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?  

At OLX, we are currently navigating the challenging process of winding up all operations, which is particularly complex given that all other departments have been laid off. However, this situation presents a great learning opportunity for a lawyer, as it involves dealing with a diverse range of legal issues and collaborating closely with consultants from all areas, first time for me going deeply with a price transfer study for a simple example. Despite the difficulties, this experience has been remarkable in terms of professional growth, as it requires comprehensive management of the entire business even during its challenging wind-up phase. 

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

The two projects I would mention are the sale of a loan portfolio valued at US$15m for the OLX financial entity and a VAT recovery in preparation for the wind-up process, totaling US$12m. 

How do you manage and motivate your legal team to ensure high performance and professional growth?  

Managing and motivating my legal team during the wind-up process of OLX was particularly challenging, as the primary focus was on closing down the business and eventually laying off the team. My main strategy to keep the team motivated was to prepare them for their next career steps by leveraging all my professional and personal resources. Fortunately, every team member secured new job opportunities even before their termination date. Additionally, despite the emotional and challenging nature of the wind-up process, it offered a unique learning experience for the legal team. The team understood that legal was the last department standing, and their responsibilities were substantial. Despite their youth, they approached the task with remarkable maturity and professionalism. 

What are the main trends that are salient in your country currently? 

In my opinion, there are two main trends currently shaping the used and new cars industry in Mexico: 

First, digital transformation and e-commerce: The shift towards digital platforms for buying and selling cars has accelerated, driven by the pandemic and changing consumer preferences. From a legal perspective, this trend urges to adapt strategies to address online transaction security, data protection, and the validity of electronic contracts. In my opinion this industry is regularly less sophisticated and with the new trends requires a different type of professionals and that would cost additional investments. 

Second, an increased focus on electric and hybrid vehicles: There is a growing trend towards sustainable transportation, with increased interest in electric and hybrid vehicles. However, I believe the Mexican government is not doing enough to promote green initiatives and offer incentives for eco-friendly vehicles, different from other countries. Prices for ecofriendly alternatives are still very high and inventories very limited.