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?  

At Yara Legal Latam, we emphasise the importance of being strategic business partners. This involves adapting to change and actively listening to the ever-evolving needs of the business, similar to the dynamic market we serve. Providing abstract legal advice without engaging with the actual needs of our internal and external clients is ineffective. We challenge ourselves to be creative and take legally acceptable risks to ensure business continuity. Otherwise, we risk being sidelined. Our legal strategy aligns with the broader business strategy by integrating legal considerations into business planning and decision-making processes, ensuring that our actions contribute to the resilience and sustainability of the organisation. 

What are the main cases or transactions you have been involved in recently?  

As the director of legal for Latam at Yara, I have been engaged in several key cases and transactions that illustrate our strategic approach to legal challenges, our commitment to sustainability, business continuity, and compliance. Below are some of the most significant ones from the past year: 

In the area of Business Continuity Amid Diverse Challenges: Navigating the unique business challenges presented by different countries in Latin America has been a significant focus. Each jurisdiction presents distinct economic, political, and legal realities. Our legal strategy has involved developing tailored solutions to ensure business continuity, such as adapting compliance measures to meet local regulations and addressing country-specific risks. This approach has been critical in maintaining steady operations across the region. 

Concerning the Sustainable Procurement Initiative: I led a collaboration between our legal and procurement departments to develop the Sustainable Procurement Program. This initiative embeds sustainability into our procurement processes, ensuring purchases from suppliers with strong sustainability practices. The program includes tools and processes to assess and monitor supplier performance. Our legal team played a key role in drafting guidelines, ensuring compliance with environmental regulations, and promoting transparency and accountability in our supply chain. 

In regards to the Competition Compliance Programme: To enhance our compliance framework, I oversaw the implementation of a comprehensive competition compliance program. This program aims to ensure that all business practices adhere to competition laws and regulations, preventing anti-competitive behavior. It includes regular training sessions for employees, the establishment of clear reporting mechanisms, and continuous monitoring of compliance activities. This proactive approach helps mitigate legal risks and fosters a culture of ethical business conduct. 

As for the expansion of the NPK Plant in Cartagena: I have been deeply involved in the legal aspects of expanding our NPK plant in Cartagena. This project aims to increase production capacity to meet growing market demand. My role included securing necessary permits, contracts, and ensuring compliance with local environmental and labor regulations. This expansion is critical for enhancing Yara’s production capabilities and supporting our long-term growth strategy in Latin America. 

Regarding our environmental footprint reduction in Cartagena: I led the legal team in a project focused on replacing equipment at our Cartagena plant to significantly reduce CO2 emissions in the production process. This initiative involved implementing advanced technologies and practices to minimise emissions and waste. Our legal team ensured compliance with stringent environmental regulations and facilitated partnerships with local and international environmental organisations. This project aligns with Yara’s commitment to sustainability and demonstrates our proactive approach to environmental stewardship. 

And when it comes to the transformation of the legal team: A significant achievement has been the transformation of our legal team, both in mindset and technological development. We have embraced a culture of continuous improvement and innovation, encouraging team members to think strategically and proactively address legal challenges. We have also adopted cutting-edge legal technologies, such as AI-driven contract analysis and digital collaboration tools, to enhance efficiency and accuracy in our legal processes. This transformation has empowered our team to deliver higher value to the business and stay ahead of industry trends. 

These cases and transactions underscore our legal team’s strategic role in supporting Yara’s business objectives and ensuring that our operations are sustainable, compliant, and resilient. Our proactive and collaborative approach enables us to navigate complex legal landscapes and drive positive outcomes for the organisation. 

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?  

Yara has undertaken numerous initiatives to embed sustainability into its core operations. A notable example is a collaborative project between the legal and procurement departments aimed at achieving climate neutrality by 2050. To offer sustainable product solutions, we need a sustainable supply chain. This led to the creation of the Sustainable Procurement Program, a framework of processes and tools to ensure sustainable procurement practices are embedded in daily operations. The program promotes the purchase of sustainable goods and services from suppliers with strong sustainability performance, fostering long-term relationships aligned with Yara’s values. As Legal Director, I contribute by ensuring legal compliance and supporting initiatives that drive sustainability across the organisation. 

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?  

Emerging technologies are significantly transforming the legal profession. Key technologies include artificial intelligence (AI) for predictive analysis and task automation, and blockchain for contract management and transparency enhancement. Legal tech products, cloud-based platforms, and AI-based solutions provide tools that free up time and resources, allowing legal professionals to focus on broader business issues. 

To stay updated, I: follow industry publications and reports offering insights into in-house law departments and emerging issues; attend alignment meetings and legal department events discussing digital strategies and technology adoption; engage with legal tech buyer’s guides covering technology for contract drafting, legal research, and e-discovery; participate in professional networks and associations supporting legal professionals; monitor consumer-facing legal technology companies refining the advice provided by in-house legal departments; and integrating these technologies as part of a broader strategy enhances efficiency, accuracy, and client-centered approaches in legal practice. 

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?  

Yara has made significant efforts to establish Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) programs. As a sponsor of the D&I Program at Yara, I encourage my team to participate proactively in D&I activities. Our legal team is diverse, comprising seven lawyers of different genders, countries, cultures, and religions, each bringing unique perspectives and goals. By showing mutual respect and providing equal opportunities, we enrich our team’s dynamic. Leading a diverse team across different countries with varied traditions enhances our efficiency and fosters a more inclusive work environment.