Breaking the Legal Mould: Richard Crabb on Moving from Law to Leadership
Our 2025 white paper posed the question, “Why are lawyers underrepresented in CEO roles?” The response to the publication was so overwhelmingly positive that the team decided to continue the conversation. We launched an interview series with Heads of Legal and General Counsel to explore what it truly takes to step out of one’s comfort zone and progress up the in-house career ladder. Although these legal leaders offered a wide range of perspectives, common themes emerged throughout their stories: pushing past fear and remaining open to the new and unknown.
In this latest interview in our in-house legal series, we’re joined by Richard Crabb, Head of Legal and Commercial at NuBreed Hotels.
Richard Crabb
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Current Role: Head of Legal and Commercial at NuBreed Hotels, overseeing legal, finance, HR, risk, and change management functions.
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Career Journey: Started in marketing, transitioned into law via private practice, became a partner in a corporate commercial team, then moved in-house at HSBC for 10 years before stepping into operational leadership roles, including COO of a national legal and insurance firm. Now, he's put his legal hat back on as Head of Legal & Commercial at Nubreed Hotels.
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Leadership Experience: Has managed large teams in global organisations and smaller businesses, bringing expertise in operationalising legal functions and driving strategic projects.
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Unique Perspective: Combines legal expertise with commercial acumen, leveraging experience across marketing, law, and business operations.
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Current Focus: Delivering strategic growth and risk management in a tech-driven event management business while balancing legal and non-legal responsibilities.
Richard Crabb
Head of Legal and Commercial, NuBreed Hotels
"“I think that networking skills are absolutely because you need to show people that you are moving from a strategic legal position to a strategic business first mindset.”
Richard faced significant challenges transitioning into non-traditional legal roles, including overcoming imposter syndrome and detaching his identity from being “just a lawyer.” He admits that moving away from a well-defined legal role was daunting, particularly with fears of failure and the risk of leaving a gap in the business. To succeed, Richard emphasised the importance of succession planning and demonstrating value beyond legal expertise, such as understanding finance and aligning with C-suite objectives.
His advice to aspiring legal leaders is clear: be bold, network relentlessly, and learn to speak the language of business. He also stresses the need for psychological resilience and finding trusted mentors to guide the journey. Ultimately, Richard believes that lawyers who embrace commercial thinking and position themselves as enablers of business strategy can thrive far beyond the confines of traditional legal roles.
The GC Series Wrap-Up Event: General Counsel Horizons
To celebrate the conclusion of our GC Series, we would like you to join us for an exclusive evening event out our Crown Place London office.
Where? Pinsent Masons, 30 Crown Place, Earl Street, London, EC2A 4ES
When? Thursday 19 March @ 6pm
Spaces are limited; click below for more details and to register your interest.