Team size: Nine 

Could you share an example of a time when you came up with an innovation that improved how your legal team works and did not come at a large expense? 

Over the past five years, the legal department has undertaken a major digitisation process by implementing several tools, some of which use AI, aimed at simplifying and speeding up all internal processes. The purpose of the aforementioned digitisation strategy is to ensure a high level of compliance with both the law and internal policies and procedures. The tools implemented are used to streamline contractual procedures, to manage and classify a large number of documents and, with reference to GDPR, to quickly conduct DPIAs or other privacy-related assessments. In this way, the legal department can ensure a high level of compliance by implementing tools that do not have a great economic impact on the company and that are considered extremely useful across all company departments.
 

What are some of the main trends impacting the industry sector you work in in Italy? 

The main trends impacting my industry sector predominantly stem from new generation products. Presently, these products lack a well-structured legal framework. The main challenge faced by the legal department and the general counsel is to establish an ad hoc regulatory system to govern this continuously expanding sector, placing special focus on social media strategies. This project is notably ambitious, requiring close collaboration between the company’s legal department, the regulatory, and various local authorities.
 

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 legal division plays a key role in advancing Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) goals, achieved through continuous collaboration with other corporate units. Regarding ESG matters, primary stakeholders include the heads of HR and HSE departments, as well as the Procurement department, which holds the responsibility of supplier selection. In addition to meeting standard requirements like competence, creative problem-solving, efficiency, and availability, the legal department is integral in establishing criteria for the choice of professionals who collaborate with the company. From the perspective of sustainability, it is imperative that external suppliers possess competence or at the very least a focus on ESG matters and overall compliance.