General counsel and compliance officer | Grupo Rotoplas
Francisco José Fuentes Sosa
General counsel and compliance officer | Grupo Rotoplas
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?
Our legal strategy is intricately aligned with the broader business strategy to ensure organisational resilience through several key principles, early identification and risk assessment, collaborative risk management, adaptive legal framework, communication and transparency,
We prioritise early identification of legal risks associated with instability or crises. This involves continuous monitoring of regulatory changes, market conditions, and internal developments that could impact on the company’s operations. Our corporate governance committee assesses these matters comprehensively. We also work closely with executive leadership and relevant stakeholders to assess the potential legal implications of any crisis. This collaboration ensures that legal considerations are integrated into decision-making processes, enhancing our ability to respond swiftly and effectively. Our legal strategy emphasises flexibility and adaptability to swiftly adjust to changing circumstances. This includes developing contingency plans, revising contractual obligations where necessary, and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements amidst uncertainty. It goes without saying that clear communication is also paramount during crises. By aligning our legal strategy closely with the broader business objectives, we contribute to the organisation’s resilience by mitigating risks, maintaining compliance, and safeguarding our reputation and operations during challenging times.
What are the main cases or transactions you have been involved in recently?
This year, our legal team has been actively engaged in facilitating contracts and overseeing licensing and permits for the launch of Rotoplas’ flagship plant in the metropolitan area of Mexico City. We have significantly enhanced our supplier contracting processes, fostering close collaboration with business units that rely on our talented legal professionals.
A prominent focus area for Rotoplas currently is our water purification subscription service under the bebbia brand. We’ve secured numerous institutional contracts, positioning bebbia as the premier solution for high-quality drinking water at home, in offices, and across various corporate environments, marking a shift away from traditional bottled water solutions.
Additionally, we have successfully obtained trademark registration for a “well-known” brand and established robust practice for managing intellectual property in-house.
Moreover, we have recently finalised significant agreements with major corporations like Google, aimed at advancing our digital capabilities both now and in the future. Embracing artificial intelligence within our legal operations underscores our commitment to innovation.
How do you manage and motivate your legal team to ensure high performance and professional growth?
To effectively manage and motivate my legal team, I prioritise several key strategies such as well-being; I emphasise personal, emotional, and physical well-being, promoting work-life balance and providing stress management resources. I encourage continuous learning through education, training, and attending relevant conferences and workshops. Assigning tasks that push team members out of their comfort zones fosters growth and engagement. I provide regular, constructive feedback and celebrate achievements to build morale and maintain a positive work environment. Maintaining open lines of communication, ensuring everyone feels heard and valued is key. Lastly, setting clear, achievable goals and ensuring accountability helps align team efforts with our broader objectives.
General counsel and compliance officer | Grupo Rotoplas
General counsel and compliance officer | Grupo Rotoplas
General counsel and compliance officer | Grupo Rotoplas (ticker AGUA)