General counsel | Enel Generación Chile
Natalia Fernández
General counsel | Enel Generación Chile
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 organisation’s resilience?
In periods of instability and crises, legal support should focus on upholding the company’s core values by adopting a careful and respectful approach to regulations, while also being innovative and resilient to change. Maintaining high ethical standards and safeguarding the company’s assets are paramount. It is crucial for the legal department to align with the company’s business strategy by anticipating potential legal issues and addressing them proactively.
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?
The company has committed to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, which guide and influence our activities. The role of the legal advisor is crucial in ensuring the proper implementation and achievement of these objectives. Their work involves supporting various areas of the company that impact the communities, environment, and general surroundings where the company operates. By utilising both innovative and traditional legal instruments, the legal advisor must provide the necessary support to ensure that all sustainability-related activities are conducted appropriately. This includes respecting the communities, environment, and surroundings involved, while also safeguarding and protecting the company’s assets. There are numerous examples of how, through legal instruments such as agreements, contracts, authorisations and others, the company is consolidating its sustainability policy. All of this is reported to the company’s Board of Directors on a regular basis.
In your opinion, what are the main trends that are salient in your country currently (these can be legal, political, economy or business-based)?
Recently, in the legal sphere, there has been a noticeable shift towards judicial decisions that are more balanced in legal terms and less influenced by public opinion. Courts have increasingly issued favorable rulings that recognize and protect fundamental rights, such as property rights, which have been heavily scrutinized in recent history. Additionally, there has been a significant emphasis on combating corruption and upholding ethical conduct within companies and among their employees. This focus on integrity and high ethical standards is essential for the kind of corporate environment our country needs.
General counsel | Enel Generación Chile