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

In 2023, ATP acquired 50% of Danske Bank’s new headquarters in Copenhagen. With approximately 113,000 sqm and space for 4,000 employees, it is the largest headquarters for a company in Denmark and among the largest real estate transactions in Denmark last year. Additionally, we invested a total of 1bn DKK in new constructions, upgrades, and renovations of ATP’s properties during the year, and the total value of the real estate portfolio is at 42bn DKK.

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

To excel as an in-house lawyer in our industry extends beyond legal expertise; it requires a diverse skill set. Understanding the regulatory landscape is vital for offering proactive legal guidance and navigating complexities effectively. Additionally, strategic thinking is key in anticipating legal challenges and aligning solutions with company objectives, while balancing legal and business risks.

Moreover, a deep comprehension of the business side is crucial. In-house lawyers must grasp company operations, market dynamics, and competitive landscapes to offer tailored legal advice that adds tangible value. This necessitates close collaboration with cross-functional teams and contributions to strategic decision-making.

Exceptional communication skills are imperative, whether conveying complex legal concepts or advocating for the company’s interests. Adaptability and resilience are indispensable in our ever-evolving industry, requiring a willingness to embrace change and respond to shifting priorities with confidence.

In summary, successful in-house lawyers possess a blend of legal expertise, strategic thinking, business acumen, communication skills, adaptability, and resilience. By embodying these qualities, we contribute significantly to the success of our organisations.

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

The value of leveraging the aforementioned skills to drive transformative change within our organisation has been a key focus for me. This focus has led to the creation of a truly unique CEO Office, consisting of our legal team, strategy and management consultant team, as well as our board and director group secretariat. Through this initiative, I have set and led a team leveraging diverse skill sets to address complex challenges effectively. This effort has fostered a culture of mutual support and alignment between business functions and top management, ultimately leading to an efficient and aligned decision-making process. We have gained full value from our ability to adapt, innovate, and leverage business acumen, which distinguishes and positions us for long-term success.

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

One of my core passions lies in cultivating inclusive and resilient environments within organisations. As a leader, I consistently set high standards and pursue excellence. I firmly believe that qualities such as vulnerability, courage, empathy, and trust are pivotal in achieving these standards. Leaders who openly acknowledge their mistakes, seek assistance, and practice openness create environments where others feel empowered to do the same. Daring leadership requires the courage to advocate for what is right and engage in challenging conversations. However, I believe that embracing discomfort and uncertainty is integral to this process, facilitating personal and professional growth, which, in my opinion, is interchangeable with empathy. By being authentic, reliable, and accountable, we create trust and build a culture of creativity, innovation, and resilience that can navigate challenging and impactful decisions while thriving.