What are the most significant cases, transactions or projects that your legal team has recently been involved in?

The legal team has been involved in key matters recently, including the Panasonic Group’s transition to a holding company and eight operating companies’ structure. We have also supported the renewal of the Panasonic Group Code of Ethics and Compliance. We have also assisted in the acquisition of Blue Yonder, one of the world’s leading supply chain software companies, and in the construction of a new automotive battery plant in Kansas, US.

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

Upon the transition to a holding company structure, we have re-established a platform, One Global Legal Team, to effectively promote group governance on a global basis through a number of initiatives. We have redefined our vision, mission, and values, as well as our mid to long term targets. We have also redefined our reporting lines and escalation rules. The team has also implemented global legal and compliance meetings which take place twice a year, as well as regional legal meetings in key regions.

We are now also conducting regular direct report meetings to discuss our key initiatives and share good practice. We are also in the process of developing global communication channels to share views and know-how more easily on a global basis.

How important is choosing to work with external lawyers who align with your company’s values?

We continue to prioritise retaining external lawyers who share our values and understand our business and operations as we wish to work as a unified team even if it may be for a limited period.

How do you suggest in-house lawyers build strong relationships with business partners?

Our mission clearly states that we are committed to the sound growth and success of businesses by partnering with the front line of business. The only way we can continue to build this relationship is to continue to abide by our commitment.