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

Over the past 12 months, I played a key role in one of the most significant corporate transactions in the Cypriot maritime sector, the merger of Intership Navigation Co Ltd and Interorient Navigation Co Ltd, which created Intermaritime Shipmanagement Limited, a unified market leader with an expanded global footprint. This complex, multi-jurisdictional transaction involved comprehensive due diligence across diverse regulatory environments, strategic negotiation support to align commercial objectives, and harmonisation of governance frameworks to ensure operational cohesion and compliance post-merger. I collaborated closely with senior leadership and external advisors to deliver the transaction on time and within budget while minimising disruption, extending my focus beyond transactional matters to anticipate integration challenges and establish a robust legal foundation for the new entity.

In addition to the merger, I contributed to strengthening compliance and governance by developing and implementing a unified framework across all jurisdictions, and enhanced legal operations by streamlining contract review processes, standardising templates, and improving document management systems, resulting in faster turnaround times and more efficient cross-department collaboration. My structured yet flexible approach, grounded in proactive risk assessment and transparent communication with leadership, ensured regulatory hurdles were anticipated, alternative pathways were planned, and legal decisions aligned with the broader integration strategy. This approach not only protected the business but also created a platform for innovation, efficiency, and growth in the maritime sector.

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

Today’s in-house counsel must be more than a legal technician — they must be a strategic advisor and business partner. This requires agility, commercial awareness, and the ability to communicate complex legal concepts in a clear, actionable way. Technological fluency, an understanding of cross-border regulatory environments, and the ability to lead multidisciplinary projects are increasingly vital. Above all, emotional intelligence is key to building trust and influencing decision-making at the highest levels.

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

I am deeply passionate about promoting greater gender diversity in leadership roles within the maritime and legal sectors, both of which remain largely male-dominated.

Throughout my career, I have sought to mentor young professionals, particularly women, encouraging them to develop the confidence, skills, and resilience needed to advance into senior positions. I believe that diverse leadership teams make better decisions, foster innovation, and create more inclusive corporate cultures.

I also strongly support initiatives that connect industry professionals across generations, creating opportunities for knowledge-sharing and long-term career growth. By helping to remove barriers to advancement, I hope to contribute to a more balanced and forward-looking industry.