Team size: 70

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 organisational resilience?

For EYDAP, climate change and water scarcity have made resilience an immediate strategic priority. In 2025–2026, prolonged drought and pressure on available water resources required EYDAP to respond decisively whilst maintaining the security and quality of water supply. The challenge required close coordination between Management, the operational functions and the Legal Department.

As Director of Legal Services, my approach has been to ensure that legal advice is not limited to identifying risks, but actively supports the organisation in finding solutions and implementing strategic decisions. The Legal Department has worked closely with Management and the wider organisation to provide the legal and regulatory framework necessary for responding to the water scarcity challenge, whilst safeguarding EYDAP’s ability to invest, operate efficiently and fulfil its public-service mission.

This experience has reinforced my belief that, particularly in times of crisis, an effective in-house legal function must combine legal expertise with a strong understanding of the organisation’s business, operational and regulatory environment. Legal certainty must enable action rather than delay it.

What do you see as the biggest challenge or opportunity for in-house legal teams in 2026?

The greatest opportunity for an in-house legal team is to become a genuine strategic partner to the business, particularly when an organisation is undergoing significant regulatory and operational transformation.

EYDAP provides a strong example. During 2025–2026, the company successfully addressed the water scarcity challenge whilst strengthening its long-term resilience. At the same time, after years of regulatory and institutional work, EYDAP achieved a new tariff framework for the 2025–2029 Regulatory Period, effective from 1 January 2026. The Legal Department played an important role in supporting this complex process, working closely with Management and the relevant stakeholders to address the legal and regulatory requirements underpinning the new framework.

These developments contributed to strengthening EYDAP’s institutional position and capacity. This was subsequently reflected in the Greek State’s decision, through Law 5325/2026, to expand EYDAP’s responsibilities to Viotia, Fokida and Evia.
I consider this expansion a significant vote of confidence in EYDAP and in its ability to manage critical water infrastructure and services. For me personally, it also demonstrates the value that a strong Legal Department can bring to a public utility: providing legal certainty, supporting Management through complex strategic decisions and helping create the conditions for sustainable growth.
The experience has confirmed my view that the modern in-house lawyer should not simply protect the organisation from risk, but help the organisation move forward with confidence.