Team size: Four  

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

I oversee a wide range of legal and corporate compliance matters for the John Hardy group globally including, but not limited to, the US, EMEA and APAC. As John Hardy’s business covers the entire supply chain, distribution and retail of luxury jewelry products, my work involves all components of the business, ranging from commercial matters, contract review, corporate work (including optimisation of the John Hardy group structure), IP protection and enforcement, regulatory and legal compliance, data privacy, and employment matters. I also handle special projects involving complex transactions for the company. 

How do you see the general counsel role evolving in Thailand over the next five-ten years?  

In Thailand, the general counsel role is poised for a strategic shift. As the legal landscape becomes increasingly intricate, general counsels will likely transition from reactive risk-mitigators to proactive architects of corporate governance. The need to undertake a strategic role is crucial, especially from my current standpoint as a general counsel for a global company. It will be imperative for general counsel to anticipate legal issues and put in place practical and cost-effective preventive measures, guide commercial strategies, spearhead corporate restructure and transformation as may be needed to mitigate legal risk or exposure, enhance efficiency, and ensure alignment with the company’s business strategy. 

Which recent political, economic or regulatory changes have impacted your work the most in recent years?  

The growing implementation and continuous development of data privacy laws and regulations in various jurisdictions, including Thailand, significantly impacted our legal team’s work. We had to develop and maintain a robust data privacy compliance framework to safeguard customers’ and our own employees’ personal data, necessitating collaboration with IT, marketing and HR teams to achieve the desired outcomes. 

How do you motivate and manage your legal team well? 

I try to foster a team environment that values open communication, professional development, efficiency, and work-life balance. I delegate tasks strategically, providing opportunities for growth and ownership, and facilitating teamwork. Regular performance reviews and mentorship and coaching sessions ensure team members feel valued and supported.