What has been the number one challenge that has impacted you over the past year?

The principal challenge impacting my work over the past year has been the completion of a restructuring of the Nostrum Group’s debt of $1.29bn, which was announced on 9 February 2023. This restructuring, with the support of Nostrum’s shareholders and bondholders, has been a multi-jurisdictional process involving a UK scheme of arrangement and governmental approvals in the UK, Netherlands, Kazakhstan, the US and the Channel Islands. More than two years of work were required to complete the restructuring, which was further complicated (and delayed) due to the effect of sanctions relating to the Ukraine conflict. The successful completion of the restructuring puts Nostrum in a much better position to develop its business with a stronger balance sheet as it becomes a major third-party gas processor.

What would you say are the unique qualities required to be successful as an in-house lawyer in your industry?

Working in the energy sector in emerging markets requires an ability to adapt to constantly changing circumstances and agendas from other foreign investors, host governmental authorities and private and state entities active in the sector in the countries in which a company operates. Finding means to align various parties’ interests to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes is the key to long-term success in such markets. This requires not only creativity but also a fair amount of dogged determination.