What are the most significant cases or transactions that your legal team has recently been involved in?

In February 2024, Repsol unveiled its new strategic plan for 2024-2027, reaffirming its commitment to the energy transition towards achieving net zero emissions by 2050, while continuing to consolidate its multi-energy approach. The new strategy is centered on three key pillars: talent, technology and digitalization. Over the next four years, significant investments will be directed towards the Iberian Peninsula, including a focus on Repsol’s operations in Portugal.

The legal team has been actively engaged in a variety of significant projects, particularly those that align with the overarching goals of the energy transition. The beginning of 2024 marked the successful acquisition of a stake in a Portuguese company engaged in the mobility business. Concurrently, the team has been instrumental in the modernization and expansion of our petrochemical complex in Sines. This expansion, which commenced in March 2023, is not only the largest industrial investment in Portugal in the last decade but also a project of Potential National Interest (PIN) as recognized by the Portuguese government. The new plants, representing an investment of 657 million euros, are scheduled to be operational by 2025, making the Sines Industrial Complex one of the most advanced in Europe.

What would you say are the unique qualities required to be successful as an in-house lawyer in your industry?

As we navigate through two significant waves – the energy transition and digitalization – this is a challenging moment for every professional, especially in the energy sector. We must approach this time with passion, curiosity and a willingness to learn. I would argue that in-house lawyers, now more than ever, need to adopt a dynamic attitude, an inquisitive approach and combine versatility with a transversal mindset.

How have you fostered a closer collaboration between the legal department and your business counterparts?

We are fortunate to be in a corporate area that operates globally as one team and is currently undertaking a new transformation project aligned with Repsol’s strategic plan. Furthermore, being part of the digitalization wave enables us to foster close collaboration with the businesses we work with, particularly emphasizing the cross-functional and innovative approach required in the new projects.

Do you have a cause, business-related or otherwise, that you are passionate about?

I have always been passionate about client culture. In the context of energy transition and digitalisation, a new concept of client has emerged, presenting a great opportunity to work on several projects related to this area. We are also fortunate to have the support of an outstanding team of lawyers from our D. Legal Client in Madrid accompanying us on these projects.