Operating with a transnational remit that includes the varied regions of Africa, the Middle East, Southern Europe, Belgium and Luxembourg, Caroline Burtin is the legal director for advertising juggernaut JCDecaux. Entrusted to help the business grow into new markets thanks to her expertise, Burtin explains how she began her role with a focus on the Middle East and Africa region and was asked to be involved in the ‘creation of this area in this region’ that now spans 37 countries after ‘starting from scratch’.

Further describing this transformation, Burtin stresses the interesting nature of working across such diverse geographical regions which are ‘very important’ to the company’s overall business plan. She states there are now ‘more than 170 people’ working in the space which entails a diverse work load in terms of cultures and people. Able to thrive in this environment, Burtin was key to a range of successful tasks including all aspects of ‘putting in place holdings and structurings, joint ventures and tenders for the company’.

She highlights the acquisition of an African company Contintal in 2014 and 2015 as a career highlight, where she led the M&A transaction including the antitrust and compliance aspects of it. Describing the profile of legal professionals she prefers working with, she appreciates ‘people who understand the business… [And] are very close to the business and look to have the whole picture of the business and understand risk management’.