Team size: 50 in Beijing and 1200 distributed in domestic and overseas subsidiaries

How do you approach managing legal aspects during periods of instability or crises to ensure the organisation’s resilience?

Managing legal aspects during periods of instability or crises requires a strategic, high-level approach that considers global political, economic, and regulatory shifts. At Sinopec, we adopt the following strategy. We continuously monitor international political and economic trends, such as geopolitical tensions and trade policies, that could impact our operations. This enables us to anticipate potential disruptions and prepare strategic responses. As international regulations evolve, particularly around environmental standards and trade controls, we proactively adjust our compliance frameworks to ensure all business units, both domestic and international, align with new requirements.

We foster strong relationships with government bodies, regulatory agencies, and key industry players to maintain open channels of communication, which allows us to manage risks and receive timely support during crises. We establish specialised legal and compliance crisis teams that are activated during periods of instability, ensuring swift and coordinated actions to protect our interests globally. We conduct scenario analyses and develop contingency plans for various crisis situations, such as supply chain disruptions or political sanctions, ensuring that Sinopec remains resilient and agile in response to changing global dynamics.

What are the main projects that you have been involved in recently?

Recently, I have been heavily involved in projects that align with Sinopec’s strategic plan to expand and optimise its international business. A key focus has been managing and integrating our overseas subsidiaries to ensure they operate in compliance with both local regulations and Sinopec’s global standards. This includes overseeing mergers and acquisitions in strategic markets and implementing corporate governance structures that enhance operational efficiency and legal compliance. Additionally, I am working on projects that reinforce our global supply chain’s resilience, ensuring that Sinopec remains competitive in the face of international trade and regulatory challenges. These initiatives are essential for supporting Sinopec’s vision of becoming a leading global energy and chemical company while adhering to our strategic priorities.

What are some of the main trends impacting the industry sector you work in in China?

The energy sector in China faces several key trends. Firstly, there is a significant shift toward green and sustainable energy sources, driven by national policies such as the “carbon peak and neutrality” goals. Secondly, the industry is experiencing tighter regulations and environmental standards, especially concerning emissions and resource usage, requiring companies like Sinopec to adapt swiftly. Lastly, the fluctuating global oil market and geopolitical factors create additional challenges for legal and compliance teams. To navigate these trends, we continuously refine our compliance programs and work closely with regulatory authorities to anticipate and address legal risks promptly.

How do you build relationships with other teams in the company?

Given Sinopec’s extensive scale and complex organisational structure, which includes multiple business units and subsidiaries operating both domestically and internationally, building effective relationships across teams poses significant challenges. To address these, I have implemented several management improvements and innovations. I’ve established a cross-departmental collaboration platform that facilitates open communication between the legal team and other business units, ensuring alignment on compliance and strategic initiatives. I also introduced a rotational program where legal team members temporarily join other departments to understand their operations better, enhancing mutual understanding and cooperation. Furthermore, I have organised regular workshops and training sessions tailored to each business unit’s needs, which not only build legal awareness but also strengthen relationships by positioning the legal team as a proactive partner in achieving Sinopec’s business objectives.