Team size: Over 30 

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?  

We built a proprietary IT tool for the management and monitoring of the corporate governance of all the group subsidiaries (almost 1000 companies located across the globe). The IT tool allows us to centrally monitor evolutions in the various boards and allow legal teams across the group to access corporate information of the various entities in real time.   

Can you foresee any key developments to the way general counsel work over the next five years? 

Over the next five years, general counsel roles are likely to experience significant transformations due to technological, economic, and legal factors. Several key developments are foreseeable. 

Companies will increasingly adopt legal tech solutions like AI-powered contract analysis, e-discovery tools, and virtual collaboration platforms to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and streamline processes of legal teams. On the litigation front, legal teams will leverage data analytics and project management techniques to enhance litigation management, optimise case outcomes, and control costs. 

General counsel will be involved in integrating ESG principles into corporate strategies, ensuring compliance with sustainability regulations, and monitoring legal developments related to the ESG matters.  

General counsel will need to stay vigilant about evolving regulatory frameworks, especially in continuously evolving areas like data privacy, antitrust, and environmental regulations, to provide timely and accurate advice to their organisations.  

The trend of remote work will continue, presenting legal challenges related to employment laws, tax implications, and cross-border data transfers, necessitating agile and adaptable legal solutions. Apart from that it also poses organisational challenges in terms of everyday operation, team spirit and service quality. 

General counsel will be instrumental in implementing DEI initiatives within their organisations, promoting inclusive practices, and mitigating potential legal risks associated with discrimination.  

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

The Italian insurance industry is impacted by several trends which are reshaping preconceptions about the insurance market. Several of those trends are transformative elements that are addressed in the Generali Group strategy, Lifetime Partner 24.  

The insurance industry is undergoing a digital transformation, with companies embracing advanced technologies like artificial intelligence, big data analytics, and blockchain to streamline operations, enhance customer experience, and improve risk assessment. Additionally, insurtech startups disrupting the traditional insurance landscape with innovative products and services, such as peer-to-peer insurance and on-demand coverage, are challenging established insurers to adapt and remain competitive.  

Customer expectations are evolving, and insurance companies are emphasising personalised offerings, quick claim processing, and easy-to-use digital platforms to effectively cater to clients’ needs.  

The insurance sector in Italy faces evolving regulatory requirements, both domestically and at EU level. Staying compliant with changes in legislation is crucial for insurers to increase trust with customers. In this context players like Generali are actively engaging with regulators, shaping insurance policies and frameworks that promote innovation while maintaining consumer protection and market stability. Similarly Italian insurance companies are increasingly incorporating ESG criteria into their operations. Emphasising sustainability and responsible investing helps align insurance products with customers’ values.