Eliana Savvidi, General Counsel at InterMartime Shipmanagement in Cyprus, reflects on the evolving GC role in a complex, global industry – and why today’s legal leaders must go beyond managing risk to shaping outcomes and enabling sustainable business decisions.
What has been the most defining moment of your career as an in-house lawyer so far?
A defining moment in my career has been stepping into the role of General Counsel at InterMaritime Shipmanagement Limited, where the legal function operates at the intersection of complex regulation, international operations, and strategic decision-making.
In this environment, legal advice cannot exist in isolation – it must be fully integrated into the commercial and operational fabric of the organisation. Supporting the business across jurisdictions, while navigating evolving regulatory frameworks, has reinforced the importance of delivering advice that is not only legally sound, but also pragmatic and aligned with long-term business objectives.
Recognition in The Legal 500 GC Powerlist has been particularly meaningful, as it reflects both the maturity of the legal function and its contribution to the organisation’s broader success.
In what ways do you see the role of the GC changing over the next 5–10 years?
The role of the General Counsel is undergoing a significant transformation – from a traditional legal advisor to a core strategic leader within the business.
In sectors such as shipping, this evolution is especially pronounced. Increasing regulatory complexity, geopolitical developments, sanctions regimes, and the industry’s transition towards sustainability require legal leaders to take a forward-looking and integrated approach.
As I often say, “the role of the General Counsel today is not simply to manage risk, but to shape outcomes and enable sustainable business decisions.”
This shift requires a combination of legal expertise, commercial judgement, and the ability to operate effectively at executive level.
What qualities do you believe distinguish truly impactful GCs from good ones?
Impactful General Counsels are those who influence outcomes, not just analyse them.
This requires the ability to distil complex legal issues into clear, actionable guidance that supports decision-making at the highest level. Equally important is the capacity to anticipate risk – identifying challenges before they materialise and positioning the business accordingly.
The most effective GCs build strong relationships across the organisation, ensuring that the legal function is embedded within the business as a partner and enabler, while consistently upholding the highest standards of integrity and governance.
How do you balance the pressures of your role with personal wellbeing and resilience?
Balancing the demands of a General Counsel role with personal wellbeing is an ongoing discipline rather than a fixed achievement.
Working within a fast-paced, international industry requires the ability to manage competing priorities while remaining focused and composed under pressure. For me, resilience is built on maintaining perspective – understanding when to prioritise, when to step back, and when to act decisively.
Equally important is creating space to recharge. Sustained performance at this level depends not only on professional capability, but also on maintaining clarity of thought and sound judgement. In that sense, wellbeing is not separate from the role – it is fundamental to it.
