Team :3

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?

Crises can come from any area: commodities/resources related – geopolitics – financial – regulators’ inspections – health crises such as COVID19. All are different in scope but should be common as to (i) how decision making is framed in these circumstances in the organization and (ii) how corporate communication is handled.

I have organised the legal department to ensure the continuity of the company’s activities and to also make sure that the company preserves good contractual relations with its clients and external stakeholders.

In a context of crises, we will run a thorough legal analysis, provide an assessment of legal rights, obligations and liabilities, in an expedient way so that risk management and strategic decision-making are not impaired by the crises. In an ever evolving legal and regulatory environment, the primary focus is training and upskilling in order to raise legal and regulatory awareness within the teams.

In terms of decision-making and communication, and in alignment with EMEA legal department procedures, I am building robust legal and dawn raid frameworks. These ensure that, in the event of an unpredicted occurrence, general management can make the right decisions with the support of relevant internal stakeholders in an expedient manner.

What strategic priorities are guiding you and your team in 2024?

Based on the procedures of the regional head office legal department, I assist the organisation in identifying and managing emerging risks, including those associated with generative AI. This technology raises significant ethical and legal concerns, such as potential copyright and privacy violations, criminal misuse, and cybersecurity threats, particularly for a regulated entity.

Agility in business operations requires embracing digital transformation while maintaining cultural and procedural adaptability. Staying updated on legal tech innovations enhances both efficiency and compliance, fostering a culture of flexibility. This ensures the legal team can respond swiftly to evolving legal and operational demands. The dual approach I advocate—combining agility with adaptability—helps the business remain resilient amidst rapid technological advancements and shifting market dynamics. Building and maintaining legal resilience is an ongoing process that demands dedication, foresight, and a readiness to adapt, which I consistently support in alignment with the regional head office legal department’s guidelines.

Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) concerns are increasingly becoming interdisciplinary areas of responsibility for managers and leaders. As they are held more accountable for ESG performance, they face heightened risks from evolving regulations and greater obligations to a broader range of stakeholders. In this context, and in line with EMEA legal department guidelines, I advise senior management on implementing the company’s ESG strategy and ensuring compliance with laws and regulations that pose ESG risks and liabilities.