How do you manage legal aspects during periods of instability or crisis, and how does your legal strategy align with the overall business strategy to ensure the organisation’s resilience?  

As a legal manager, it is crucial to be closely aligned with the business, which means thoroughly understanding and knowing it. Our legal strategy aligns with the Master Operational Plan developed with the executive committee, in which I participate and stay informed about market priorities. This allows the legal department to anticipate needs, prioritise according to the commercial objectives we set, and focus efforts on building resilient and committed teams. Having clear organisational goals enables the legal department to support these objectives and, when necessary, anticipate them. During periods of instability, the legal role becomes pivotal, focusing on debt recovery and securing contracts that protect the company’s interests. Additionally, during challenging times, strengthening our reputation is essential, as this credibility must endure through difficult periods with stakeholders. 

What measures has your company taken to incorporate sustainability practices into its core business operations, and how does the role of the general counsel contribute to promoting and ensuring sustainable practices within the company? 

The ESG pillar is integral to Nestlé and is further supported by the compliance framework, in which my role is also active. Specifically, I have dual responsibilities for corporate affairs, an area that includes aspects of ESG. I have observed major companies starting to merge the roles of legal director and corporate affairs, and this development has also occurred at Nestlé Bolivia. In my role, I contribute to ensuring that sustainability projects are aligned with the market’s main objectives and manage relationships within compliance with key stakeholders and key opinion leaders. Promoting these practices requires the involvement of the entire organisation, with each employee acting as an ambassador for our projects. 

What emerging technologies do you believe will have the most significant impact on the legal profession in the near future, and how do you stay updated on these developments? 

From my perspective, AI applied to the legal field is particularly important. Its efficiency and accuracy in certain areas make AI a crucial ally, requiring lawyers to stay informed about its use. Utilising and improving this tool can transform the service we provide to internal clients. I had the opportunity to attend a module at our Nestlé headquarters in Switzerland, where experts explained to a group of lawyers from multiple countries how to enhance the use of this tool. Within Nestlé, AI is applied internally, such as with NestGPT, for instance, which is already integrated into certain procedures and internal documents.  

Moreover, in complex times, understanding financial solutions (Fintech and others) from a legal and contractual perspective will be crucial for appropriately supporting and advising the business.