Head of legal | Lukoil Eurasia Petrol
Oğuz Sami Sarıkaya
Head of legal | Lukoil Eurasia Petrol
Team size: Six
What are the most significant cases or transactions that your legal team has recently been involved in?
As the head of legal at LUKOIL-TR, I lead a team of highly skilled lawyers who understand the intricacies of navigating complex legal issues across a global landscape. However, navigating a heightened global compliance environment has presented unique challenges. In certain instances, counterparties have adopted overly cautious compliance measures, leading to unnecessary delays or complications in our business operations. To ensure continued collaboration, we have successfully demonstrated to these counterparties that cooperation with LUKOIL poses no risk of sanctions violation and continue business operations without interruption globally.
What strategic priorities are guiding you and your team in 2024?
We recognise the need for efficiency and cost-effectiveness within in-house legal teams due to hyperinflation. Our innovative solutions leverage technology to streamline workflows, reduce resource strain, and enhance accuracy in document review and analysis. This allows legal teams to focus their expertise on strategic initiatives and contribute directly to business growth.
This focus on in-house needs and a deep well of legal experience sets us apart. We are not just lawyers; we are partners in driving innovation within the legal tech space.
Do you have a cause, business-related or otherwise, that you are passionate about?
I am deeply passionate about fostering a culture of compliance without interruption. We achieve this by: (i)Developing innovative legal technology solutions — these solutions streamline compliance processes, automate repetitive tasks, and enhance due diligence efficiency. (ii) Building strong relationships with counterparties — we prioritise clear communication and transparency, demonstrating that cooperation with LUKOIL poses no sanctions risk. (iii) Proactively advocating for efficient compliance practices — engage with industry leaders and regulators to promote a balance between thorough compliance and streamlined business operations.
Head of legal | LUKOIL
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Head of legal | LUKOIL Eurasia Petrol
Since returning to the in-house legal profession in 2011, Oğuz Sami Sarıkaya has established himself as a premier counsel in the energy sector, culminating in his 2016 appointment by LUKOIL...