CEO Insights Magazine

The legal profession is a noble and demanding field that requires immense attention, passion, and unwavering commitment. For Hicham Henri Hage, Chief Legal Officer of Al Khayyat Investments, the legal profession is more than just a job; it's a lifelong passion. Coming from a family of legal professionals, Hicham developed a passion for law from a young age. His father's stories of winning tough cases and successful negotiations inspired him to pursue a career in law. After completing his Master's degree at La Sorbonne University in Paris, Hicham joined his family's law firm in Lebanon.

However, Hicham's keen interest in the corporate world and the challenging political situation in Lebanon led him to transition to becoming an inhouse legal counsel in Dubai. Over the years, Hicham gained extensive experience working in various industries such as hospitality, retail, construction, automobile, asset management, exchange, and travel. Let’s hear more from the man himself. Below is the candid interview by CEO Insights Asia.

How would you describe Al Khayyat Investments as an organization, and what is its current position in the market?

From my very first meeting with the Chairman, I was captivated by his vision for Al Khayyat Investments to become the market leader. He emphasized that the company's success would be attributed to its people and ethical standards. Intrigued by his words, I was eager to witness firsthand how the company could achieve such an ambitious goal and what made its team so exceptional.

Now, after eight months with the organization, I am thrilled to share my observations. Al Khayyat Investments is like a vibrant beehive, where the most skilled and professional leaders in their respective industries work together with synergy and a shared purpose. The company's potential is limitless, and I am confident that Al Khayyat Investments is already one of the market leaders and will undoubtedly become the market leader in the near future.

Can you share your leadership approach and the methodologies you follow as a leader?

As a leader, my approach is focused on two key aspects: training and empowerment. I believe that these elements are crucial for inspiring my team and encouraging critical thinking and innovation, which can ultimately make a difference within the organization.

To begin, I emphasize the importance of training, ensuring that all team members have the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in their roles. I provide ample opportunities for learning and growth, including ongoing professional development programs and mentorship opportunities. By investing in my team's development, I help them achieve their full potential and contribute to the organization's success.

Empowerment is another essential aspect of my leadership approach. I aim to create a supportive and collaborative environment that enables my team members to take ownership of their work and make meaningful contributions. I encourage them to share their ideas, perspectives, and insights, and I ensure that they have the resources and support they need to implement them effectively.

How do you stay up-to-date with ongoing industry trends to guide your organization toward the future?

Throughout my career, I have been fortunate to work with large organizations that operate diverse lines of business. This exposure has enabled me to gain a comprehensive understanding of these businesses and the legal requirements that accompany them. However, with every new market, innovation, and global event, new laws and contractual covenants emerge. Therefore, the learning circle in the legal domain is never-ending.

My primary role is to protect organizations from legal risks. To do this effectively, I believe that attending conferences, continuous training, and utilizing online platforms that notify me of any new regulations related to my interests is imperative for every legal department.

Staying current with industry trends and regulatory changes is critical to steering the organization toward the future. By keeping myself updated and informed, I can provide valuable insights and legal advice that align with the company's goals and objectives. The legal landscape is constantly evolving, and my commitment to ongoing learning ensures that I am equipped with the knowledge and expertise necessary to navigate these changes and support the organization's success.

What were the major challenges you encountered initially while establishing yourself as a successful leader in the legal domain?

As the head of legal, the major challenge is to strike a balance between protecting your client from any potential risk, which is what you have been educated to do, and achieving the client's objectives in closing a commercial transaction. This requires a deep understanding of the business, its operations, and the potential risks involved from a practical standpoint.

To overcome these challenges and emerge as a successful legal professional, I have learned to approach each transaction with a practical and solution-oriented mindset. This involves understanding the business's goals and objectives and finding alternative ways to minimize risks while still enabling the transaction to move forward.

Additionally, I have focused on building strong relationships with key stakeholders within the organization, including the business teams and senior management. This has helped me gain a deeper understanding of the organization's operations and objectives, which has in turn enabled me to provide more effective legal advice and support. Ultimately, my approach has been to be a collaborative partner to the business, providing legal guidance and support that is aligned with their goals and objectives. By taking a practical and solutionoriented approach and building strong relationships with key stakeholders, I have been able to overcome initial challenges and establish myself as a successful leader in the legal domain.

Hicham Henri Hage, Chief Legal Officer, Al Khayyat Investments

Hicham leads with passion and determination, driving the organization forward in a dynamic and ever-changing business environment. With 24 years of experience in the legal profession, Hicham's unwavering drive and dedication continue to make a positive impact in the industry.