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?

In my capacity as general counsel for Agthia Group, I am tasked with steering the company’s legal direction, particularly during times of uncertainty or crisis. It is imperative that my legal strategy is meticulously crafted to complement and enhance the overarching business strategy, ensuring the organisation’s steadfastness and ability to weather any storm.

My approach is not merely defensive but anticipatory, designed to identify potential legal issues before they arise and to develop strategic responses that mitigate these risks. This proactive stance is rooted in a thorough understanding of the complex legal environment in which we operate, ensuring compliance and the ability to swiftly adapt to new legal challenges as they emerge.

Central to the execution of this strategy is the legal team, a cadre of highly skilled professionals whose collective expertise forms the bedrock of our legal defence. My role transcends the management of this team; it encompasses their mentorship, professional development, and the fostering of an environment that celebrates excellence and continuous learning.

Initiatives such as the monthly “Legal Eagle Award” serve to recognise and motivate outstanding individual performance, engendering a culture of excellence and dedication. The “Legal Rotation Programme” is a strategic endeavour that broadens the team’s perspective, allowing members to gain invaluable insights into the various facets of our legal operations. This program is instrumental in cultivating a versatile and agile legal workforce capable of addressing any legal challenge with precision and acumen.

Our commitment to ongoing education is exemplified by the “Friday Afternoon Learning Sessions,” which are dedicated to keeping the team abreast of the latest legal developments. The “Legal Mastery Programme” represents the next level of our commitment to legal excellence, providing a structured pathway for deepening the team’s legal expertise and strategic capabilities. Furthermore, the legal department serves as a pioneer in driving the organisation’s initiative to “Combat Red Tape,” ensuring that processes are streamlined and efficient, thus enhancing operational effectiveness.

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

Restructuring of 10% Indirect Stake in Abu Auf Group: as general counsel of Agthia PJSC, I oversaw the restructuring of a 10% indirect stake in Abu Auf Group, a leading healthy snacks and coffee company in Egypt. This strategic move increased Agthia Group’s overall stake to 70% in the group.

Integration of BMB Group into Agthia’s Snacking Division: in line with Agthia’s exceptional growth through inorganic acquisitions, I led the successful integration of BMB Group into Agthia’s Snacking Division by consolidating the remaining economic interest.

Restructuring Minority Shareholders’ Stake in Atyab: I directed the restructuring of the indirect stake held by minority shareholders in Ismailia Agricultural and Industrial Investment Company – Furat (Atyab), providing comprehensive support on key regulatory matters.

How have you integrated technology into your legal processes, and what impact has this had on efficiency and compliance?

Agthia Group’s legal department has embarked on a transformative journey, harnessing the power of technology to revolutionise its legal processes and set a new industry standard. Our strategic initiatives, including the “Digital Legal Department,” the adoption of “Dashboard” and “Jira” tools, and the forthcoming “Legal Interactive Chatbot,” collectively represent a comprehensive approach to integrating advanced digital tools and artificial intelligence (AI) into our legal practice.

The “Digital Legal Department” initiative is a testament to our commitment to innovation and excellence. By leveraging AI for document review and risk assessment, we have significantly improved operational efficiency and accuracy. This initiative allows us to process vast amounts of information with unprecedented speed and precision, enabling our team to focus on more complex legal issues that require human expertise.

“Project Jira” marks a transformative step in project management within our legal domain. The adoption of this renowned tool has streamlined workflows, enhanced communication, and provided a transparent overview of our legal activities.

The upcoming activation of the “Legal Interactive Chatbot” is poised to further enhance the client experience by providing instant, automated assistance. This AI-driven chatbot is designed to interact with clients, offering immediate responses and guidance on various legal inquiries. Its sophisticated algorithms enable it to understand the context of inquiries, ensuring that the information provided is both accurate and relevant. The launch of this chatbot promises to revolutionise client interactions, making legal assistance more accessible and engaging.

Additionally, our comprehensive “Dashboard System” for project tracking has established a culture of transparency and strategic project management. This system serves as a central hub for real-time updates and data-driven insights, fostering accountability and continuous improvement. It enables our team to make informed decisions, manage resources effectively, and maintain transparency across all legal projects.

What role does the legal department play in promoting and ensuring corporate social responsibility in your organisation?

As general xounsel, I play a pivotal role in Agthia’s sustainability journey. By implementing a multi-tiered approach, I ensure that sustainability is a tangible and integral practice within the organisation. I have been instrumental in developing dynamic policies that reflect our commitment to sustainability and adapt as we progress.

A key aspect of our strategy involves educating our commercial teams on risk mitigation, policy adherence, and sustainability goals. Furthermore, I lead a diverse and inclusive legal team that embodies Agthia’s commitment to equity and diversity. Our sustainability initiatives extend beyond internal operations, featuring significant advancements in waste reduction, employee well-being, and responsible procurement.

A notable achievement is our introduction of fully recyclable water bottles, marking a significant milestone in our sustainability efforts. This initiative not only highlights our innovative spirit but also demonstrates our dedication to environmental stewardship, encouraging consumers to adopt eco-friendly practices.

My role in these efforts is crucial, ensuring that sustainability is embedded in all aspects of Agthia’s operations, from policymaking to contract execution.