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, effective management of legal aspects requires a strategic and proactive approach. It is essential to ensure that the legal team remains responsive to new challenges and opportunities. This involves integrating legal considerations into the overall business resilience plan and aligning the legal strategy with the broader business strategy by focusing on several key areas. First, it is crucial to embed proactive legal input into decision-making processes, ensuring that legal perspectives are thoroughly considered in key business decisions, particularly those related to risk management, scenario planning, and crisis response. Second, fostering a collaborative mindset is vital by creating a trusting environment that encourages synergies and continuous communication between legal and business functions. Third, it is important to encourage the legal team’s agility and flexibility, participating in regular reviews and updates of the crisis management plan to swiftly adapt to rapidly changing circumstances.

In navigating a crisis, it is essential to process available information swiftly, determine priorities decisively, adapt boldly, and ensure reliable delivery. This approach allows the team to stay ahead of changing circumstances and effectively manage the challenges posed by the crisis.

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?

Novo Nordisk has demonstrated a firm commitment to integrating sustainability into its core business operations, reflecting a dedicated approach to addressing environmental, social, and governance (ESG) considerations. Our Circular for Zero Strategy embodies this commitment by aiming to achieve zero environmental impact by 2030 through proactive environmental sustainability measures. The role of the country Legal & Compliance Head in driving and ensuring sustainable practices within the company involves several key contributions across main pillars. The country Legal & Compliance Head plays a crucial role in ensuring the company’s operations adhere to legal and ethical sustainability standards, overseeing compliance with environmental, labour, and sustainability-related regulations. The country Legal & Compliance Head collaborates closely with business teams to identify and mitigate legal and regulatory risks linked to sustainability practices, including those related to environmental initiatives, supply chain sustainability, and corporate governance.

The country Legal & Compliance Head contributes to developing and implementing policies that promote sustainable business practices, ensuring both legal and ethical compliance. Furthermore, the country Legal & Compliance Head works with business teams to integrate sustainability into contracts, supplier agreements, and due diligence processes, fostering sustainable business relationships. The country Legal & Compliance Head also engages with external stakeholders, including regulators, industry groups, and NGOs, to advocate for sustainable business practices and stay updated on evolving legal and regulatory expectations in sustainability. By actively engaging in these areas, the country Legal & Compliance Head helps drive and ensure sustainable practices within the company while aligning legal considerations with the broader sustainability goals of Novo Nordisk.