An interview with Amr Wageeh, Chief Legal Officer at KDIPA in Kuwait.
How would you describe the state of the GC Community in your region? How has it changed since you first moved in-house?
The GC community in the Middle East has come a long way since I first moved in-house. It’s no longer just about handling legal issues, we’re now key players in business strategy, risk management, and corporate governance. Collaboration and knowledge-sharing are at an all-time high, with GCs leaning on each other more than ever to tackle evolving regulatory challenges. Compliance is no longer a box-checking exercise; it’s a proactive, business-critical function. And let’s not forget the impact of legal tech AI, automation, and digital transformation are changing the game, forcing in-house teams to rethink how they operate. The role of the GC is bigger, more complex, and more strategic than ever before.
Why is expanding your network important to you? What kinds of connections or discussions would be most valuable to you?
Networking isn’t just a nice-to-have but it’s a must. Staying plugged into the GC community keeps me ahead of industry trends, best practices, and shifting regulations. More importantly, it’s about learning from others who are dealing with the same challenges and whether it’s corporate governance, compliance, or navigating legal tech. I’m always looking for practical discussions that go beyond theory to real solutions, leadership insights, and smart ways to make legal teams more efficient. At the end of the day, the best ideas often come from the conversations we have with each other.
What do you want to achieve by collaborating with other GCs and senior in-house lawyers? Are there specific topics, challenges, or experiences you’d like to share or learn more about?
Being a GC can feel like a solo act at times, but the reality is we’re all facing similar challenges. That’s why collaborating with other in-house leaders is so valuable. Whether it’s tackling new regulations, finding ways to run leaner, more efficient legal teams, or navigating the growing role of AI in legal work, there’s always something to learn from each other. I’m particularly interested in discussions around leadership and how GCs can step up as strategic business partners and drive real impact. At the end of the day, nothing beats real-world experience, and the best way to stay ahead is by sharing what works (and what doesn’t) with those who get it.
