What are the most significant projects that your legal team has recently been involved in?
We work on many interesting and high-profile projects both in Japan and overseas, ranging from commercial contracts, M&A, reorganization, dispute/litigation, corporate governance and compliance. Internationally, the team recently supported the public takeover of GK Software SE, a leading global provider of cloud solutions for the international retail industry. Through the takeover offer, and on-market purchases, Fujitsu acquired 68.03% of the total share capital of GK. The completed transaction is part of a global strategy to accelerate Fujitsu’s standing as a digital transformation enterprise, strengthen its services, and help to grow and realize its purpose. As a digital transformation company, our team is supporting the business with thought leadership on the strategic and ethical implementation of AI and digital data in Fujitsu’s offerings while also ourselves proactively embracing such technology.

How does your team collaborate globally to support the business?
There are approximately 600 people in the Global Legal, IP and Internal Control team at Fujitsu, working in 25 countries. Our success as a team relies on our ability to work seamlessly across regions, and by collaborating at speed. To support the effective sharing of information we rely on technology and robust processes. Information on risk and strategically important matters is collated from individuals using automation and is then made available to senior decision-makers through dashboards and automated reports. Our collaboration relies on the strong relationships between our teams and a shared understanding of our purpose and vision. Through global initiatives, multi-format communications, international working groups, and a common purpose, the team work together for the benefit of the Fujitsu Group.

What skills does a lawyer need to thrive in the future, and how do you ensure your team is ready?
As digital technology becomes a more powerful part of how we support the business, our lawyers have the opportunity to expand the value and strategic impact we can deliver. Our lawyers work to become trusted advisers by building stakeholder relationships founded on a deep understanding of the business and its commercial imperatives. The most successful lawyers in this environment will be strong communicators, curious, innovative, strategically minded, able to influence and be able to work as part of a team to solve commercial challenges. Strong technical legal skills are assumed and constantly developed.

What are the most important aspects of your team’s work to support the success of your business?
There are two aspects to the team’s work which support the success of the Fujitsu Group. Firstly, the team are enablers to financial growth; in sporting terms the “offensive” side to our work. Working in cross-functional groups the team use their professional skills to enable new business opportunities, support transactions, and ensure Fujitsu grows in accordance with its values. Secondly, the team act to protect Fujitsu; the “defensive” side to our work.  The team look strategically to identify risk and to manage and mitigate that risk to ensure the long-term sustainable success of the business.