General counsel and company secretary | Shangri-La
Iain Seow
General counsel and company secretary | Shangri-La
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?
We believe that having a robust risk management culture is crucial. Our in-house lawyers are trained to horizon-scan, allowing them to prioritize and respond effectively to the evolving regulatory landscapes in the countries where we operate. This proactive approach ensures that we are not only responsive but also adaptive to new regulations and potential risks.
This strategy is closely aligned with the Group’s broader risk management strategy. Our risk management framework involves constantly assessing and reassessing risks, which enables us to adapt swiftly and implement measures to mitigate risks arising from a rapidly changing commercial, geopolitical, and regulatory landscape. By doing so, we aim to maintain organisational resilience and ensure that we can navigate through periods of instability or crises successfully.
How do you balance being a legal risk manager with being a strategic business enabler, and where do you see the biggest tensions?
We have observed that embedding our lawyers into new projects and transactions early on has become increasingly important. This ensures that commercial objectives are clearly understood, and legal guard rails and risk are established from the onset. This approach helps balance being a legal risk manager with being a strategic business enabler. It is normal, and perhaps even healthy, for there to be some tension especially when objectives are changed or affected by unexpected external factors. The key is to maintain open communication and collaboration between legal and business teams to navigate these challenges effectively.
What is the most overlooked skill or mindset that today’s in-house lawyers need to succeed at the highest level?
The willingness to learn. Unlike our counterparts in private practice, being in-house frees us from the constraints of timesheets and specialized practice groups. This unique position provides us with an incredible opportunity to broaden our professional and personal development beyond just legal knowledge and skills. By developing an interest in areas such as commerce, finance, or technology, in-house lawyers can become more effective business leaders and add even greater value to our organisations. Moreover, the legal landscape is constantly evolving, and our ability to adapt, grow, and continuously seek knowledge is essential for our success. Embracing this mindset not only enhances our capabilities as legal advisers but also positions us as strategic partners within our companies.
General counsel and company secretary | Shangri-La
Headquartered in Hong Kong, Iain Seow leads the Shangri-La Group’s Legal Department which oversees the Group’s legal and regulatory affairs in over 24 countries. Shangri-La Group is primarily listed in...
