Team size: Six direct reports and six colleagues in our markets working in Legal functions.

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

Heimstaden has been on an impressive growth journey over the last ten years, expanding into new markets and completing several market-leading acquisitions, while in recent years focusing on consolidation due to the slowdown in the residential real estate market. Managing legal frameworks in a rapidly evolving company means both paving and navigating the road simultaneously.

A significant step has been enhancing our approach to risk, governance, and compliance. We’ve crafted more than ten key corporate documents for board and C-level engagements in the last two years alone. Heimstaden’s efforts have also extended to integrating governance, risk, and compliance within the broader contexts of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) issues and reporting, making these fully integral parts of our business activities.

What would you say are the unique qualities required to be successful as an in-house lawyer in your industry?

Success as an in-house lawyer in our industry requires a mix of being a supportive backbone and a proactive advisor. Many legal departments – regardless of industry – are essential yet often perceived as ones to avoid. However, no one can bypass legal, as it flows through all activities in any given company of a certain size. At Heimstaden, we focus on transitioning from the perception of a “classical” legal function, merely saying “no” to advising “yes, but” thus enabling operational excellence while ensuring best-in-industry compliance and controls.

The role demands many features, and I would compare it to being the oil in a fully functioning machinery. We lift colleagues at all levels by educating them about regulations specific to their job function, thus ensuring a secure environment for the business to thrive.

How have you fostered closer collaboration between the legal department and your business counterparts?

At Heimstaden we have fostered closer collaboration by being physically present and accessible, conducting education across all levels, and specifically equipping our C-level executives with the necessary legal insights. Our strategy involves acting as external ambassadors and building trust with internal and external stakeholders, ensuring that all employees meet or exceed market expectations. This approach helps in creating an informed workforce aligned with our legal frameworks.

Do you have a cause, business-related or otherwise, that you are passionate about?

My hobbyhorse is to ensure engagement and staying at the forefront of governance. Much aligned with our Heimstaden corporate values “dare, care, share”. We are passionate about sharing information at all levels, ensuring that everyone is informed and aligned with our corporate governance and way of operating. I believe a proactive and inclusive approach at all levels helps in building a transparent and accountable organizational culture with a strong focus on GRC.