Team size: 120

Career Biography

Suzanne Spells is Group General Counsel and Head of Secretariat & Compliance of CapitaLand Investment (CLI), responsible for the delivery of legal and corporate secretariat services to the businesses of the Group, working in close partnership with all business and functional leaders of the Group.

In addition to leading and managing the in-house legal department, Suzanne is part of the leadership team responsible for corporate governance for CLI and plays a key role in supporting the effectiveness of the Board and its committees, including facilitating interaction between the Board and Management in reporting the organisation’s performance and key decisions.

Before joining CapitaLand Group, Suzanne was the General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer, Asia Pacific at Apollo Global Management and an APAC Executive Leadership team member. Prior to joining Apollo in 2016, she was a Senior Legal Counsel at APM Terminals in Singapore.

Suzanne holds a postgraduate diploma in Law from the University of Law in London and a LLB degree in Law from the University of Exeter, United Kingdom.

What are the most significant cases, projects and/or transactions that you and/or your legal team have recently been involved in?

Since stepping into the role of Group General Counsel in December 2024, I have spearheaded transformative initiatives that have significantly elevated the legal function’s strategic value across the firm. A cornerstone achievement was the establishment of a new legal panel, designed not only to drive cost efficiencies, but also to foster deeper, more collaborative relationships with external counsel. Internally, I have introduced streamlined legal processes and a governance framework that have enhanced transparency and accountability. By dismantling silos and championing an expertise-led approach, I have cultivated a culture of cross-functional collaboration, enabling faster decision-making and improved risk management. These efforts have collectively positioned the legal team as a proactive business partner, delivering both operational excellence and strategic impact.

How do you approach managing legal aspects during periods of instability or crisis to ensure the organisation’s resilience?

During times of crisis, I endeavour to demonstrate calm and decisive leadership, ensuring that legal strategy remains both measured and resilient. My approach centers on maintaining composure under pressure, enabling me to guide the organisation through uncertainty with clarity and confidence. I engage cross-functional teams swiftly, aligning legal priorities with operational needs, and ensuring that every action is underpinned by sound governance and strategic foresight. My ability to remain composed while navigating complex legal landscapes has been instrumental in safeguarding the firm’s interests and reinforcing stakeholder trust.

What is a cause, business or otherwise, that you are passionate about? Why is this?

As Group General Counsel, I am deeply committed to advancing gender diversity and empowering women within the Funds Industry. My passion is reflected in my role in establishing the SG & HK Women in Asset Management Network, a platform designed to foster mentorship, visibility, and career development for women in the industry. In addition, I serve on the steering committee of CapitaLand’s Women’s Group, where I actively shape initiatives that promote inclusion and leadership opportunities. Through these efforts, I champion a culture where women are not only encouraged to enter the industry, but are also supported to thrive and lead with confidence.

General counsel often speak of the need to be strategic to reach the pinnacle of the profession. What does being strategic mean to you?

For a General Counsel, being strategic means operating far beyond the boundaries of legal risk management; it’s about embedding legal insight into the core of business decision-making. I do this by aligning legal priorities with corporate objectives, anticipating regulatory shifts, and proactively shaping governance frameworks that support sustainable growth. My strategic lens enables me to identify opportunities where legal innovation can unlock value, streamline operations, and strengthen stakeholder confidence. Whether navigating complex transactions or guiding the firm through evolving compliance landscapes, a good General Counsel ensures that legal strategy is not just reactive, but also a forward-looking enabler of enterprise resilience and agility.