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 periods of instability or crisis, an agile and flexible approach is required to manage legal aspects proactively, identifying potential risks and performing legal audits in the most sensitive areas of compliance. It is essential to ensure that the legal department and internal clients are aligned on business goals to achieve success. During the past year, we have invested significantly in programs to enhance the legal department’s business acumen. Additionally, we have adopted an effective risk-based approach to implementing new legislation and compliance requirements in the transport and logistics sectors. 

What are the main cases or transactions that you have been involved in recently?  

I have been engaged in a pivotal project aimed at reviewing our transport network operability to align it with the evolving demand for transportation services, the advent of AI technology, and the recent surge of compliance requirements that affected the transport and logistics market. Furthermore, I was honored to take part in the leading FedEx executive training program called EXCEL. I w had the opportunity to travel internationally to visit leading US and Indian companies in various sectors, including AI-based data analytics, robotics, drones, and numerous other technologies that will significantly impact the transportation industry in the coming years. Twenty-five top-level directors from around the globe were selected to participate in the training program, and I was the sole legal director to attend. 

How have you integrated technology into your legal processes, and what impact has this had on efficiency and compliance?  

We have incorporated technology into our legal processes using various tools, including document management systems (DMS) and e-discovery tools. Our document management system (DMS) automates document filing and retrieval, enhancing efficiency and ensuring access to current information. For example, we use the DMS to produce standard contracts based in pre-approved templates for the most common and standard purchase or sale of services on massive scale. To further reduce the workload on transactional activities we recently updated our e-signature software, obtaining faster and easier document signing. As next step we are now in the process of introducing AI based tools, to provide faster support for our internal clients on basic repetitive questions. Eventually, as global transport providers we operate in a heavily regulated industry. To gain efficiency, we introduced compliance management systems to ensure that we are always up to date with the latest regulatory changes, reducing the risk of non-compliance. 

What role does the legal department play in promoting and ensuring corporate social responsibility in your organisation?  

The legal department plays a key role in promoting CSR ensuring compliance with relevant laws and regulations and high ethical standards, anticipating potential issues staying ahead of the market, mitigating potential risks and implementing policies in line with ESG objectives, ensuring strong governance structures to support ethical decision-making and accountability as well as proper awareness of employees and stakeholders. CRS and ESG are two key differentiators for the future success of companies in recruiting top talents and respond to customers and other key stakeholders’ demands. 

Do not hesitate to contact me for any clarification you may need.