Denmark 2024
Supported by the Association of Corporate Counsel
Senior vice president and group general counsel | GN Store Nord
General counsel and head of corporate affairs | A.P. Møller – Mærsk
Deputy general counsel, head of legal, VP | A.P. Møller – Mærsk
General counsel and head of legal, private markets | PensionDanmark
Group general counsel, global legal, risk and compliance | LEO Pharma
Chief legal counsel, Denmark and counsel for Europe region projects | G4S Security Services
Group general counsel, senior vice president, group legal, IP and business ethics | Coloplast
Legal lead, Northern Europe Region | Wipro Technologies & Designit
Head of legal, international and data privacy | Arla Foods
Vice president, legal and regulatory | Hi3G Denmark (3)
Chief legal officer and head of CEO office | ATP Ejendomme
General counsel and chief human resources officer | Copenhagen Business School
Group chief legal and compliance officer | Unifeeder
Senior vice president, general counsel and company secretary | Zealand Pharma
Group senior vice president, legal, risk and compliance | Vestas Wind Systems
Executive vice president, group legal, strategy and M&A | FLSmidth
Group general counsel, vice president, legal, compliance and risk management | Milestone Systems
Chief legal officer and senior vice president | Novo Nordisk Foundation
Chief legal adviser | DMI - Danmarks Meteorologiske Institut
Group vice president, chief legal officer, head of M&A and compliance | DLG
On behalf of The Legal 500, we are delighted to extend a warm and enthusiastic welcome to the GC Powerlist: Denmark 2024. Following the success of last year’s Teams edition, this year, we shift our focus to celebrate the exceptional individuals who have elevated the in-house legal role to new heights. We proudly showcase the most dedicated corporate lawyers in the country, spotlighting their remarkable achievements over the past year.
This publication unveils the remarkable contributions made by an exclusive group of general counsel, legal heads, and other pivotal in-house legal figures, underscoring their expertise, leadership, and steadfast dedication to excellence. This latest edition exemplifies outstanding achievements by these select individuals as they adeptly navigate Denmark’s legal terrain, tackling challenges such as integrating legal tech innovations, navigating shifting political and economic dynamics, fostering diversity and inclusion, and as they play a pivotal role in advising closer to C-level management and influencing executive decisions within their respective companies and organisations.
You’ll discover in-depth profiles and exclusive interviews with the most influential and esteemed in-house lawyers spanning various industries in Denmark. Their demonstrated ability to navigate legal strategies, mitigate risks, and provide strategic guidance to their companies is prominently showcased. Their achievements not only inspire the legal community but also underscore the profound impact that in-house lawyers can have on their organisations’ business strategies and overall success.
The research and interviews done during the development of this publication bring to light several key findings, including the resilience and adaptability of legal departments during times of political and economical uncertainty in Europe, but also other more positive notes observations, such as the inevitable and crucial integration of technology – particularly artificial intelligence – into the daily responsibilities of every in-house lawyer. Yvonne Larson, Head of Legal at Signify, emphasises this shift, stating, “[a]s technology rapidly advances, especially in the area of artificial intelligence, the role of the in-house lawyer is again evolving.” Recognising the importance of this evolution, Mads Juul Eegholm, Chief Legal Officer and Vice President at Velliv, Pension & Livsforsikring, underscores the necessity for proficiency in emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence, to leverage innovative solutions for legal operations, risk assessment, compliance monitoring, and strategic decision-making.”
Another notable reflection from this publication’s discoveries is the increasing significance of the role of in-house counsel within companies and organisations, as they assume greater proximity to C-level management and play pivotal roles in executive and business decision-making processes. As stated by Andreas Holmstroem Soerensen, Head of Legal at PFA Pension, “[w]e have for several years focused on stakeholder management and our strategic advice to directors and C-level […] and we are involved in strategic project initiated by our business counterparts, both product developments and customer initiatives, as well as digital infrastructure programs and supplier due diligence.” Another clear testimony of this is provided by Eva Møland Tørsleff, Chief Legal Officer at Heimstaden who further emphasises this trend, noting how her team has “fostered closer collaboration by being physically present and accessible, conducting education across all levels, and specifically equipping our C-level executives with the necessary legal insights.”
Within this edition, we comprehensively address numerous pertinent subjects and unique challenges, inviting you to explore The GC Powerlist: Denmark 2024 and uncover the remarkable narratives of these exceptional individuals. Through their experiences and perspectives, our aim is to provide a comprehensive depiction of the legal landscape in the country and highlight the invaluable contributions of in-house legal departments.
