RISING STARS: GCS OF TOMORROW

Last year, Mark Oliver was promoted to the role of deputy general counsel (GC) at Heathrow Airport, where he supports GC Carol Hui. A commercial lawyer by trade, Oliver’s role has broadened to include working with the communications office on matters surrounding the airport’s construction of a third runway. He is, says Tom Bray of Eversheds Sutherland, ‘dedicated, focused and particularly adept at handling internal stakeholders, as recently evidenced by the excellent relationships he has forged with other parts of the business. He is also excellent at managing panel firm lawyers in an open, straightforward and transparent manner. This allows an external lawyer to provide the best advice for the business, knowing exactly what is required.’ Hui says Oliver’s support has been invaluable in a number of recent projects, including the recently announced franchise deal granting Great Western Railway (GWR) operation of the Heathrow Express rail service. ‘He is not only an excellent lawyer but a dedicated partner to the business’, says Hui. ‘His sense of humour and pleasant manner have won him lots of supporters and he is showing all the characteristics you would expect to see in a GC of the future.