Team size: Five

What has been the number one challenge that has impacted you over the past year?

Over the last year, 3M has been in a process of continual transformation and reconfiguration of its business models. This has required its internal counsels to take more than ever a direct involvement in day-to-day management and to participate in the strategic direction of major matters. Within this context, personally my main challenge, but also a great reward, has been to assume different roles jointly, from serving as general counsel for a geographic area, to also serve as business counsel for a business group with very specialised and regulated divisions, hence requiring specialist knowledge, skills and know-how, as well.

In which ways have you attempted to bring the legal department closer to your business colleagues?

As general counsel in Central America and the Caribbean and business counsel in Latin America, I am a core member of the leadership team, participating in discussion and debate with business colleagues beyond legal issues. This brings me and my team close to the business, so we not only provide opinions on overall risk management, but also discuss opportunities and assess the direction moving forward on a myriad of different subjects.

What are some of the most significant cases and transactions you have been involved in recently?

There have been several cases with both a private and public facet that have necessitated the navigation of the rough waters of policy, law, regulation, and even public scrutiny. These cases have required direct relationship with key actors in both the public and private spheres and addressing, as well as assessing, cases and their direction beyond the internal corporate perspective.