Felix Parakadavil – GC Powerlist
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France 2025

Commercial and professional services

Felix Parakadavil

Group Senior Corporate Counsel Lead | EXPLEO

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France 2025

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Felix Parakadavil

Group Senior Corporate Counsel Lead | EXPLEO

What are the most significant cases, projects and/or transactions that you and/or your legal team have recently been involved in?

Over the past year, my team and I have been deeply involved in several high-impact projects, both in France and internationally. Notably, we managed a series of complex group restructurings, including mergers, demergers, and cross-border transactions, ensuring compliance and operational efficiency across multiple jurisdictions. A key factor in our success has been the outstanding contribution of Elena Netcu, my team member based in Romania. Her dedication, expertise, and ability to deliver under pressure have been instrumental in making us a truly effective and cohesive team, despite the geographical distance. Together, we have also implemented digital tools for legal entity management, which have significantly enhanced our ability to monitor and secure corporate governance processes. Clearly, none of this would have been possible without the trust and support of Florence Bigot, our General Secretary, whose guidance and encouragement have been a real blessing, enabling us to carry out these ambitious projects with confidence and clarity. These achievements reflect our commitment to supporting the group’s transformation and resilience in a fast-evolving business landscape.

How do you approach managing legal aspects during periods of instability or crisis to ensure the organisation’s resilience?

During periods of instability, my approach is deeply rooted in anticipation, clear communication, and pragmatic risk management. I ensure that the team is closely aligned with executive management, providing timely advice as a business partner with the target to decision-making. We prioritise the identification and mitigation of legal risks, particularly in areas such as governance or regulatory compliance. I also emphasise the importance of scenario planning. Throughout crises, maintaining team cohesion and morale is essential; I am a strong advocate of open dialogue and support, ensuring that my colleagues are encouraged to contribute. Our experience in managing restructurings and cross-border operations has reinforced our ability to navigate uncertainty, with a focus on safeguarding the company’s interests and reputation.

How does your team contribute to the overall business strategy of the company? Can you share an example of a recent legal-led initiative that had a significant impact?

The team plays a strategic role in supporting the company’s growth and transformation objectives. We work closely with the senior management to ensure that legal considerations are integrated into decision-making from the outset. A recent example is our involvement in a major group restructuring, where we led the legal due diligence, coordinated with external advisors, and managed the implementation of new governance frameworks. This initiative not only secured regulatory compliance but also enabled the company to optimise its structure for future growth. By proactively identifying risks and opportunities, we help drive value creation and support the company’s long-term vision.

What is the cause, business or otherwise, that you are passionate about? Why is this?

I am particularly passionate about fostering cross-cultural collaboration and inclusion within international organisations. As a French national of Indian origin, this commitment is deeply personal to me. Having worked extensively with teams across different countries in my previous law firms as well as in international groups, I have seen firsthand how diversity of perspectives and backgrounds can be a true driver of innovation and resilience. I believe that building bridges between cultures, whether in business or in the legal field, not only enriches our professional environment but also leads to better, more sustainable outcomes for the organisation as a whole. I was also involved in the past with associations promoting dialogue and partnership between French and Indian legal communities. Ultimately, I am convinced that encouraging dialogue and building trust to achieve mutual respect across borders is essential for any organisation aiming to thrive in today’s interconnected world.

Felix Parakadavil - France 2024

Group Senior Corporate Counsel Lead | EXPLEO

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