Major legal advisers: Lovells, Freshfields, Baker & McKenzie

What are the most significant cases or transactions you and your team have been involved in?

We have been dealing with several go-to-market transactions involving the reorganisation of the business. We are also handling a few legal projects with our bottlers across West Europe and supporting the digitalisation and agility of our organisation by implementing new processes, policies, and systems. Compliance, anti-bribery, and competition law training is also a key part of our agenda.

Even in the best-case scenario, Covid is likely to have far-reaching ramifications. How are you safeguarding the long-term health of the business?

Health and safety of our employees has been a key priority for our business. We have implemented work-life balance policies and supported the home office work providing all needed infrastructure. Our offices have been remodelled as a place to collaborate, create, and celebrate. Our business is fully committed to the sustainability agenda, especially on the plastic, water, and healthier products development.

As we enter the next decade, what skills will a corporate legal team need to succeed in the modern in-house industry?

We need lawyers who have a global mindset, ready to embrace new challenges and work in a changing and uncertain environment. They need to become business partners and translate legal challenges into practical solutions for the company. They also must speak the business language to become respected and accepted members of the management team.