Team size: Five

What are the most significant cases or transactions that your legal team has recently been involved in?

With sustainability at the core of Holcim´s strategy, we are becoming a net zero company, with our people and communities at the heart of its success. I feel grateful and privileged to be part of such an amazing company that is leaving a remarkable mark. Holcim has been an active participant in the Green Bonus scheme, which is introduced by the government to encourage environmentally friendly policies in the corporate organisations. Given that Holcim is a Swiss company, we have high standards in our green policy. We have obtained a range of ESG certificates provided in the country whilst receiving many prestigious green awards.

The company is committed to using renewable energy and sustainable materials as much as possible. For instance, Geocycle, an industrial waste management solutions company part of Holcim´s Group co-processes industrial waste to be used as alternative fuels. Geocycle’s goal is to co-process 400,000 tons of waste from various industries by 2025. With Geocycle, we are working on outstanding projects as part of our goal to make Ecuador a waste-zero country. One of the most exciting parts of the projects takes place in one of my favourite sites in the world: The Galapagos.

In line with Holcim´s strategy, accelerating growth to become the Global Leader in Innovative & Sustainable Building Solutions, I have been leading together with other strategic business partners legal-based Merger & Acquisition projects in the Latin America region and I am also the sponsor of the M&A track in Ecuador. These projects look forward to growing, diversifying and generating competitive advantage by offering a broad range of innovated building solutions. Creating synergy by expanding income and capabilities region-wise is one of our core objectives. From a legal and business lens, this means keeping the business’ growth objectives in mind while detecting and responsibly managing legal and regulatory risks related to any merger or acquisition.

In addition, I have had the opportunity to participate in international arbitrations, which has allowed me to gain knowledge and ability to evaluate evidence and make effective decisions.

Currently, I am assessing eight companies within the Holcim Ecuador group.

How important is choosing to work with external lawyers who align with your company’s values? Are you likely to reconsider what firms you work with based on this?

We are committed to millions of customers around the world, as well as to our suppliers and colleagues from the different offices and operations teams. Doing things, right is a prerequisite for the continued success and sustainability of our company. Both our reputation and license to continue to operate require that we conduct ourselves with integrity and excellence in everything we do and that makes me proud of working here. Tone at the top is what instils the organisation with a culture of integrity.

Why are in-house lawyers well-placed to drive change in their organisations?

In-house counsels play a decisive role as strategic business partners of an organisation. The ability to make intelligent risk decisions and adapt as needed requires a deep understanding of a business and its needs. As a business partner, it is important to properly analyse risk factors, suggest preventive actions and react when we face unforeseen events or circumstances.

We are working towards the same purpose. At the core of every action of any our departments is the mission and drive to maintain integrity and advance sustainable business practices.

What diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives have you and your legal department been championing within your company’s endeavours?

The process of finding your purpose and living it with passionate is one of the most important development tasks you have as a leader. As Mark Twain said: “The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why”.

At Holcim the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are a key pillar for the achievement of our vision and corporate strategy. Promoting an inclusive culture for all is a priority and we strive to highlight the best version of our employees regardless of their age, nationality or gender.

We are very proud to have our first female CEO, who is leaving her footprint on our 102- year history. Currently we are 64% female talent in Holcim Ecuador´s leadership team. The increasing percentage of women at Holcim Ecuador is no accident, “People and Community” is one of Holcim’s four company values – pillars encompassing everything from environmental stewardship to protecting employees.

Through the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee (DEI), where I am an active member, we confirm our commitment to gender equity, with the ambition of reaching 20% of women in our workforce by 2025. To achieve this, we focus on three pillars: Attract, develop women in strategic roles and strengthen the value proposition as an employer and a culture of respect.

The most relevant achievements that have emerged are: 1) our alliance with United Nations Women; 2) Launching our first Plant, Loma Alta, with 50% female talent; and 3) Launching our Women on Wheels Program, the Heavy Equipment Driving School 100 % Women. Through this program, we have been able to grant scholarships to 50 women for their training and obtaining a type G and E License to contribute to their labour insertion and promote the inclusion of women in non-traditional roles due to their gender.

Each of Holcim’s pillars revolve around sustainability and are imperative for the company’s continued success. It is inspiring, and I love working with a company where I can make a positive impact on the future of young leaders and of the ecosystem.