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? 

During periods of instability or crises, managing legal aspects requires a proactive and adaptive approach. The key is to anticipate potential risks and establish robust contingency plans. At Colombina S.A., our legal strategy is tightly aligned with the broader business strategy to ensure resilience.  

We focus on continuously assess and monitor potential legal risks, particularly those related to regulatory changes, supply chain disruptions, and contractual obligations. This is often conducted through industry associations such as the Asociación Nacional de Empresarios de Colombia (ANDI), which provides valuable insights and collaborative opportunities for addressing common challenges. Also, we maintain clear and constant communication with all stakeholders, including regulatory bodies, suppliers, customers, and employees, to ensure alignment and transparency. Finally, we incorporate flexible clauses in contracts to account for unforeseen circumstances, allowing for renegotiation or termination if necessary. By aligning our legal strategy with the broader business strategy, we ensure that legal considerations are integrated into all major business decisions, promoting organisational resilience and agility. 

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

Recently, I have been involved in several significant cases and transactions at Colombina S.A., including:  

Mergers and Acquisitions: Over the past year, I have supported the senior management team in potential mergers and acquisitions. Although none have been finalisd, these processes have been under my full support and knowledge, involving extensive due diligence, negotiation of terms, and strategic planning.  

Regulatory Compliance: Currently, I provide cross-functional advisory to the company on compliance with environmental matters, particularly regarding the single-use plastics law, regulatory issues concerning changes in packaging labels, and the development of the environmental legal matrix for our production plants and agencies across Colombia.  

Intellectual Property: I manage a digital and updated database of over 3,000 trademark registrations worldwide. In the past year, we have successfully executed five coexistence agreements, ensuring the protection and strategic use of our intellectual property assets.  

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? 

Colombina S.A. has taken significant measures to embed sustainability practices into our core business operations. As the General Counsel, my role is crucial in driving and ensuring these sustainable practices through the following initiatives:  

Sustainable Supply Chain: We have implemented strict sustainability criteria for our suppliers, ensuring they adhere to environmental and social standards. This includes regular audits and compliance checks.  

Green Contracts: Drafting and enforcing contracts that include sustainability clauses, encouraging our partners to adopt eco-friendly practices.  

Legal Compliance: Ensuring compliance with environmental laws and regulations, and advocating for best practices that go beyond mere compliance.  

Stakeholder Engagement: Engaging with stakeholders, including investors, customers, and regulators, to promote transparency and accountability in our sustainability efforts.  

Colombina S.A. participates annually in the S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment. For the past year, we were recognised as the 7th most sustainable food company in the world. 

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 poised to significantly impact the legal profession. The most notable include:   

Artificial intelligence is revolutionising legal research, contract analysis, and predictive analytics, making legal processes more efficient and accurate.  

Blockchain technology is enhancing the security and transparency of transactions, particularly in areas like intellectual property and supply chain management.  

The proliferation of legal tech platforms is streamlining case management, e-discovery, and compliance processes. I am currently the designated person at Colombina for implementing a legal design tool for the development, management, processing, and archiving of all company contracts.  

To stay updated on these developments, I prioritise continuous learning through professional courses, attending legal tech conferences, and subscribing to industry publications. This proactive approach ensures that our legal department remains at the forefront of technological advancements, driving innovation within Colombina.