Team size:   333 

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? 

We have a (legal) risk management system to handle foreseeable risks, and also have a cross-functional crisis response team for unforeseen crises. With the legal strategy, we aim to prevent or mitigate legal risks in alignment with the company’s business plan and strategy, enhancing the company’s resilience  

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? 

We have a developed a measurable ESG program in line with applicable regulations globally. The legal function takes care of human rights aspects and the public governance of the company. 

What emerging technologies do you see as having the most significant impact on the legal profession in the near future, and how do you stay updated on these developments? 

AI and Large Language Models. We have implemented an AI based contract management system and closely follow relevant IT developments. 

How do you prioritise diversity and inclusion within your legal department, and what initiatives have you implemented to foster a more inclusive and equitable work environment?  

We prioritise diversity to get the benefit of different cultures, background, experiences, languages and perspectives. 

Can you discuss a particularly challenging dispute or M&A scenario you encountered and the innovative strategies you implemented to address it? 

Last year, we successfully finalised a monitorship, appointed as part of our FCPA settlement with the US government, and obtained a certification of the effectiveness of our controls by the monitor, which was accepted by the US government.  

We also changed our public corporate governance by way of a conversion into a regular AG, with a more than 99% shareholder approval rate. Mostly just hard work, but also innovative project management and reporting tools were involved.