Could you tell us a bit about your significant successes in your role?

Since 2015, I have had the opportunity to lead the legal team which supports the natural gas business of Engie in Mexico. This business is composed of ten distribution zones, three transportation systems, one marketer and a compression station.

The way I support the activities of Engie is by facilitating business opportunities and reducing risks. Regarding successes in my role, I would like to divide it as follows:

I. Regulatory Compliance:

The implementation by authorities of the comments issued by Engie to new regulations;

The obtention of a favourable opinion by Mexican Antitrust Commission (COFECE) to develop projects and its open seasons;

II. Management and development of different regulated and non-regulated agreements:

Regulated agreements were digitised and electronic signatures included (according to Mexican regulation) in order to facilitate their emission and execution;

A standardisation of agreements was made in order to reduce holding times and avoid minimum tailor-made agreements.

III. Relations with several stakeholders such as authorities, clients, and unions:

Several old and major disputes were solved by transactional agreements or by trial. On the other hand, lots of disputes were prevented by reaching agreements between involved parties, including internal stakeholders.

IV. New, successful gas projects:

As public known, ENGIE has developed through its affiliates successful NG Projects. In that sense we have provided support to the BD team by solving rights of way conflicts, negotiating, and developing the main agreements required to construct and develop a pipeline project (Transport Service Agreement with client, EPC agreements), and contract management, among others.

In your opinion, what are the qualities and skills needed to form a strong legal team?

It is essential to trust each team member, which will make communication and interactions smoother; I believe that communication is the baseline for any team that wants to succeed.

The team must also be results-oriented, with a strong criterion to be able to decide which matters can be solved on which level of the team.

Diversity is highly important in the legal team, and in any team. Each team has different members with different skills, backgrounds, and knowledge. Thus, I believe that diversity in the legal teams may help to have a 360 view of a subject, which thus allows us to make the best decision.

Furthermore, the recognition of the value and contributions of the team members is crucial to have an empowered and strong legal team.

What is the biggest risk to your industry or organisation and how are you contributing to prepare your organisation for this?

I consider over-regulation is the main risk that the natural gas industry is facing up to date in Mexico. It is natural and desirable to have a strong legal framework which ensures the correct and safe operations of the pipelines, however if the legal framework is not clear, legal teams are not respected, investments are not recognised, and fair competition is not ensured.