Legal manager | Ripley Corp
Marcela Cárdenas
Legal manager | Ripley Corp
Team size: Two lawyers and one auditor in Chile and two lawyers in Peru.
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?
During times of crisis or instability, companies seek strategies to overcome adversity, often through innovative projects that foster new avenues for growth. In this context of innovation amidst challenges, the role of our internal legal teams becomes pivotal. Our mandate is to actively contribute to shaping new initiatives. We must move beyond mere observation of problems and legal constraints; our mission is to explore what is legally feasible, developing viable options that align with our business’s expectations and criteria.
However, historically, legal teams have been seen more as an impediment rather than a support. Overcoming this challenge is crucial for in-house lawyers. It requires fostering close collaboration with commercial and operational teams, prioritising agility, adaptability, and mitigating legal risks.
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?
Presently, our company emphasises the integration of sustainable policies and practices, leading to their rapid expansion across various domains. This shift has influenced major projects, including the formulation of sustainability policies, as well as operational aspects like implementing management systems and digital contract signing.
While regulatory compliance has been a driving force, company’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond legal mandates. Their role now transcends mere production and value generation; they aim to do so sustainably, to contribute to the greater good. In this realm, legal team plays a crucial role—not only interpreting sustainability regulations but also assessing the legal feasibility of innovative approaches to ensure our company meets its commitments effectively.
General counsel, retail | Ripley Corp
Deputy general counsel | Ripley Corp