Group corporate social responsibility director and general counsel | Verallia
Wendy Kool-Foulon
Group corporate social responsibility director and general counsel | Verallia
Team size: 20
What are the most significant cases and/or transactions that your legal team has recently been involved in?
We have recently worked on the acquisition of Allied Glass in the UK, two sustainability linked bonds, and the refinancing both RCF with ESG KPIs.
What are some of your main tips for dealing with a crisis?
Communicating and explaining as clearly as possible are key. Also try to be agile and as practical as possible.
How do you see the general counsel role evolving in France over the next five-ten years?
The general counsel serves as the left hand of the CEO. They are a business partner as well as a solution provider. The general counsel needs to have a strategic view, taking into account the business, the CSR impact, and the regulation.
What are some of the main legislative or regulatory changes that have impacted you?
The primary changes impacting the industry include matters of compliance – including the introduction of Sapin law as well as our duty of care. We also need to consider CSRD and taxonomy.