Group Legal Counsel — Corporate

Group Legal Counsel — Corporate — John Keells Holdings

John Keells Holdings PLC (JKH), Sri Lanka's largest listed conglomerate, seeks a Group Legal Counsel for its corporate legal division at Keells House, Colombo 2. JKH operates across transportation, leisure (Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts), property development, consumer foods, financial services, and IT through over 70 subsidiaries.

The Group Legal Counsel will advise the Board and C-suite on corporate governance, M&A, regulatory compliance, and commercial contracts across all business verticals. This executive-level role requires a seasoned Attorney-at-Law with the ability to manage legal risk across a diversified conglomerate listed on the Colombo Stock Exchange, ensuring compliance with the Companies Act No. 7 of 2007 and SEC regulations.

• Advise the Board and Group Management Committee on corporate governance and legal risk
• Lead M&A, joint venture, and divestment transactions across all business verticals
• Ensure compliance with the Companies Act, SEC regulations, and Colombo Stock Exchange listing rules
• Manage commercial contracts, licensing agreements, and franchise documentation
• Coordinate with external counsel on litigation, arbitration, and regulatory proceedings
• Oversee legal teams across 70+ subsidiaries and provide group-level legal policy guidance

• Attorney-at-Law admitted by BASL with 10+ years' post-admission experience
• Extensive corporate and commercial law experience, preferably in a conglomerate or listed company environment
• Expert knowledge of the Companies Act No. 7 of 2007, SEC Act, and Colombo Stock Exchange listing rules
• Experience with M&A, joint ventures, and corporate restructurings
• Knowledge of tourism, property development, and consumer sector regulation
• LL.B. with LL.M. in corporate/commercial law; international qualification an advantage
• Strong leadership, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills