How does your legal strategy align with the broader business strategy to ensure the organisation’s resilience?

I work closely with business leaders to translate their strategic goals into a comprehensive legal risk management framework. This proactive approach anticipates potential legal hurdles and minimises their impact. This is possible by having strong understanding of the commercial landscape, allowing me to translate legal requirements into solutions that support business objectives.

I see myself as a business partner which enables me to foster a collaborative working style with business units, serving as a trusted advisor and ensuring legal considerations are seamlessly integrated into business decisions. This collaborative approach strengthens the organisation’s resilience and fosters a culture of legal compliance.

What do you see as the major legal challenges for businesses in the region over the next five years, and how are you preparing to address them?

The Saudi government is actively implementing economic and social reforms, leading to a dynamic legal landscape. Lawyers must stay updated on regulatory changes and ensure compliance to avoid legal risks. We have seen this in the Saudi Data Protection law and continuous labor reforms. I strongly believe in being actively engaged in ongoing legal education, fostering relationships with government officials and closely monitoring legal developments and industry trends.

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

We believe in our collective commitment to advancing diversity and inclusion within the legal sector, aligning with PepsiCo’s dedication to professional development and equity. This year we launched The Larry D. Thompson Fellowship Program in the UAE, Egypt, India, Lebanon, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and South Africa.

The Larry D. Thompson Fellowship Program, named after our esteemed former General Counsel, is a testament to PepsiCo’s commitment to nurturing young legal talent from diverse backgrounds. This program goes beyond traditional internships, empowering fellows to lead and innovate.

What is a topic, business or otherwise, that you are passionate about?

Giving back and inspiring women to reach their fullest potential. In PepsiCo we launched Tamakani as a commendable example of how corporations can actively contribute to women’s empowerment. By focusing on equipping women with the tools needed to control their own lives, PepsiCo has taken a proactive stance in addressing gender inequality.

The program’s emphasis on creating opportunities, transferring knowledge, and promoting entrepreneurship is particularly noteworthy. These three pillars provide a comprehensive approach to empowering women, enabling them to participate fully in the workforce and contribute to economic growth.

PepsiCo’s collaboration with leading entities in Saudi Arabia, such as the Saudi Family Affairs Counsel (FAC) and the Women’s Leadership Center at Princess Noura University, demonstrates a commitment to building partnerships that can amplify the impact of the Tamakani initiative. I have been fortunate to lead in driving these relationships which has been instrumental in establishing a strong foundation for the program.