Team size: Seven

Which recent political, economic, or regulatory changes have impacted the company and the team the most?

We are experiencing times of enormous social and economic volatility – times of uncertainty and concerns have necessarily an impact on all our daily lives. We must be able to identify those challenges and find solutions in co-operation with stakeholders, building networks of trust and living up to the principle that sharing is caring. Pandemic, inflation, and war are all extraordinary circumstances, difficult to foresee. The push for the economic recovery has been incredibly challenging given the exceptional environment, and the ongoing war in Ukraine makes commercial relationships even more sophisticated and complex. The geopolitical position of the EU and the sophistication of the markets results in always more regulation and legislation, most of which have a significant impact on our business, where the need for a permanent update and a timely response is the basis. Additionally, the volatile and extreme circumstances result in a potential increase in litigation, given the sophistication of market players and an aggressive approach to claims.

What are the biggest risks facing your industry and how are you preparing your team and company for this?

The core priorities of corporate law departments remain unchanged – we must drive positive and transformative change, retaining, boosting, and developing talent. The main pillars of companies are people and trust – new capabilities include deep business knowledge and specialisation. Diversity and inclusion represent the key features that enable growth. We must strive and pursue the optimisation of teams, building new capabilities to provide support in a continually changing and volatile environment. Identification of risks is crucial to allow the boosting of our activities and prevent disruptions. Lastly, automation and digitalisation concern developing and implementing specific legal management systems to provide data intelligence to the business.

How has the increasing consciousness of climate change and sustainability affected the company and the team’s priorities?

Mentioning our CEO’s words – “Cepsa is determined to accelerate our journey to become a leading company in renewable energy solutions and enhance Europe’s energy independence.” Through a trustworthy relationship with the business, based on solidarity and mutual respect, it is our purpose as in-house legal teams and part of the business to create and provide legal solutions that are technically accurate, tailored to the specific needs of the company, and thus creating value to the organisation and its people.