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?

In a period of constant instability and global crises, managing legal aspects effectively is critical for any organisation’s resilience. As Director in the Legal Department at HPE, my approach centres on a proactive, adaptive, and integrative legal strategy that aligns with our broader business goals.

Proactive risk management is a key component of this approach. We conduct thorough risk assessments to identify potential legal issues that may arise during a crisis, such as contractual obligations, regulatory compliance, and potential litigation risks. We develop mitigation strategies and engage in scenario planning to anticipate various crisis situations and their potential legal implications. This allows us to create contingency plans and response protocols that can be swiftly implemented when a crisis occurs.

Our legal policies and procedures are designed to be flexible and adaptive. We ensure that these policies are reviewed and adjusted to address new challenges, maintaining their relevance and effectiveness. This might involve updating data protection measures during a cybersecurity incident or revising employment policies during a health crisis. We stay informed about any changes in laws or regulations that may impact our operations, ensuring that we can quickly adapt to new legal requirements and avoid compliance issues.

In the Legal Department, we are closely aligned with the broader business strategy to support the organisation’s overall objectives. We collaborate with the business and other functions to ensure that our legal actions support the company’s strategic goals. Effective communication is crucial; we establish clear lines of communication with the executive team and other key stakeholders to provide timely legal advice and updates. This coordination helps ensure that all legal actions are aligned with the company’s broader crisis response efforts.

Our approach to managing legal aspects during periods of instability or crises ensures that our organisation remains resilient, compliant, and well-positioned to navigate through crises effectively.

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?

Our company leads with its HPE Living Progress programmes. We have taken significant measures to embed sustainability practices into our core business operations and, equally importantly, to help customers and partners improve their own sustainability efforts.

The HPE Chief Sustainability Officer is responsible for the HPE Living Progress programme report, which is made publicly available every year. Sustainability is a fundamental part of our business strategy. We have established clear sustainability goals, such as reducing carbon emissions, enhancing energy efficiency, and promoting responsible sourcing. These goals are integrated into our operational processes and decision-making frameworks, ensuring compliance with environmental regulations and standards. HPE offers sustainable solutions that provide users with reporting regarding their achievement of sustainability goals. As an Associate General Counsel responsible for WW Channels & Partner Ecosystem, I support my clients in creating programmes to incentivise and facilitate the transition of our partners to greener practices. HPE’s partner ecosystem is the widest and best channel in the IT world, and its impact can make a significant difference.