Team size: Three 

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

Natura & Co is the corporate group to which Avon belongs. The company has been recognized for once again obtaining B Corporation certification, highlighting its commitment to global sustainable development. Likewise, the products sold by the company are approved by the Leaping Bunny Program, a global initiative that sets cruelty-free standards that go beyond legal requirements. Furthermore, the company’s business is guided by pillars such as Fair Trade, building relationships and trust in communities, and protecting biodiversity.   

A GC contributes to the company by aligning legal, ethical, and business considerations to create long-term value while supporting the company’s commitment to a sustainable future.  The GC plays a strategic role in embedding sustainability into the company’s operations. Their involvement in ensuring legal compliance, advising on corporate governance, protecting intellectual property, and managing risk allows them to drive meaningful and lasting sustainable practices that benefit the company and society.  

How do you prioritise diversity and inclusion within your legal department, and what initiatives have you implemented to foster a more inclusive and equitable work environment?  

Diversity and inclusion are core to the values of our legal department. We prioritize diversity by ensuring inclusive recruitment practices and building a diverse talent pipeline. We actively recruit from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences, making sure that our team reflects the diversity of our global business. We also aim to promote our members of the team and provide them with growth opportunities. For me, creating an inclusive work culture is a key focus, and we’ve implemented policies that promote flexibility and respect for all team members. We regularly collect feedback and hold ourselves accountable for making tangible progress in diversity and inclusion efforts. 

In addition to internal initiatives, we work closely with diverse law firms and external organizations to promote equity across the legal industry. 

Finally, from the legal department, we promote engagements with labor authorities to participate in programs for hiring people with disabilities, thereby providing employment opportunities to more individuals.