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

I am proud to have contributed to several successful transactions as part of the Nedvest team. We completed 23 deals across various markets, each requiring a tailored approach. Being involved in these transactions and helping to navigate the legal complexities has been both interesting and rewarding. However, the project I am most proud of is the exit of Hotraco Group, which was sold to the publicly listed company Munters. Having been involved with Hotraco Group for years as a supervisory board member, I was closely connected to its journey. This past year, we found the right buyer in Munters—a company that can provide Hotraco with the platform and resources to grow further. This transaction was not only significant for us at Nedvest but also one of the largest deals in the Agri sector. Seeing it come to fruition and knowing that Hotraco is well-positioned for the future is something I take great pride in.

What do you think sets you apart from other in-house counsel?

My ability to simplify legal complexity. Many non-lawyers see legal matters as a necessary evil — complicated and time-consuming. My approach is to make it not necessarily more enjoyable, but certainly easier. If I can explain a legal concept in a way my great-aunt would understand, I know I am doing my job well. This enables faster decision-making and ensures legal advice is practical and actionable. Beyond legal matters, my role extends into investment and portfolio management. At Nedvest, I handle both M&A transactions and broader strategic matters. I do not just assess legal risks — I balance them against commercial and business interests. This broader perspective allows me to be a legal advisor and a business partner who actively contributes to growth.

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 that you think other in-house lawyers should be mindful of?

One of the most significant trends I am actively engaged in is the rise of AI in the legal field. At Nedvest, we are fully committed to standardising contract drafting through AI tools. Legal work is often seen as bespoke, but AI can make it faster, more consistent, and effective. The key challenge is integrating AI without compromising control or quality. It is not just about automation — it is about working smarter. At Nedvest, we aim to be at the forefront of this development and continuously explore ways to enhance legal processes, while maintaining diligence and compliance. Additionally, general counsel are increasingly strategic advisors, not just legal experts. ESG, governance, and corporate transformations require broader expertise. In-house lawyers must adapt, combining legal knowledge with business strategy. This shift requires a broader skill set beyond pure legal expertise.

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

A modern in-house counsel must excel in three areas: 1. Business acumen: Legal advice should align with commercial reality. A good answer is legally correct, but an excellent answer also considers business strategy and stakeholder interests. 2. Communication and simplification: the ability to translate complex legal concepts into clear, actionable advice is essential. The simpler you can make it, the more effective you are. 3. Innovation and technology: AI is transforming the legal industry. Rather than seeing it as a threat, modern in-house counsel must leverage it to enhance efficiency.