Team size: 100 people

What are the most significant cases or transactions that your legal team has recently been involved in?

The team played a role in the acquisition (equity deal) of the third player in the food retail segment in Brazil; acquisition (asset deal) of stores from a Dutch wholesaler and cash-and-carry group; and the sale and subsequent lease of several assets for a long-term commitment (sale lease back) with an important real estate asset management company.

What would you say are the unique qualities required to be successful as an in-house lawyer in your industry?

Expertise, attitude, and the ability to influence and build interpersonal relationships are key qualities. A mix of hard and soft skills are also important to have.

How have you fostered a closer collaboration between the legal department and your business counterparts?

Without closer collaboration between legal department and business counterparts, it is not possible to implement projects or achieve relevant results or targets for the company. The legal department is no longer a mere supporting area; it is a core area. Business counterparts and the company itself – embodied in its management – are gradually realizing that.

However, the first person who has to be business-driven (without, of course, putting aside their fundamental duties) is the head of legal, as the team will follow the example and the mindset of the leader. I do believe that successful general counsel understand their crucial role within the company in promoting and developing business in a sustainable fashion.

My answer to the question on how I have fostered a closer collaboration between legal and business is simple; by making myself available, showing interest, listening to the business’ needs and concerns, understanding their universe, raising awareness among them regarding legal and compliance issues and building joint solutions that will be supported by the business and operational teams.

Do you have a cause, business-related or otherwise, that you are passionate about?

I do not have a specific cause, but I am totally attached to the concept of justice, and in different situations and contexts I see myself fighting for that. My “cause” is my family and my loved ones.