Team size: 43

Career Biography

Karen Clayton is Chief Legal and Compliance Officer of Etihad Airways PJSC, the UAE’s national airline. She joined Etihad in October 2023 and is responsible for leading the Company’s Legal, Governance, Ethics and Compliance Department. She is also responsible for the leadership of Etihad’s integrated ESG activities.

Clayton is an English qualified solicitor and experienced international senior executive with over 26 years’ experience in legal, governance, data privacy, corporate strategy and risk management having worked for large companies across the world in the global aviation, energy and professional services sectors, including companies listed on the London, New York, Australian and New Zealand stock exchanges.

Before joining Etihad, Clayton held the position of General Counsel and Corporate Secretary at the International Air Transport Association based in Geneva, Switzerland and prior to that held the same role at Air New Zealand based in Auckland. Before moving into the aviation sector and following a successful career as a commercial litigator in top tier law firms in the UK and Australia, Clayton held senior Executive roles in the global energy sector, including as UK General Counsel and Company Secretary at National Grid plc based in the UK and General Counsel at Mercury NZ Limited based in New Zealand.

Clayton holds an LLB(Hons) law degree from Sheffield University, a Diploma in Legal Practice from Exeter University and was admitted as a solicitor of England and Wales in September 1999 after completing her professional training at Herbert Smith in London. Clayton has two teenage children and enjoys all things to do with sport, travel, adventure and food!

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

Since qualifying as a solicitor of England and Wales at Herbert Smith in London in 1999, I have been fortunate to work as a lawyer across a range of countries and sectors, each offering a distinct professional and cultural experience. My career has taken me from the UK to Australia, New Zealand, Switzerland, and the UAE, and through diverse industries including professional services, energy, aviation and trade associations.

Working across these environments has required me to navigate different legal systems, laws, and regulatory frameworks, while continually adapting my skills and approaches to align with new cultural and organisational contexts. Each move demanded flexibility, curiosity, and the willingness to learn — not only about the law, but about people and the ways in which they conduct business around the world.

These experiences have been both challenging and immensely rewarding. They have given me a truly global perspective, enriching not only my professional capabilities but also my understanding of how law operates as a bridge between business, culture, and governance.

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

In my view, several attributes are fundamental to success as a modern in-house lawyer. Foremost among these is communication — the ability to express complex legal ideas clearly, simply, and concisely, using plain English and ensuring that advice is understood in a commercial context. Effective communication also means positioning oneself as an integral part of the business team rather than an external adviser.

Equally vital is judgment. In-house counsel must be able to make sound decisions swiftly and confidently, drawing on both their legal expertise and their understanding of the business landscape.

Strong influencing and leadership skills are also essential. Every day, in-house lawyers must guide, persuade, and lead others — sometimes without formal authority — to ensure that legal and ethical considerations are embedded in business decisions.

Above all, integrity and courage are key. The role of in-house counsel includes being the conscience of the organisation — having the bravery to challenge the status quo or question decisions when necessary, while doing so constructively and respectfully.

Finally, a deep understanding of the business is indispensable. Legal advice cannot exist in isolation; it must always be framed within the objectives, pressures, and realities of the environment in which the company operates. The best in-house lawyers combine legal precision with commercial pragmatism, ensuring that their counsel helps the business achieve its goals in a responsible and sustainable way.