François Graux
General counsel and company secretary
International Power
After eight years with SUEZ, there is no doubt that François Graux has earned his stripes. He has steered the company through mergers with Gaz de France in 2008 and then 2012’s tie-up with International Power, which saw it become part of the world’s largest independent utility company.
‘As business lawyers, our daily challenge is to be business facilitators and guardians of the interests of the company at the same time,’ he says. ‘Dealing with regulatory uncertainty is at the heart of our mission and is a fundamental driver for the energy sector.’
In addition to the usual day-to-day regulatory pressures, which are part and parcel of being a major player in the energy industry, Graux has also had to handle the inevitable political burden that comes with being a partially state-owned entity. The government still owns around 35% of the company, which makes value for money essential when instructing external counsel.
‘We look for availability, reliability and the highest quality, all at competitive rates,’ confirms Graux. ‘Experience of the sector is clearly important. Conflicts of interest, alternative fee arrangements and additional services provided by the firm also guide our decision making.’
Law firms used: Clifford Chance, Linklaters, Shearman & Sterling
2011-present: General counsel and company secretary, International Power
2009-11: General counsel, GDF Energy Europe & International
2003-09: General counsel, SUEZ Energy International