General counsel | Møller Mobility Group
Joachim Røberg-Larsen
General counsel | Møller Mobility Group
Team size: 3 direct reports and 6 in total
What are the key projects that you have been involved in over the past 12 months?
As I changed employer last year, my last 12 months have been a combination of offboarding and onboarding. Key projects include Circle K’s EUR 3bn acquisition of TotalEnergies’ fuel retail network in Germany and Benelux, structuring a risk matrix for the Moller Mobility Group, as well as spending time getting to know the Moller Mobility Group’s business and great people.
Have you had any experiences during your career as a lawyer that stand out as particularly unique or interesting?
Throughout my career, I’ve had the opportunity to work on both local and global cases, the combination of which has been both challenging and rewarding. My international experience spreading out across Europe, North America and also Asia is something that is quite unique as a lawyer based out of Norway. One particularly unique experience was leading a cross-border team to navigate a complex international acquisition; namely Circle K’s EUR 3bn acquisition of TotalEnergies’ fuel retail network in Germany and Benelux. This required not only a deep understanding of various legal systems but also effective communication and risk management skills towards stakeholders across the globe.
Another significant experience in my career was working for one year in Montreal, Canada, as the global general counsel for one of the world’s largest convenience retailers – Alimentation Couche-Tard. This role taught me a great deal about executive communications, cultural differences, and providing legal advice to a global business. Navigating the complexities of a multinational corporation requires not only legal expertise, but also a deep understanding of diverse cultural perspectives and effective communication strategies. This experience was invaluable in shaping my approach to legal practice and enhancing my ability to support a global business in an efficient and value-adding way.
Finally, having the opportunity to design the general counsel role for Moller Mobility Group, a company with a very strong legacy and growth ambitions, is an experience I really look forward to in the coming years. This role will allow me to leverage my expertise and contribute to the company’s growth while navigating the legal complexities of a dynamic and ambitious organization. I am excited about the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead and am committed to supporting Moller Mobility Group in achieving its strategic goals.
What do you think are the most important attributes for a modern in-house counsel to possess?
A modern in-house counsel should possess a blend of legal expertise and business acumen. It’s crucial to have strong analytical skills to interpret and apply laws effectively, but equally important is the ability to understand the business’s strategic goals and align legal advice accordingly to manage risks and create value. Additionally, strong communication skills, adaptability, and a commercial approach to problem-solving are essential attributes.
What do you think sets you apart from other in-house counsel?
What sets me apart is my holistic approach to legal practice. I strive to be not just a legal advisor but a strategic partner to the business. My ability to anticipate potential legal issues and provide proactive solutions, combined with my strong experience in business transformation and change processes, allows me to add significant value to the organisation.