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?

I believe there is an inurement that naturally occurs through continuous involvement in managing legal and business matters, which becomes particularly valuable during times of crisis or instability. This deep engagement—whether through legal oversight, project leadership, or stakeholder collaboration—creates a solid foundation for navigating challenging situations.

For example, during a period of regulatory uncertainty, our legal team anticipated potential legislative changes and initiated early dialogues with key stakeholders while keeping them informed. This proactive approach allowed us to swiftly adapt and maintain business operations in compliance with evolving regulations.

Over time, this approach has been refined and has proven essential in addressing circumstances that require proactivity, strategic foresight, and effective communication. The use of scenario planning and preemptive risk assessments has enabled us to mitigate risks efficiently, while our collaboration with leadership has ensured that the legal strategy is always aligned with long-term business goals. This continuous improvement process has been instrumental in enabling us to handle crises efficiently and safeguard the organisation’s resilience.

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

There are several key trends shaping Romania, whether in the legal, economic, or business sectors, all of which are interconnected. Legal trends often arise from business developments or follow it, and the economic landscape evolves in response to these changes.

From a legal perspective, ESG compliance is becoming increasingly important, particularly with the implementation of the CSRD (Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive), which is encouraging companies to adopt more sustainable practices and align their business objectives with their sustainability strategy. In response to ESG requirements, our legal department is leading the implementation of a comprehensive sustainability framework, ensuring not only compliance but also enhancing corporate reputation and stakeholder engagement.

In the business sector, digital transformation is rapidly advancing, with companies making significant investments in digital infrastructure and automation to improve operational efficiency and stay competitive. The legal profession is also adapting by exploring the use of AI in its processes.

How do you prioritise diversity and inclusion within your legal department, and what initiatives have you implemented to foster a more inclusive and equitable work environment?

Valuing the differences between individuals is essential for supporting the varied capacities of team members and fostering a healthier, more productive work environment. For instance, the recruitment process is built around inclusiveness, with structured interviews designed to minimise bias and ensure fairness throughout the selection process. This approach ensures that we attract and retain a diverse pool of talent, which enhances our team’s overall effectiveness.

Beyond recruitment, the commitment to fostering a work environment that values diverse perspectives and experiences is embedded in daily practices. This is reflected in procedures, ongoing training sessions, encouragement of inclusive behaviors, the promotion of open dialogue, and support for flexible working arrangements.

All these actions and initiatives aim to encourage the organic development of habits that foster respect for all individuals and empower them, ultimately creating a culture of inclusion.