Alexandra BARAKAT
Los Angeles,USA
Summary
Dynamic and results-oriented Group Legal Manager with over 20 years of international experience advising executives and leading legal, compliance, and contractual strategy for global industrial groups. Skilled in cross-border contract negotiation, risk management, and regulatory compliance (GDPR, Anti-Corruption, Data Privacy), with a strong record of building governance frameworks and supporting business growth across 30+ countries. Fluent in French and English and now seeking to leverage this global expertise to contribute as a Legal & Compliance leader within a purpose-driven and internationally oriented organization.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Group Legal Manager
EXEL Industries
04.2018 - Current
- Led the Group’s global legal and compliance function as the sole contracts counsel, directly advising the Group CEO and subsidiary CEOs across Europe, North America, and Asia-Pacific.
- Directed contract management strategy and implemented a digital contract platform and monitoring process, accelerating the contract lifecycle and enhancing visibility across 23 subsidiaries.
- Negotiated and secured high-value cross-border agreements in sales, purchasing, and R&D, mitigating legal and operational risks in multilingual and multicultural contexts.
- Advised executive leadership on corporate governance, data protection (GDPR), and compliance programs, ensuring alignment with EU and international regulations.
- Managed and mentored an in-house counsel located at a subsidiary site, while developing training tools and practical guides to strengthen legal awareness across teams.
- International industrial group listed on Euronext (turnover €1B+, 4,000 employees, 33 countries) specialized in agricultural, industrial, nautical, and gardening sectors.
In-House Counsel
SVP
10.2001 - 03.2018
- Senior In-House Counsel, Business Law (2008–2018) – Paris
- Provided strategic legal counsel in commercial, consumer, IP, and competition law to executive and operational management.
- Developed and delivered internal trainings and legal conferences (“Working with Germany,” “Personal Data Reform”), enhancing legal literacy and compliance culture.
- Authored internal policies, practical guides, and legal blogs to streamline contract management and strengthen internal governance practices.
- In-House Counsel, International Law (2001–2008) – Geneva & Paris
- Advised management on international law and foreign legislation, guiding expansion projects and compliance with local regulations.
- Established the company’s international legal department in Paris, overseeing the relocation and recruitment of new legal consultants.
- Supported contract review and negotiation processes across multiple jurisdictions, ensuring compliance with commercial and corporate laws.
- French consulting group providing legal and business support services (€47M turnover, 650 employees).
Education
Post-Graduate Diploma - International Relations (Japan in International Trade)
Université Lyon 2
FranceMaster’s degree - International & European Law
Sorbonne University
Paris, FranceGeneral Business Certificate - undefined
UCLA Extension
Los Angeles, CA03.2026
Contract Management Certificate - undefined
École Européenne de Contract Management (e2cm)
Paris, France09.2025
Certificate - Compliance (Anti-Corruption, Vigilance & Data Privacy)
Université Paris-Dauphine
Paris, France07.2025
Skills
- Legal Strategy & Governance: Corporate and Business Law
- International Law
- Competition Law
- Intellectual Property
- Contract Drafting and Negotiation
- Pre-Litigation Management
- Compliance & Ethics: GDPR and Data Privacy
- Anti-Corruption (Sapin II, FCPA)
- Vigilance and CSR/ESG Programs
- Ethical Business Conduct
- Regulatory Alignment
- Contract & Risk Management: Cross-Border Transactions
- Strategic Negotiation
- Contract Lifecycle Optimization
- R&D and Commercial Agreements
- Leadership & Business Partnering: Executive and Board Advisory
- Legal Training and Mentorship
- Team Leadership (multi-site)
- Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Languages: French (Native)
- English (C2- Fluent – Professional proficiency)
- Japanese (Basic – JLPT Level 5)
- Spanish (Basic)
- Russian & German (Fundamentals)
- Contract drafting
Accomplishments
- Collaborated with team of [Number] in the development of [Project name].
Certification
- [Area of certification], [Company Name] - [Timeframe]
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- Technical Skills: Microsoft Office Suite, Legal databases, online contract tools
- Soft Skills: Analytical thinking, strategic vision, cross-functional leadership, agility, and diplomacy
- Interests: International travel (6-month global expedition), film studies, CrossFit, Dance (East & West coast swing), scuba diving (PADI Open Water certified)
Languages
English
Full Professional
French
Native or Bilingual
Japanese
Elementary
Spanish
Elementary
Russian
Elementary
German
Elementary
Timeline
Group Legal Manager
EXEL Industries
04.2018 - Current
In-House Counsel
SVP
10.2001 - 03.2018
Master’s degree - International & European Law
Sorbonne University
General Business Certificate - undefined
UCLA Extension
Contract Management Certificate - undefined
École Européenne de Contract Management (e2cm)
Certificate - Compliance (Anti-Corruption, Vigilance & Data Privacy)
Université Paris-Dauphine
Post-Graduate Diploma - International Relations (Japan in International Trade)
Université Lyon 2