What are the most significant cases or transactions that your legal team has recently been involved in?

As a result of the pandemic, we have been involved in multiple renegotiations of our existing lease portfolio and discussions with governments concerning potential subsidies. Furthermore, we have worked on several M&A transactions. Hopefully the pandemic will bring about more M&A opportunities within the industry for the future.

How do you feel the pandemic has changed the world of work for in-house counsel and the function of the general counsel?

I believe the role of a general counsel has truly changed for the better over the pandemic period. As a general counsel, it is clear that the role is not one of simply being a legal advisor any more. It is about leading the company through a changing environment, taking the specific regulatory landscape into account while advising on risk.

What will be the main focus for the company in the next 12 months and how do you intend to assist with this?

Continuing to grow the business in a forever changed business landscape, especially in the hospitality industry. It is about taking advantage of M&A opportunities that might arise as well as advising the business on risk going forward with the knowledge that we have today coming out of this pandemic. I intend to continue to grow in my role as a business executive and leader, while continuing to advise on risk and opportunities and helping my team grow within the company and in their respective roles.

What do you feel are the pros and cons of an in-house legal role compared to a private practice one?

In an in-house counsel role, you are much more than a legal advisor in a specific field. The role of general counsel is that of a business partner within your company. In an executive general counsel role, you use your legal, governance and regulatory and negotiating skills to navigate through deal making within your industry and risk management. It is about asking the right questions and leading the company forward in the right manner. On the downside, you are truly a generalist and no longer an expert in a specific legal field.