Team size: Nine 

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? 

Going paperless in the legal team on corporate level and board level is essential to us. Contact review and release processes are digitalised to ensure the least amount of print required. Approval process flow is designed to eliminate the need for hardcopies where we can. Additionally, since 2020, we have resorted to digital board packs and stopped producing and distributing hard copy board packs which were expensive, lengthy, and extremely confidential. 

Since late 2022, we have opted to use a board matters management software at a minimal cost to save time and the cost of all that paper. The software is fit for purpose, user-friendly and adequately encrypted. 

How do you balance your responsibilities as a GC with your involvement in dispute resolution and M&A matters? 

I often balance my responsibilities by delegating day-to-day legal tasks to my team which comprises legal counsel with the expertise, skills, and knowledge to allow them to manage day-to-day business and allow me to focus on higher-level responsibilities like dispute resolution and M&A matters with the executive team. I am also available to provide oversight on major corporate matters that need my input while relying on the team’s expertise in managing day-to-day business for routine matters. Additionally, I have specific time blocks for handling more critical issues to ensure the team’s responsibilities are effectively managed without neglecting other areas of my role.  

What measures has your company taken to embed sustainability practices into its core business operations, and how does the role of the general counsel contribute to driving and ensuring sustainable practices within the company? 

Mezzan has always been conscious of environmental issues facing F&B industry and has always aimed to reduce the adverse impacts where possible. Since 2019, Mezzan implemented the ThinkGreen initiative in its operations in Kuwait and GCC through operationally efficient and low emission transportation.  

In 2019, Mezzan installed solar panels on the roof of our Umm Ramool location as a part of our ThinkGreen initiative. Our offices, distribution, and manufacturing facilities have collectively and significantly reduced our carbon footprint.  

A general counsel has a pivotal role in championing and assuring sustainable practices within a company. This contribution is multifaceted, with the general counsel serving as a legal steward, risk evaluator, policy architect, stakeholder communicator, and much more. At Mezzan Holding, we as general counsel play a vital role in driving and upholding sustainable practices within the organisation by providing legal guidance, ensuring compliance, and integrating sustainability considerations into the company’s operations. We support these efforts by enhancing legal compliance; ensuring that the company adheres to relevant ESG regulations and standards, reducing legal risks associated with non-compliance; helping the company make informed decision based on through risk assessments. 

Through policy development, a general counsel plays a role in creating and implementing internal policies that promote ethical and sustainable behaviour across the organisation.  

What emerging technologies do you see as having the most significant impact on the legal profession in the near future, and how do you stay updated on these developments? 

I believe that the most significant of the emerging technologies is artificial intelligence, blockchain, and legal analytics which are expected to have a significant impact on the legal profession. To stay updated on these developments, I dedicate time and space to do so by following legal tech news sources; attending conferences and webinars; engaging with legal tech companies; and by monitoring regulatory changes. 

How do you prioritise diversity and inclusion within your legal department, and what initiatives have you implemented to foster a more inclusive and equitable work environment?  

We stress on recruitment and selection of a diversity of legal talents from various backgrounds. We have an internal initiative to support gender equality and now have five female members in the nine-person legal team, we support the inclusion of women in our team and support their advancement to positions of senior legal lawyers and team leaders.