper but a strategic partner — a professional who bridges law and business to support sustainable and commercially sound decision-making.