Zoi Stolaki is a lawyer and Head of Regulatory & Corporate Affairs of DEPA COMMERCIAL S.M.S.A.’s Legal Department, with more than 15 years of experience in the fields of energy, mergers and acquisitions, antitrust and competition law, corporate law, and regulatory affairs, both in Greece and internationally.

As in-house counsel to DEPA, Ms. Stolaki advises on a broad range of matters relating to EU and Greek energy regulation, corporate law, competition and antitrust law, M&As, corporate restructurings, project finance, and complex energy-related contracts. She has played a leading role in advising DEPA on all legal aspects of its restructuring and privatisation process, co-ordinating legal teams and managing highly complex transactions of strategic importance. Her extensive experience in M&A and project finance includes, among others, the acquisition of a portfolio of renewable energy projects exceeding 800 MW in capacity; the acquisition of equity interests in GASTRADE, the company developing and operating the Alexandroupolis FSRU project; Larissa Thermoelectric S.A., which is developing an 800 MW natural gas-fired power plant in Greece; FIER THERMOELECTRIC SHA, which is developing Albania’s first natural gas-fired power plant with a capacity of 174 MW; and Alexandroupolis Electricity Production S.A., the company developing an 840 MW combined-cycle gas turbine (CCGT) power plant. Ms. Stolaki also advised DEPA on contractual and regulatory matters in its capacity as shareholder of the company that developed and operates the Greece-Bulgaria Interconnector (ICGB), a landmark natural gas infrastructure project that has significantly enhanced energy security and market integration across Southeast Europe. In addition, she represents DEPA on the Strategy Committee of EUROGAS.

DEPA is one of Greece’s most prominent energy companies, having pioneered the import of natural gas into the country and played a foundational role in the establishment and development of the Greek natural gas market. As DEPA’s in-house counsel, I have had the privilege of actively contributing to the liberalisation and evolution of the Greek energy market. Beyond providing legal support for the implementation of the company’s business strategy, I consider myself part of a broader mission: helping transform Greece into a key energy hub for Southeast Europe while strengthening security of energy supply for the benefit of consumers during an era of unprecedented geopolitical and energy challenges.

The role of an in-house lawyer extends far beyond legal analysis. It is about standing alongside management and colleagues as a trusted adviser, providing balanced and practical guidance that takes into account both legal requirements and business objectives. Effective legal counsel must be capable of striking the right balance between regulatory compliance, sound corporate governance, and the successful execution of business strategy.

To fulfil this role, in-house lawyers must be attentive listeners, capable of understanding complex challenges and communicating solutions clearly and effectively. They must be pragmatic, commercially minded, readily accessible, and focused on achieving results. Above all, they must be able to identify practical solutions to difficult issues, helping management and Board navigate uncertainty and overcome obstacles.

Most importantly, an in-house lawyer must consistently demonstrate integrity, professionalism, loyalty, and a strong sense of teamwork. Legal leaders should lead by example, fostering a culture of respect, collaboration, inclusiveness, and excellence, both within their organisations and in their relationships with external stakeholders.