Team size: Appr. 30 lawyers

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

The Huawei legal team in Western Europe has played a significant role in supporting the company to face the geopolitical challenges the business has been subjected to in the recent 24 months. While as a team, at times, this meant responding in real-time and under pressure, it has been an opportunity for growth, expanding the scope of responsibilities for the entire team – and developing new skill sets in response to taking on a more strategic and policy-related role within the company. Our legal team has undoubtedly contributed to the tremendous resilience the company has shown by helping the company to make a case for a level playing field with EU market access based on fact-based criteria and, at the same time, by playing an essential role in continuously strengthening the company`s compliance and data protection culture.

What are new trend lines or new areas of engagement you are expecting for the Western European Legal Department?

We expect a continuously dynamic environment in terms of legislative initiatives driven by accelerating digitisation and the need for more comprehensive cyber security rules on the EU and member state levels. In this context, besides the continuous engagement with European stakeholders and business partners, our legal team will provide much-varied support as Huawei is localising its production in and for Europe, improving transparency and maximising its economic contribution.

Moreover, we will provide strategic and legal support for the ongoing rapid development of Huawei as an essential player in the European solar industry, integrating digital and power electronics technologies and accelerating clean energy development.

How much influence does the legal department have on the diversity and inclusion policies of your organisation?

Set within an international company with Chinese roots, our Western European legal team is naturally diverse – the intercultural aspect is a defining element of our team spirit – and the same can be said for our company operations in Western Europe. As the legal leadership team, we are continuously promoting inclusive policies within the company – by ensuring compliance with existing legal requirements, monitoring ongoing legislative initiatives, and reflecting the ethical consensus on diversity and inclusion in the countries in our region in our policies.