Team size: 6

What are the projects that you are most proud of working on over the past 12 months?

As we all know, the geopolitical landscape is shifting rapidly and creates multi-dimensional challenges for global organisations like IKEA. The retail industry faces complex challenges, as geopolitical volatility stretches supply chains, exposes regulatory vulnerabilities, and, in some cases, creates legal and regulatory divergence, necessitating adaptive legal strategies. As in-house counsels, we have encountered many big challenges over the past year(s), including the well-known challenges related to, amongst others, Russia, China, the US and India. The role of legal leadership within our organisation has evolved significantly. As legal counsel, we have become key strategic partners in navigating the challenges posed by global political and economic uncertainties. I am very proud to have been such a key strategic (legal) partner on some of these challenges.

What do you think are the most important attributes for a modern in-house counsel to possess?

In order to deliver legally sound and pragmatic legal advice as an in-house counsel, it is essential to understand the (needs of the) business, its risks, and its operating rhythms. Therefore, a good legal counsel is well integrated into the business and understands its commercial interests. Secondly, having good communication skills is key. Advice should be simple and straight to the point, and complicated legal language is preferably avoided. Thirdly, it is essential that the modern in-house is somewhat tech savvy. Being well informed about or proficient in the use of modern technology and digital solutions that can increase efficiency is – like in any other profession – one of the most important attributes for a modern in-house counsel these days.

Based on your experiences in the past year, are there any trends in the legal or business world that you are keeping an eye on, of which you think other in-house lawyers should be mindful?

As the world is becoming more complex, so is the regulatory landscape. Regulatory changes are gaining momentum: both the number of regulations and the complexity of requirements that need to be met by companies are increasing. It is more difficult than ever to keep on top of significant new regulatory and legal developments. As it is part of the task of legal departments to facilitate compliance with laws and regulations, there is a strong need to gain better insight into all legislation that is anticipated. To deal with this challenge, the relationship between legal departments and public affairs has intensified. Legal counsels are more involved in the prioritisation of public affairs, advising during the legislative process and playing a bigger role in the implementation of new acts.

Furthermore, as I have mentioned above, the world is becoming more and more digital. It is also essential that in-house counsels and legal departments focus on becoming tech savvy, like most of their stakeholders – i.e. legal departments should be(come) proficient in the use of modern technology to increase efficiency.