My name is Rogier Roelen. I currently serve as General Counsel and Chief Sustainability Officer of Kraton Corporation. I am based in the Netherlands, but my work is very much global.
I started my career in private practice before moving in-house, where I held legal and leadership roles across Europe, Asia, and the United States. Those experiences gave me a real appreciation for different legal systems, business cultures, and ways of working, and they continue to shape how I approach leadership and problem-solving. They also taught me that good legal advice has to fit the business and cultural context in which decisions are made.
At Kraton, I have the privilege of wearing several hats. In addition to leading the global Legal, IP, and Compliance function, I oversee the company’s sustainability strategy and reporting and serve as corporate secretary.
Although these responsibilities may look quite different on paper, they are closely connected in practice. In each area, my role is to help translate complexity into practical, responsible, and sustainable business decisions.
That is also what I enjoy most: working at the intersection of law, business, governance, and sustainability, especially at a time when expectations from regulators, customers, investors, employees, and society are continuing to increase.
Kraton, a global specialty chemicals company
Kraton is a global specialty chemicals company. We develop and manufacture high-value materials from both renewable and traditional feedstocks, and our products are used in areas such as adhesives, road construction, packaging, medical products, consumer goods, personal care, and performance materials.
What I find particularly interesting about Kraton is the combination of innovation and sustainability. Many of our solutions help customers improve product performance while also reducing environmental impact. Through bio-based technologies, circularity initiatives, and responsible operations, we aim to create value for customers, employees, shareholders, and society.
Because we operate globally and in a highly regulated environment, topics such as legal, compliance, governance, and sustainability are part of daily business conversations.
Small but highly effective global team
One of the things I am most proud of is our small but highly effective global team. Our legal, IP, Compliance, and Sustainability professionals are based across the United States and Europe, supporting the company across all major disciplines.
Despite being a lean team, everyone works very close with the business. All team members cover a broad range of matters but also have their own areas of expertise. On any given day we may advise on commercial contracts, transformation activities, litigation, compliance, intellectual property, sustainability reporting, data privacy, or corporate governance. The team is also highly diverse, bringing together colleagues with different backgrounds, areas of expertise, nationalities, and perspectives. That diversity of thought and experience strengthens the advice we provide and helps us partner effectively with a global business.
Some of the key topics keeping us busy reflect the changing external environment. These include the opportunities and risks associated with artificial intelligence and data governance; an increasingly complex regulatory landscape, particularly around sustainability, chemicals regulation, and product stewardship; global trade uncertainty, sanctions, tariffs, and supply chain resilience; protecting our intellectual property and trade secrets as innovation accelerates; and strengthening cybersecurity and data privacy. Alongside these, we continue to support strategic commercial transactions and business transformation initiatives across the company. It’s a broad, intellectually stimulating remit, and because we’re a lean team, everyone has the opportunity to influence important business decisions and see the impact of their work.
Balancing pace with good judgement
The role of the General Counsel has evolved significantly over the past decade. Today, you’re expected not only to provide legal expertise, but also to help the business navigate uncertainty, weigh complex trade-offs and make sound decisions in a rapidly changing environment.
For me, one of the biggest challenges is balancing pace with good judgement. Businesses need to move quickly, often with incomplete information, while legal has a responsibility to ensure that risks are understood and managed appropriately. Much of the role is about helping colleagues achieve their objectives by finding practical, responsible solutions rather than simply identifying legal issues.
For the team, the challenge is the breadth of the agenda. Because we’re a lean global function, everyone works across a wide range of matters while bringing their own specialist expertise. That means constantly switching between commercial transactions, regulatory developments, compliance, disputes and strategic initiatives. It requires adaptability, curiosity and the ability to prioritize, but that’s also what makes the work so interesting.
That breadth of responsibility also makes technology an increasingly important enabler. We’re actively exploring how digital tools and AI can automate routine tasks, improve access to knowledge and create more capacity for the strategic, judgement-based work where our lawyers add the greatest value.
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Enablers of value creation
One message I would like to share is that legal professionals have a real opportunity to position themselves as enablers of value creation, not only as managers of risk.
The best legal departments are deeply connected to the business. They understand commercial objectives and help organizations navigate change. For lawyers, that means not only knowing the law, but also understanding strategy, finance, operations, technology, and sustainability.
Sustainability illustrates this well. Ten years ago, many legal departments saw it mainly as a compliance topic. Today, it influences strategy, customer relationships, financing, investor expectations, supply chains, and reputation. Lawyers who understand those connections can create significant value.
Finally, I would encourage lawyers to remain curious and continue learning. Some of the most valuable conversations I have today are not about black-letter law, but about business transformation, emerging technologies, geopolitical developments, and changing stakeholder expectations.
Dusting my vinyl
Outside work, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, travelling, and staying active through sports. I also have a strong personal interest in sustainability and innovation. I enjoy following developments in renewable materials, circular economy initiatives, and emerging technologies, and seeing how these trends reshape industries and society.
More recently, I have rediscovered my vinyl records. After years tucked away, I started dusting off my vinyl collection and spending time behind the turntable again. I enjoy the ritual of slowing down, choosing a record, and listening to an album from start to finish. In a world that is increasingly digital and instant, vinyl offers a refreshing sense of focus and authenticity.
I have learned that some of the best ideas come away from the desk. During a walk, while exercising, listening to music, or travelling. Creating space to think is often just as important as being busy.
Most rewarding part of my role
One of the most rewarding parts of my role is seeing the team flourish and contribute well beyond providing legal advice. Whether we’re helping the company navigate transformation, supporting strategic transactions, strengthening our compliance culture, or contributing to our sustainability journey, I’m proud when our work helps shape better business decisions. Colleagues involve us early in discussions, not because they have to, but because they value our judgement and know we’ll help find a practical path forward. I know we’ve earned their trust and are making a real difference.
Trust!
Trust. If there is one lesson I have learned over the years, it is that trust remains the most valuable currency. Expertise may get you a seat at the table; but trust gives you a voice in the conversation.
