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

Over the past year, I’ve focused on further strengthening our Legal & Compliance team to be more agile, business-oriented, and resilient. This included a focus on a customer-first mindset, with a strong emphasis on delivering hands-on, practical legal advice. We also rolled out comprehensive training programs tailored to the risk profiles of different teams, ensuring employees are equipped to manage legal & compliance issues confidently.

In a particularly challenging market environment, I supported the business by emphasising settlement over litigation, creating win-win scenarios wherever possible. This approach helped maintain strong customer relationships and, notably, resulted in no court cases being lost.

As newly appointed Data Protection Officer, I elevated our privacy program by developing advanced processes and leading targeted training initiatives to address emerging risks. In parallel, I provided legal leadership in a highly confidential real estate pre-development project. This required a multidisciplinary legal strategy — spanning corporate, civil, and property law — which I continue to manage with precision and discretion.

What do you think sets you apart from other in-house counsel?

My distinguishing strength lies in combining legal expertise with strategic thinking and operational understanding. I’m not just a legal advisor — I’m a business partner who delivers solutions that are practical, forward-looking, and risk-aware.

I have continued to expand and build the legal & compliance department; I have been in charge of successfully completed audits and developed tailored training to foster a culture of accountability. During difficult periods, I’ve helped the business avoid litigation entirely while preserving key relationships through strategic settlements.

As Data Protection Officer, I have advanced our internal framework and championed risk-based training. My role in large-scale projects underscores my ability to lead legal workstreams across complex and high-stakes environments.

This holistic, proactive approach enables me to support the business effectively while ensuring legal integrity.

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

Adaptability: ability to navigate and succeed in fast-paced, evolving business environments.

Integrity and ethics: commitment to high ethical standards, confidentiality, and avoidance of conflicts of interest.

Communication and relationship building: strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build trusted networks across and beyond the organisation.

Professionalism and precision: attention to detail and strict adherence to regulatory and procedural requirements.

Legal expertise: deep understanding of legal and compliance frameworks, delivering pragmatic and actionable advice.

Problem-solving: analytical mindset with the ability to manage complexity and make sound, timely decisions.

Stakeholder orientation: a collaborative approach that prioritises mutually beneficial outcomes, even in challenging scenarios.

How can general counsel foster a corporate culture that supports ESG principles and compliance?

Leadership and commitment: promote ESG through visible leadership support and alignment of resources — setting the “tone from the top.”

Succession and performance management: integrate ESG metrics into performance reviews and succession planning to ensure accountability and continuity.

Employee engagement: implement clear, consistent ESG communication strategies to keep employees informed and involved.

Ethical governance: uphold a strong ethical culture through a well-communicated Code of Conduct, anti-corruption policies, and ongoing compliance monitoring.

Training and development: offer regular ESG-focused training to build internal capabilities and promote continuous learning.

Strategic sustainability goals: define and pursue ambitious, measurable ESG targets within a broader sustainability strategy.