Legal and contracts director | ARCHIRODON
Andreas Iossifides
Legal and contracts director | ARCHIRODON
Team size: 25+
Could you share an example of a time when you came up with an innovation that improved how your legal team works and did not come at a large expense?
Given the extensive geography of our group’s operations including MENA, CIS regions, along with the unprecedented impact of various consecutive crises over the last the years and their resultant drastic impact in the industry (and the market in general), it has been a constant challenge to identify the core legal items on each emerging issue of concern, to identify the potential impact, to set the response plan, and to adjust actions so to fit a uniform and cross-border implementation. Under the circumstances, the only viable way forward is through simple and direct conduct amongst the team and the internal clients. It is critical that all communications and cooperations are made under a clear concise context with the absolutely necessary analysis. Although it is not an innovation in its strict sense, simplicity can provide key solutions and effective results, and while in critical times, it is an absolute necessity.
What are the most significant cases or transactions that your legal team has recently been involved in?
As aforesaid, and aside from successful awards on major projects (such as the first phase of the “Line” project in KSA, and the development of RES projects in Greece, among others), in the aftermath of the crises we had to adjust our functions in a demanding (constantly changing) sanctions regime and to host new variables with new mechanics in commercial contracts.
How important is choosing to work with external lawyers who align with your company’s values? Are you likely to reconsider what firms you work with based on this?
It is of vital importance to share values and mentality with our external advisors. There is reason to reconsider successful cooperations but I am always open to enrich and expand the external team.
Chief legal officer | Archirodon group