Team size: 5

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

The last 12 months have been of great achievement for my Legal Division as we were involved in the acquisition of Elpedison SA at 100% in the electricity and gas market. We also completed six crucial M&As in the field of renewables, which managed to push the HE Group to the top of the RES production market list.

How do you approach managing legal aspects during periods of instability or crises, and how does your legal strategy align with the broader business strategy to ensure the organisation’s resilience?

Our business plan is, on the one hand, pre-approved every year by the Board of Directors of HE. Still, in many cases, we need to modify our Business Plan according to the needs of the Group, if, for example, the Strategy Division decides that different routes should apply in order to enhance the profitability of the Group. We cooperate closely with the Management and the Strategy Division in order that we cover the current needs each time.

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

As Head Legal Greek Regulator (RAE), I would highlight the process for the authorisation of TAP Pipeline and the switch from an “Electricity Pool Market” to the one of Target Model through the Athens Energy Stock Exchange. Through my position in HE Group, I would give attention to the Sale of DESFA (Greek Gas System Operator) to Italian interests, as well as the similar sale of DEPA INFRASTRACTURE to foreign private entities, through competitive processes (HE Group was a member of the transactions as one of the stakeholders of DESFA and DEPA).

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

The most important attribute is for the Legal Counsel to acknowledge and accept that the Legal Departments cannot work on their own, but have to be in close collaboration with the Strategic and Development Division, the Treasury Department and the Technical Experts that work for the Group. “Team Spirit” is the key to success.

What strategies do you employ to ensure the successful digital transformation of a legal department while maintaining compliance with your country’s data protection laws?

The company is served by an independent Division of DPO under the scrutiny of which any data must be processed before being disclosed or otherwise used.

How can general counsel foster a corporate culture that supports ESG principles and compliance across all levels of the organisation?

The ESG concept and principles are included into the Vision 2020-2030 of the Group, which means any action or omission should be in alliance with those rules. In parallel, systematic seminars should take places for all kinds of employees.

What measures has your company taken to incorporate sustainability practices into its core business operations, and how can general counsel contribute to driving such initiatives within the organisation?

Sustainability practices in an energy intensive environment like ours is a day-to-day learning procedure through seminars and annexes, edited with the contribution of the Legal Department.

How do you prioritise diversity and inclusion within your legal department, and what initiatives have you implemented to foster a more inclusive work environment?

I don’t believe we should speak about diversity r.e. male or female as this in indifferent and meaningless when you choose your legal team. We should be focusing on the differences between the people when it comes to the qualifications and abilities that each person brings and not on the gender, age or race.

Based on your experiences in the past year, are there any trends in the legal or business world that you are keeping an eye on, of which you think other in-house lawyers should be mindful?

In-house legal teams should work as if they were independent legal firms, meaning they should be alerted to any legal novelty, ready to response to the “in-house client”, for example the Financial Department, and always collaborate with all kinds of expertise in the company

What is a cause, business or otherwise, that you are passionate about?

Apart from law, I have also studied psychology, so I know that an everyday plan and long period goals are the secret to keeping alert, in action and on a good vibe, no matter if the plan does not always succeed.