The Argentine legal department of the multinational pharmaceutical company Novartis embraces a “matrix-like” organisational structure, whereby the country legal heads of the internal divisions (Pharma, Onco, Alcon or Sandoz) report functionally to the regional legal head of each division and operationally to the divisional general managers. ‘In this sense, the level of collaboration and synergy that we have achieved is remarkable’, says legal and compliance head Ana Candelaria Alonso.

‘Each member of the team has a different legal background and legal expertise, and we are able to openly share knowledge and best practices’. With a deep understanding of the law, local business and market, the team is a key business partner that participates actively in the decision making process on a regional level, and has assisted Novartis’ portfolio transformation by supporting key transactions. Examples of notable deals completed by the team in the recent past include the acquisition of GSK’s oncology products business, the transfer of Novartis OTC business to GSK’s local venture, the divestment of Novartis’ vaccines business (excluding flu) to GSK, the divestment of Novartis’ Animal Health business to Eli Lilly and the divestment of Novartis flu business to CSL. ‘Working in Novartis legal requires not only a deep understanding of the law but also full commitment with the company values and behaviours (innovation, quality, performance, integrity, courage and collaboration),’ Alonso says. ‘The Argentine legal team is profoundly committed and engage with the company values and behaviours and ensures that are fully embraced by the business functions. We operate with high integrity standards seeking not only what is legal but also what is right’.