Team size: eight

What are the most significant cases or transactions you and your team have been involved in?

Over the past 16 years, as a legal director, I have been involved in a range of transactions including but not limited to the launch of new products and services and expansion to the new and more challenging markets. FIFCO has demonstrated a significant growth and our legal team undertook a key role not only as a legal advisor but also a business partner. With the company’s expansion to the US and Mexico markets, FIFCO legal became a key business partner. Having completed the acquisition of North American Breweries and Industrias Alimenticias Kern’s, we also distributed new wines and spirits brands for commercialisation purposes.

What do you think are the biggest risks facing your industry now and how are you preparing your team and organization to deal with them?

The global pandemic directly impacted the industry which we operate in, allowing us to learn a set of remarkably valuable lessons to consider. First, it helped us improve the capacity of the company as well as our team; we proved ourselves to be resilient under tough circumstances while constantly adapting to fast-changing environments. Second, transforming our way of working by incorporating technology into our processes, we worked on protecting consumer and shareholder rights and data privacy. Remote working opened the doors for not only opportunities but also risks in virtual realities: geopolitical risks, supply chain fragility, changing consumer preferences from in-store buying to online retail, and excessive or lack of regulation to address a more digitally operational environment. Last, we expanded our understanding on major legal trends whilst improving customisation, cost-efficiency, and agility.

Even in the best-case scenario, COVID is likely to have far-reaching ramifications. How are you safeguarding the long-term health of the business?

Sustainability is key in all areas of our business. Sustainability comes from making a right balance of financial, social, and environmental issues. Geopolitical dynamics, climate change, or internal disruptions within our local market can severely impact our industry. Pushing towards the compliance of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) standards, we encompass strategy development, risk management, and impact assessment. In addition, voluntary disclosure and regulatory optimisation can help navigate complex risks and develop strategic opportunities for the present and the future. The Consumer-Packaged Goods (CPG) industry has always been dynamic; therefore, I believe that our flexibility and adaptability will continue to safeguard our business.