Charles Lilley
Partner
Corporate & Commercial
E: Charles.Lilley@kingsley-wood.com
Charles qualified as a solicitor in a London City firm in 1988. He chose to work in the Corporate and Commercial team advising clients generally in the private sector. In 1991 he moved to Courtaulds PLC the FTSE 100 chemicals/manufacturing company (which subsequently became part of Akzo Nobel) before joining FI/Xansa PLC specialising in IT and business services outsourcing. When it merged with Steria and then became Sopra Steria Charles was the UK Head of Legal. More recently he managed a time critical European Banking Authority compliance exercise working with Credit Suisse and then became Commercial and Legal Director at Emposo Limited, a Hays subsidiary.
about
With broad experience in commercial and legal aspects of business operations, relationships and transactions worldwide including in IT, outsourcing, chemicals, manufacturing, financial services and M&A activity, Charles brings enthusiasm, passion and common sense as a trusted legal adviser. He is keen to maximise the quality of contracts at inception and during delivery.
A very experienced negotiator of multi-million-pound IT and outsourcing contracts as the foundation for long term cooperative relationships with significant entities and strong at managing legal and commercial teams and issues.
Recent Matters
my work
- Charles' consultancy experience spans a variety of projects for small and large organisations, including advising an energy SME developing innovative technology to support the energy transition. He has provided IT consultancy services at Emposo, focusing on legal and risk management, the establishment and maintenance of commercial, legal, and risk management frameworks, strategic plan execution, and rebranding initiatives. He has also played a key role in Credit Suisse’s European Banking Authority (EBA) compliance programme, with a particular focus on material suppliers in IT and outsourcing services, providing team leadership, consistent reporting, and practical solutions. In addition, he has led the bidding, negotiation, and delivery of outsourcing contracts valued at £100m+, including complex agreements with up to 40 schedules covering service definition, delivery, pricing, compliance, TUPE, pensions, dependencies, and exit and termination provisions, as well as managing supplier and client issues and disputes.
Interest
about me
Charles qualified as a solicitor in a London City firm in 1988. He chose to work in the Corporate and Commercial team advising clients generally in the private sector. In 1991 he moved to Courtaulds PLC the FTSE 100 chemicals/manufacturing company (which subsequently became part of Akzo Nobel) before joining FI/Xansa PLC specialising in IT and business services outsourcing. When it merged with Steria and then became Sopra Steria Charles was the UK Head of Legal. More recently he managed a time critical European Banking Authority compliance exercise working with Credit Suisse and then became Commercial and Legal Director at Emposo Limited, a Hays subsidiary.
A very experienced negotiator of multi-million-pound IT and outsourcing contracts as the foundation for long term cooperative relationships with significant entities and strong at managing legal and commercial teams and issues.
Awards & Experience
my expertise
- Known for his attention to detail, focussed drafting and finding simple solutions to complex problems, Charles enjoys the law, the preparation of clear contracts and establishing viable professional processes and relationships.
- While UK based, Charles has led projects working with foreign jurisdictions and their legal idiosyncrasies including in Europe, India, USA, Middle East, Far East and Australi
