What are the most significant cases or transactions that you have recently been involved in?

Acquisition of NH Hotels and post-deal integration matters, the acquisition of minority interest in Corbin & King (re-named The Wolseley Hospitality Group) and the conclusion of new hotel management agreements in Dubai, China, Thailand and across the Middle East and Asia.

Did the pandemic lead to a lasting increase in the interaction your legal team has with the strategic plans of the company?

Absolutely. As a hospitality company, we were hard-hit by the pandemic. This not only required us to take strong cost control and balance sheet management measures, but it also created an urgent need across the business for the entire team to understand, appreciate and deliver the company’s strategic goals to a degree not previously required. This created strong alignment and new efficiencies across the business, which we have retained as we have moved into the current late-pandemic business cycle.

If you have worked in other countries, what are the main challenges unique to operating as an in-house counsel in your current location?

As a general counsel that has worked in a number of countries (and retains oversight for multiple jurisdictions), a key challenge is to understand the different approaches of the different regulators in each country—this is a key factor in determining how to allocate resources and prioritize work.

The unusual business environment created by the pandemic has been swiftly followed by other shocks. Are you now putting more emphasis on preparing for the unforeseen and, if so, what does this entail?

Yes, absolutely. Effectively, this entails a focus on flexibility and speed. We recognise that the pandemic has had a major disruptive effect on our industry. Those businesses that will survive and thrive are those that have been quick to adapt. This means that old business and commercial models no longer apply—and as a legal team, we have to be nimble and think on our feet to provide effectively support and partnership for the business teams as we navigate the post-Covid environment.