Team size: 44

What has been the number one challenge that has impacted you over the past year?

In May 2022, The Lottery Corporation was listed on the Australian Stock Exchange, after demerging from Tabcorp. It is not every day that you have the opportunity to list a top 50 ASX Company with a market cap of over AUD$11bn! Arriving at a demerger was a very significant challenge due to regulatory approvals, third party negotiations, shareholders approvals, corporate restructuring, drafting the Scheme Booklet and guiding the Court Sponsored Scheme of Arrangement.

The demerger and creation of the Lottery Corporation was completed according to the timetable announced to the market and in line with the budget. Then, we had to turn-around and embed governance, risk and regulatory frameworks for the newly listed company, establishing a new board, new team members and processes.

Many people underestimate the work and cultural shifts necessary to create a successful high performing listed entity from inception. In my experience, it generally takes 12 months to successfully embed and reset after a demerger.

Looking forward what technological advancements do you feel will impact the role of in-house legal teams in the future the most?

Clearly, many people will tell you that AI and tools like ChatGPT will have an impact. I feel successfully incorporating these tools will be a net positive for in-house legal and risk teams as the team can be made available for higher value strategic work which drives better outcomes for their businesses. There will always be a need for strategic, innovative and commercially focused in-house legal and risk teams.

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

I am responsible for the legal, risk, regulatory and corporate governance functions of an ASX 50 company so a creative and strategic orientation is critical. Essential qualities a chief legal and risk officer should display include:

Intellectual agility and curiosity with an unwavering capacity to challenge the organisational directions, strategy and decisions as and when necessary.

A growth mindset with a strong desire to develop teams and nurture talent.

Resourcefulness and a steely determination to drive projects and outcomes that can help transform the organisation.

Adept and heartfelt leadership capabilities that can be a used to positively influence the organisation and corporate culture – including a commercial and pragmatic approach to risk, compliance and integrity.