Senior counsel México and Rc emerging seeds Latam | Mars petcare México
Víctor Manuel Gutiérrez Cubría
Senior counsel México and Rc emerging seeds Latam | Mars petcare México
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?
The legal strategy should directly support the overarching business goals and objectives, we must not forget that during crises, priorities may shift, but legal objectives should be aligned with the new business requirements, that´s why is imperative that the Legal team foster collaboration between executives, operational leaders, and external advisors (if necessary). This ensures not only a cohesive approach but also confidence and alignment where legal considerations (ethical standards, corporate governance principles) are integrated into decision-making processes.
I suggest conducting a thorough assessment of potential legal risks arising from the crisis or instability – this will definitely help to anticipate different scenarios that may unfold and their respective legal implications.
What are the main cases or transactions you have been involved in recently?
I recently participate in a Global renewable energy project with a local community-based organisation, specialising in sustainable agriculture and environmental conservation, in which I played a critical role ensuring that the business transaction not only complied with legal requirements but also aligned with Company commitment to ESG principles. My involvement facilitated a sustainable and socially responsible initiative that benefited both the company and the local community.
What strategies do you employ to ensure the successful digital transformation of a legal department while maintaining compliance with Mexico’s data protection laws?
Foster a culture of compliance and accountability across the organisation through regular audits of all data held and processed by the legal department. This includes identifying sensitive personal data and understanding how it is collected, stored, processed, and transferred (as stated in the Federal Law on Protection of Personal Data Held by Private Parties – LFPDPPP) as well as collaborate closely with IT, cybersecurity, compliance, and other relevant departments to align digital transformation initiatives with data protection goals.
For significant digital transformation, I’m always suggest conducting Privacy Impact Assessments, as this will always help in identifying potential data protection issues and implementing appropriate safeguards.
How can general counsel foster a corporate culture that supports ESG principles and compliance across all levels of the organisation?
A General Counsel must be actively integrating ESG considerations into his legal advice, collaborating with stakeholders, developing policies, monitoring performance, advocating for best practices, and continuously improving strategies, this can effectively foster a corporate culture that supports ESG within their organisation. With this approach not only enhances legal compliance but also contributes to sustainable business practices and positive societal impact.
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