Team Size: Four

How do you approach managing legal aspects during periods of instability or crises, and how does your legal strategy align with the broader business strategy to ensure the organisation’s resilience?

During periods of instability or crises, a proactive and strategic approach is essential. Our company operates across different regions, adding layers of complexity to crisis management. I prioritise establishing a crisis management team that includes key stakeholders from various departments and regions to ensure a coordinated response. We focus on three main areas: risk assessment, communication, and agility.

We conduct a thorough analysis to identify potential legal risks and their impact. This includes reviewing contracts, compliance obligations, and regulatory changes. Understanding these risks allows us to develop contingency plans and mitigate potential liabilities. Given our global operations, this also involves monitoring regional legal environments to anticipate and address local challenges.

Clear and transparent communication is vital. We maintain open lines with internal teams, stakeholders, and external counsel to ensure everyone is informed and aligned. This helps in making swift, informed decisions and maintaining trust. After all, keeping everyone in the loop helps prevent those “Wait, what?” moments.

Crises often require quick adaptation. Our legal strategy is designed to be flexible, allowing us to respond to changing circumstances effectively. My background from Ukraine, a region that has faced its share of challenges, has taught me the importance of resilience and adaptability. This experience is invaluable when navigating crises that affect different parts of our global operations.

Our legal strategy aligns with the broader business strategy by ensuring legal considerations are integrated into all decision-making processes. This helps in safeguarding the organisation’s interests while supporting its resilience and long-term goals.

What measures has your company taken to embed sustainability practices into its core business operations, and how does the role of the general counsel contribute to driving and ensuring sustainable practices within the company?

Our company is committed to embedding sustainability practices into our core business operations. We focus on three key areas: environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and governance.

We have implemented measures to reduce our carbon footprint, such as adopting energy-efficient technologies and promoting sustainable practices within our supply chain. We support initiatives aimed at conserving natural resources and reducing waste.

We prioritise fair labour practices, diversity, and inclusion within our workforce. Our community engagement programmes aim to support local initiatives and contribute positively to society, including supporting our team in Ukraine during challenging times.

Strong governance practices are crucial for ensuring compliance with sustainability standards. We have established a sustainability committee that includes members from various departments, including legal, to oversee and drive our sustainability initiatives.

As the general counsel, my role is pivotal in ensuring these practices are embedded into the company’s operations. I provide legal guidance on sustainability regulations and ensure compliance with relevant laws. Additionally, I advocate for sustainable practices in corporate policies and contracts, ensuring our commitments are legally sound and effectively implemented. By aligning our legal framework with our sustainability goals, we can drive long-term value and resilience for the organisation. Plus, it gives me an excuse to remind everyone that recycling those coffee cups isn’t just a good idea; it’s company policy.