An interview with Khaled Ghazy, General Legal Counsel at Canal Sugar in Egypt.
How would you describe the state of the GC Community in your region? How has it changed since you first moved in-house?
Reflecting on the General Counsel community in the region over the last two decades, I’ve observed significant developments across several fronts. In my opinion, two areas stand out most prominently. Firstly, the profile of individuals stepping into General Counsel roles has shifted noticeably. Compared to the landscape two decades prior, we’re now seeing younger lawyers, often equipped with postgraduate degrees from reputable universities and a palpable enthusiasm. This new generation is also remarkably proactive in staying abreast of rapid developments across various sectors impacting in-house legal work, demonstrated by their active participation in numerous forums. Secondly, the very nature of the General Counsel’s role has undergone a rapid transformation. It has evolved considerably from being perceived as that of a mere legal advisor to that of a true business partner, deeply integrated into strategic decision-making
Why is expanding your network important to you?
Expanding my network takes on even greater significance amidst the rapid legal and technological shifts in our region. A strong and engaged network is a critical resource for ensuring sound legal counsel and strategic decision-making in a dynamic and increasingly complex business environment. The need for continuous dialogue with people, institutions, and fellow legal professionals is very important to effectively navigate the evolving landscape, particularly concerning ESG, digitalisation, and artificial intelligence applications.
What kinds of connections or discussions would be most valuable to you?
For me, the most valuable connections and discussions would revolve around interpreting and applying new legislation, developing robust ESG legal strategies, navigating the legal implications of AI adoption, analysing the impact of these changes on corporate governance and compliance, and forecasting future legal trends
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?
Collaboration is about fostering a community of knowledge and support that empowers us all to be more effective and strategic legal advisors in this era of rapid change. Specific topics and areas I’m keen to explore and discuss include:
– Practical implementation of ESG
– Legal and ethical frameworks for AI
– Navigating digital transformation and cybersecurity
– Building and leading effective legal teams
– Managing regulatory investigations and litigation in the digital age