We extend our sincere gratitude and congratulations to all the featured in-house lawyers for their valuable contributions and for graciously sharing their journeys with us. It is with great pleasure that we present to you this distinguished list of Denmark’s most exceptional, diligent, and celebrated in-house lawyers.
Francisco Faria e Castro | Editorial lead | GC Powerlist Series
On 26 March, Legal 500 partnered with Portuguese law firm PLMJ to bring its renewed sustainability‑focused conference series to Lisbon with the ESG Forum: Portugal 2026. The half‑day event gathered senior leaders from the legal, financial, energy and sustainability spheres for a concentrated programme hosted at PLMJ’s offices. Throughout the sessions, speakers explored the regulatory, governance and enforcement forces reshaping ESG strategy in Portugal, offering a clear cross‑sector perspective on how organisations are adapting to an increasingly complex and fast‑moving landscape.
The event opened with some welcome remarks from Legal 500 editor Francisco Castro, who emphasised the value of events that bring the in‑house community together to learn, exchange experiences and build meaningful professional networks. In his welcome address, he highlighted the growing complexity of ESG obligations across Europe and the increasing pressure on organisations to adopt integrated, business‑wide approaches to compliance, risk management and strategic planning. By underscoring the need for practical, grounded discussion rather than abstract theory, he set the tone for a programme designed to deliver actionable insight and foster collaboration among practitioners navigating a rapidly evolving ESG landscape.
Followed an opening brief delivered by PLMJ’s Managing Partner, Bruno Ferreira, who provided a concise yet comprehensive overview of the ESG priorities defining Portugal in 2026. He outlined the expanding influence of EU regulatory frameworks on corporate reporting, due diligence and governance, noting how these requirements are reshaping expectations around data quality, transparency and accountability. His remarks positioned ESG not as a peripheral concern but as a central driver of corporate behaviour, capital flows and long‑term competitiveness in the Portuguese market.
The first panel, moderated by João Marques Mendes, Partner at PLMJ and joined by Cláudia Teixeira de Almeida of Banco BPI, Nuno Moraes Bastos of GALP and Diogo Graça of REN, explored how corporate governance and sustainable finance are shaping Portugal’s energy transition. The discussion examined how boards and executive teams are adapting oversight structures to manage transition‑related risks and how legal, compliance, sustainability and procurement functions are increasingly intertwined in project governance. Panellists described the growing influence of financing structures on project execution, noting that lenders’ expectations around ESG metrics, contractor performance and transparency now shape governance decisions from the earliest stages. They also addressed the operational constraints that continue to challenge Portugal’s transition ambitions, including permitting timelines, grid capacity limitations and delivery risk. While acknowledging the complexity of EU‑level frameworks, speakers emphasised that these standards also present strategic opportunities to harmonise practices, unlock investment and strengthen Portugal’s competitive position in the energy transition.
Following a short break, the second panel turned to litigation, liability and the emerging enforcement era surrounding sustainability claims. Moderated by Raquel Azevedo, Partner at PLMJ and featuring contributions from Carla Góis Coelho of PLMJ, Carlos Martins Ferreira of Jerónimo Martins, Filipa Rodrigues Carmona of Caixa Geral de Depósitos and Céline da Graça Pires of NOVA, the session examined the rapid rise of ESG‑driven disputes, investigations and regulatory actions. Panellists discussed the typical trigger points for scrutiny, ranging from sustainability reports and corporate websites to marketing materials and investor presentations, and highlighted how these touchpoints are increasingly tested by regulators, competitors, consumers and NGOs. They analysed recent case law developments and their implications for Portuguese organisations, noting the emergence of more stringent evidentiary standards around disclosures and due‑diligence obligations. The panel concluded that sustainability claims can no longer be treated as aspirational messaging; they now carry the weight of binding legal obligations, requiring more rigorous internal validation and cross‑functional coordination.
The forum concluded with closing remarks from Francisco Castro, after which attendees were invited to continue their conversations over a light lunch, providing a relaxed setting to deepen connections and reflect on the themes explored throughout the morning.
Legal 500 extends its thanks to PLMJ for its collaboration in bringing this conference format to Portugal’s in‑house legal community. The team looks forward to returning soon for the launch event of this year’s GC Powerlist: Portugal.
