General counsel | Grupo El Palacio de Hierro
Juan Manuel González Hernández
General counsel | Grupo El Palacio de Hierro
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?
It is essential to identify the priorities of the business, so that, despite any instability or crises that may arise, we maintain a clear focus on the business’ needs to ensure continuity. Furthermore, during a crisis, it is paramount to foster unity within the team, working collaboratively and ensuring that everyone is aligned with the overall objectives.
What are the main cases or transactions you have been involved in recently?
Analysis and execution of mergers and acquisitions involving various company owned businesses, to streamline the corporate structure, and external companies to expand the business. Opening new stores and remodeling existing ones, which involves significant investments and defining corporate real estate strategies. Collaboration in implementing ESG policies and strategies.
What strategies do you employ to ensure the successful digital transformation of a legal department while maintaining compliance with Mexico’s data protection laws?
For several years, we have implemented an electronic document management system for legal documents at corporate level, including electronic signatures for the formalisation of all generated documents, with full legal validation. This has streamlined processes and reduced turnaround times, ensuring a high level of service to internal clients. Additionally, this document management system keeps an important electronic legal archive, guaranteeing the privacy and security of the data contained within these documents.
How can general counsel foster a corporate culture that supports ESG principles and compliance across all levels of the organisation?
I actively participate in the ESG Committee at El Palacio de Hierro, contributing to ensuring that the company as a whole understands the importance of ESG and its implementation. I encourage this by explaining the benefits of adopting an ESG culture to the organisation, as it is increasingly essential in commercial, corporate, financial, and cultural contexts.