Could you tell us a bit about your significant successes in your role?

Since I am the only lawyer in Mexico for GE Healthcare, I do have activities that do resemble a general counsel’s activity, and therefore, every success of the business I take pride on it being also my success. I joined in 2017, and since, GE Healthcare has won several public bids, and has some of the biggest healthcare customers in the country, always within the highest compliance standards.

However, I believe a good example of a significant success in my role, could be that, in 2021, Mexican authorities amended labour laws to ban outsourcing in Mexico, and I had monitored this amendment, since it was first mentioned by the government, as soon as the current administration took office. By the end of 2020, the probability of this happening increased exponentially, therefore, I began mentioning this to the leadership to raise the corresponding concerns to several areas within the company, in order to be ready almost as soon as this amendment to the law came into effect. I am proud to say that our business made the transition in a rather smooth way, and within the time scope that the government imposed.

In your opinion, what are the qualities and skills needed to form a strong legal team?

In my opinion, a strong legal team has members that always put the company first, enabling the business to thrive while always abiding by the applicable laws and regulations. This mindset is key. Likewise, I believe strong organisation skills are a must. Legal teams always deal with a numerous number of projects, deals, litigation, customer requests, at the same time, and everything is a priority for everyone. Finally, it’s important to always try to look for a way to do whatever it is that your customers are requesting, avoiding being a naysayer without any logical reason.

What is the biggest risk to your industry organisation and how are you contributing to prepare your organisation for this?

I believe one of the biggest risks for the healthcare industry, especially in Mexico, is an overregulation and lack of support from governmental entities, that can slow down the development of our business. Adding to that, there are global supply chain challenges that might also impact our business. Thus, it is important for me to always be up to date on possible new laws or amendments, that directly or indirectly impact our business, to act pre-emptively and be as prepared as possible. In our industry, we are preparing to spin-off from a super conglomerate, General Electric, and I am preparing, from my standpoint, to keep up with all legal activities that right now can be performed by other areas within such conglomerate.