Team size: Twelve

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?

My vision and style have always been business-oriented, ensuring that the legal function is not just about compliance but also a key driver of the company’s success. I approach legal management with a pragmatic mindset, focusing on how strategy in general can support and enhance business objectives, particularly during periods of instability or crisis. The legal team I lead is trained in the same spirit: we consider ourselves as essential business partners, not just legal advisors. Our role is to offer solutions that align with the company’s goals and create value, helping to ensure long-term success while mitigating risk.

The entire legal team operates with this business-centric approach, actively contributing to the company’s growth and resilience. And aligning legal and business strategies allows the organisation to remain robust, even in difficult times.

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?

The evolution of the sectors in which E-INFRA Group operates, energy, telecom and construction, is significantly influenced by the rapid pace of technological advancements. For example, when discussing new technologies in electricity production, transmission, or innovative solutions for integrating energy systems with telecommunications, we are navigating a constantly evolving landscape. Being closely connected to such projects naturally shapes our legal approach. The widespread adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) presents both challenges and opportunities within our organization. We choose to view these challenges as opportunities for development, enabling us to enhance our legal framework to better support the business.

One significant example is the development of Small Modular Reactor (SMR) Doicesti Project. This type of project has a macro-level impact, influencing not only national but also regional dynamics and aligning with major trends such as energy transition, the Green Deal, and zero-carbon goals. Navigating these complex, technically innovative projects necessitate a continuous learning process and a willingness to embrace new challenges. My experience in high-stakes, complex industries has well-equipped me to manage these strategic initiatives.

Staying updated on developments is crucial. I prioritise continuous learning by engaging with industry experts, attending relevant conferences, and collaborating with technical teams to fully understand the implications of emerging technologies. This combination of legal, business, and technical knowledge empowers me to not only respond to emerging trends but also to anticipate and integrate them into our strategy proactively. It requires courage and curiosity to explore how these innovations can drive both legal and business transformation.

In your opinion, what are the main trends that are salient in your country currently (these can be legal, political, economy or business-based)?

I would say the key trends shaping the business landscape are energy transition and sustainability, digitalisation, and infrastructure development. Projects related to renewable energy and sustainable technologies are gaining traction, significantly impacting the business environment and requiring companies to adapt to new regulations and opportunities.

Digitalisation is another critical trend, one that we’re experiencing across all areas of business. The pressure to adopt digital solutions in order to increase efficiency, streamline operations, and stay competitive is immense, pushing businesses like ours to implement new technologies and processes to stay ahead.

Moreover, the influx of EU funding is driving significant infrastructure projects, particularly in transportation, energy, and digital infrastructure. These developments are essential as they contribute to the overall modernisation of Romania and its economic growth.

In this evolving landscape, the legal function must adapt to these trends, ensuring that businesses not only comply with new regulations but also seize opportunities to support strategic objectives. A proactive legal strategy is crucial for navigating these complexities effectively.