Team size: 22
Major legal advisers: Bonelli Erede (Italy), CMS (Italy, Germany, North Europe), Bird & Bird (Europe), Skadden Arps (USA), Houtohoff (Netherlands), Offit-Kurnam (USA), Zhong-Lun (China), Fox-Mandal (India)
 

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 have implemented a contract management digitisation system as well as a worldwide legal “intranet” with over 150 standards in 16 jurisdictions. We have also created a “single team” mindset with external law firms by sharing our objectives and project management with them when needed.
 

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

I foresee general counsel having improved knowledge of new contracts related to data, artificial intelligence, and innovative software applications. General counsel will also need to be prepared to face the new business models and the related risk management as clients seek more comprehensive legal services. Finally, general counsel will need to develop teams, who possess both high levels of competence and soft skills, that can transform the legal role further into a role encompassing strategy, negotiation, and board influence.
 

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

There has been an increasing number of in-house that possess larger responsibilities.
 

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? 

We have a full range of measures in place, which are aligned with the legal requirements in Italy, to create a Non-Financial Report. We are investing our resources into innovation to achieve our zero-emission target.
 

How would you assess the impact of new technologies on the legal landscape in Italy, and what measures would you propose to leverage these technologies while ensuring compliance with relevant laws and regulations? 

I would advise integrating Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) into the legal team, as well as working closely with the research and development (R&D) department. Finally, I would advise establishing a dedicated “legal innovation and digitalisation” practice within the legal department.
 

How do you prioritise diversity and inclusion within your legal department, and what initiatives have you implemented to foster a more inclusive and equitable work environment? 

Diversity and inclusion are a must. Our legal team is spread all around the world, and we are working hard to promote and establish gender diversity across our departments.
 

How do you stay updated on the evolving regulatory landscape in Italy and ensure compliance with domestic laws, EU regulations, and industry-specific regulations? 

We are using all available channels to gather information, including associations where we are members, special reports from law firms, newsletters from law firms, and even official government websites.
 

What is a cause, business-related or otherwise, you are passionate about, and why? 

I am passionate about mergers and acquisitions (M&A) as they offer the opportunity to bring together legal, strategy, business, and negotiation skills. This collaboration supports the global development of the company.
 

What steps do you take to ensure effective communication and collaboration with external counsel and other stakeholders during the dispute resolution process? 

As discussed earlier, we have implemented a “single team” approach, where we all work together on project management, as well as celebrating successes, and giving recognition.