Team size: 27

How do you approach managing legal aspects during periods of instability or crises, and how does your legal strategy align with the broader business strategy to ensure the organisation’s resilience?

As strategic business leaders, we must navigate complex and uncertain global dynamics to achieve positive results for the organisations we serve, simultaneously providing innovative solutions and promoting a mindset of growth, flexibility, adaptability and inclusivity. A proactive and integrated approach is required to achieve this and to assess and manage legal risks. Legal decisions taken need to support the organisations overall goals and objectives thereby contributing to its resilience and ensuring that the legal strategy is aligned with the broader business strategy.

Clearly mapping out the extent to which various stakeholders are impacted in a crisis is a critical starting point in managing the various business, operational, legal, regulatory and reputational risks that may arise and developing the appropriate response thereto. The legal strategy and execution plan must be communicated in a clear and transparent manner thereby building trust with the various stakeholders.

What are the main cases or transactions you have been involved in recently?

The acquisition and delisting of Liberty Two Degrees (Real Estate Investment Trust) was a significant transaction for the Liberty Group which transaction was nominated for Deal of the Year in 2023 by DealMakersSA.

The acquisition of Standard Insurance Limited, being a short term insurer, by Liberty Group Limited.

Successful implementation of the Retirement 2Pot legislative changes within Liberty Group.

What strategies do you employ to ensure the successful digital transformation of a legal department while maintaining compliance with South Africa’s data protection laws?

Being deliberate and actioned orientated about developing a future ready legal team is imperative. As an example, partnering with the Microsoft Legal Team has proved quite successful in the adoption of Co-Pilot for the Liberty Legal team.

In your opinion, what are the main trends that are salient in your country currently?

“Poly-crises” created through the various geo-political and geo-economic issues should be high up on any executive agenda given the impact to South Africa, its corporates and individuals. The exponential rise of generative AI and navigating the various complexities that arise, including data and legal issues must be factored into business strategies.