Multi-Country Lead Counsel – ELSP MEA & APAC

About the role

ABB is seeking an experienced legal professional to lead the ELSP legal function across the Middle East, Africa and Asia‑Pacific. The role reports to the ELSP Division General Counsel and combines strategic legal oversight with team leadership.

Key responsibilities

• Lead and develop a high‑performing legal team across multiple countries, fostering collaboration, integrity and alignment with ABB Values.
• Provide comprehensive legal and integrity support on crisis management, cybersecurity, M&A, sustainability, human rights, trade compliance, litigation, IPR, anti‑trust, AI, data privacy and regulatory compliance.
• Collaborate with Centers of Expertise, Group Legal & Integrity and divisional legal teams to ensure alignment, effective risk management and act as Division General Counsel delegate approver.
• Drive ABB’s integrity programme and ethical culture, engaging internal and external stakeholders to achieve business outcomes across the Electrification division.

Required profile

• Law degree with Bar admission where required; licensed practitioner familiar with common and/or civil law systems.
• 10‑15 years post‑qualification experience, ideally combining law‑firm and in‑house roles.
• Proven track record in leading teams, decisive execution and accountability.
• Strategic thinker with global awareness, able to align legal strategy with business objectives.
• Collaborative partner across teams and stakeholders, fostering effective cross‑functional engagement.
• Servant‑leader mindset, skilled in conflict resolution, performance management and constructive feedback.
• Preferred expertise in M&A, data‑centre agreements, Oil & Gas EPC, nuclear business, product quality/claims management and cybersecurity.
• Willingness to travel as required.

Required skills

• Crisis management
• Cybersecurity
• M&A
• Sustainability
• Human rights
• Trade compliance
• Litigation
• Intellectual property rights (IPR)
• Anti‑trust
• Artificial intelligence (AI)
• Data privacy
• Regulatory compliance