Team size: 12

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 the corporate world, it is no longer enough to “get the job done right.” To maximise the value of the in-house legal areas, it is necessary that they are aligned with the business model and corporate objectives. Therefore, for me, it is extremely important to know the short-term, medium-term, and long-term business objectives, as well as their purpose, values, and culture. All the aforementioned aspects allow me to build the legal strategy and align my team with the business objectives. With the positioning of the legal area as a strategic business partner, it is easier to adapt to the changing market environment, anticipate new challenges, and manage any legal risk preventively, which reduces any negative impact in periods of crisis. However, in times of crisis, the key is to make decisions at the right time and communicate them to the main stakeholders.

What measures has your company taken to embed sustainability practices into its core business operations, and how does the role of the general counsel contribute to driving and ensuring sustainable practices within the company?

Undoubtedly, the main measure that makes us very proud is the implementation of industrial plastic recycling plants for their transformation into raw material in Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, and Guatemala. In the social area, we promote the professionalisation of micro recyclers who provide us with post-consumer PET containers. Our contribution and positive impact are materialised through training on solid waste segregation, regulatory formalisation, and occupational health and safety aspects, as well as the provision of personal protective equipment for the development of their activities. As a legal advisor, I work to identify the regulatory and contractual aspects involved in each topic and lead the interaction with some public entities to materialise the implementation of our sustainability practices. Both activities have allowed SMI to find opportunities for improvement to ensure the efficiency and continuity of its sustainability practices.

What emerging technologies do you see as having the most significant impact on the legal profession in the near future, and how do you stay updated on these developments?

Depending on the legal field in which lawyers work, emerging technologies can benefit them to a greater or lesser extent. For me and my legal team, certain technologies such as artificial intelligence, contract lifecycle management (CLM), and document management platforms are particularly effective and contribute to our performance.

For instance, we use artificial intelligence to receive updated legal content relevant to our core business, thereby enhancing the efficiency of our compliance team and enabling us to inform leaders of regulatory changes in real-time for better decision-making. I rely on my team, who are digital natives, to stay updated on new technologies, especially those that enhance our legal management capabilities.