Team size: (Japan) 1

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

Fiskars Group has restructured into a public holding company (on Helsinki NASDAQ) and two separate Business Areas since the group is quite diverse: BA Fiskars for Fiskars and Gerber branded outdoor, cooking and crafting products and BA Vita for interior brands including Georg Jensen, Iittala, MoominArabia, Royal Copenhagen and Wedgwood. My role included assisting with company set up and transfer of business and employees in several APAC jurisdictions. The project was completed on time and within budget.

What are the key trends that in-house counsel should be monitoring over the coming months?

How can I not say AI? It is changing work practices on a daily basis, bringing efficiencies and cost-savings, though also an extra dose of scepticism regarding results.

Have you been in a situation where expectations between Japanese and global stakeholders differed? How did you resolve it?

This happens from time to time, and I first try to understand each side’s position. Then as clearly as I can, and in non-legalese, provide my views based on my experience working in Japan and Asia for international businesses for over twenty years. I find that a clear and calm explanation from “the lawyer” helps to get an understanding and, most times, agreement how to proceed.