About me
I work at the intersection of business, law and sustainability, exploring ways of working with governance, ownership structures and culture to create businesses that have integrity, compassion and collaboration built into their DNA.
I spent more than 15 years as a corporate lawyer and project manager, working in the UK and overseas for large corporations. One day it dawned on me that current business structures fail to bring out the best in people, and we all suffer as a consequence. I began to explore more healthy, responsible and sustainable approaches to business.
These days I draw on my background in law and business to focus on the structures, processes and practices that promote successful business. I work as a freelance adviser mainly with small and medium-sized businesses and start-ups.
Bio
1988 – Qualified as a solicitor with City of London law firm Hill Dickinson & Co.
1990 – Joined United Technologies, one of world’s largest hi-tech groups, as in-house lawyer, based in UK and then in Canada. Drafted commercial contracts and helped conclude several cross-border transactions (mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures).
1996 – Whilst on temporary assignment in St Petersburg, Russia, appointed general manager of Canadian/Russian joint venture designing aircraft engines, responsible for 70 staff.
1998 – Back in the UK, joined retailer Kingfisher plc. Helped establish major joint ventures in China, Turkey and the Czech Republic. Then lead a team negotiating the takeover of Europe’s second largest DIY retailer.
2002 – Dawning awareness of global sustainability crisis. Left Kingfisher and set up and ran a charity for round-the world sailor Ellen MacArthur.
2003 to 2005 – Self-employed, pursuing an interest in social enterprise and alternative business structures.
2006 – General counsel at Raven Russia, a property company building and owning warehouses in Russia and the Ukraine. Concluded deals worth more than $500m.
2008 to present – Became Board member and head of governance of Riversimple LLP, a ground-breaking eco-car company that aims to transform the auto industry. Led the development of a ground-breaking governance structure designed to embed a triple bottom line (people, profit, planet) approach into the business.
2010 to present – adviser to small businesses and start-ups.
Other
I am a trustee of two charities, the Earth Community Trust and the ETA Trust (charitable arm of Environmental Transport Association). I am a director of New Forest Festival CIC
I make really good sourdough bread.
I speak good French and decent Russian and German.
I live in the New Forest with my wife and son and a vegetable patch and two chickens.
And thanks to Shawn Ballantine for the photo of me.
