How do you approach managing legal aspects during periods of instability or crises, and how does your legal strategy align with the broader business strategy to ensure the organization’s resilience? 

The role of legal counsel during periods of internal crisis is highly demanding, as it involves supporting the organisation through tough decisions that often affect both your team and other areas of the company. It is crucial to anticipate such scenarios and establish a legal strategy during calmer periods. This proactive approach ensures that the strategy is well-reasoned and involves input from all relevant stakeholders.

As General Counsel, a deep understanding of the company’s business and industry risks is essential. This knowledge allows for more effective collaboration in designing the company’s operational risk matrix and developing action plans and mitigation measures for adverse scenarios.

Furthermore, I emphasise strengthening the company’s corporate governance to ensure it is well-prepared to lead during crises. This involves providing clear tools and timely information for decision-making while fulfilling fiduciary duties. My approach includes coordinating with other departments to fully grasp the nature and scope of the issues, explore potential solutions, and evaluate associated risks.

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? 

Our organisation and its affiliated group of companies are dedicated to the sustainable development of both people and the environments in which we operate. To support this commitment, it is crucial not only to have a widely communicated and integrated sustainability policy but also to ensure that all other protocols, policies, and internal regulations consistently align with our corporate values and sustainability principles. As General Counsel, a key aspect of my role is to maintain this alignment and ensure that our strategic business vision and corporate governance decisions adhere to these established policies and values. This involves identifying and addressing any deviations from this framework to ensure that our daily operations embody our commitment to comprehensive sustainability, which is a hallmark of our organization and its approach.

What emerging technologies do you see as having the most significant impact on the legal profession in the near future, and how do you stay updated on these developments? 

AI is a transformative force that is here to stay, and professionals in this field must stay abreast of this evolution. We need to remain continuously informed about the latest advancements, tools, and potential risks associated with AI. This involves regularly reviewing news, scholarly papers, and books on the topic, attending seminars, and keeping track of comparative experiences. While the implementation of AI tools can significantly enhance work efficiency and transparency in resource management and associated costs, it also presents challenges related to confidentiality, cybersecurity, and personnel management, which are crucial aspects of any organisation.