What are the most significant cases or transactions that your legal team has recently been involved in?
 
We have been involved in several privacy lead projects, especially with supercharging e-commerce due to the pandemic. Our team has shown we can influence PVH data governance strategy even remotely. Furthermore, findings from recent surveys reported that Calvin Klein was voted the most data trustworthy brand by the Data Trust Index on Oct 20, 2021. We have also shown our ability to predict trends as the privacy commitment of Calvin Klein was introduced two years ago — data minimisation was a company priority even before the laws in some regions made it mandatory.   

How do you feel the pandemic has changed the world of work for in-house counsel and the function of the general counsel?
 
We have continued to advocate our PVH privacy strategy and guidelines remotely and in all regions despite the travel restrictions. We have gained the trust of leadership virtually, closing gaps analysis and implementing deliverables without many delays. Our expertise, resilience and influential skills led us to continue to coach and nurture a positive, ethical driven and consumer-centric data privacy programme in line with our PVH business goals.  

What will be the main focus for the company in the next 12 months and how do you intend to assist with this?
 
Our main focus in the next year will be to continue to maintain our privacy programme in all regions with a specific focus on Asia with the new PIPL in China and the amended APPI in Japan. We intend to update our guidelines, connect remotely, and collaborate with the business to be part of their project development from the start to make sure privacy by design is implemented in all projects.  

What do you feel are the pros and cons of an in-house legal role compared to a private practice one? 
 
As an in-house legal counsel, I have first-hand insight in relation to what would be a company’s risk and strengths, and by partnering with the various stakeholders in an effective manner, I am truly adding value by anticipating trends that truly impact our industry. I have the possibility to advise the business in real time so that they are not putting the company at unnecessary risk. External counsel advise is of course extremely important, but without the insights into how businesses truly thinks, sometimes the level and ability to influence may be less impactful than in-house legal counsel.