Team size: 6 direct reports

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

One of the major projects of last year was our sponsorship of the EURO 2024 which included the overall contract with the UEFA, but also many “ambassador contracts”, activations and so on. Furthermore, we are reviewing our portfolio of brands. As a result, we had quite a few M&A projects; also several within Foods. In my role, I was fully involved in two of these interesting projects.

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

In my view, a modern in-house counsel should be able to prioritise as the workload is only increasing. Such prioritisation is only possible if the in-house counsel is able to quickly review the risks involved and also knows how to use the new digital tools which can take over the low risk work.

For a general counsel, the main attribute is to create a team that is able to perform as best as possible supporting the business while enjoying the work, having a good work-life balance and each member also being able to develop her/himself as wished for.

What is a cause, business or otherwise, that you are passionate about?

I am very satisfied with my current role within Unilever, but I did warn my line manager that if the football club AJAX would knock on my door to be its new general counsel, I would be leaving. And I am fully aware that it is a bit childish, but it is what it is.