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?

As the Head of the Legal Department at the Romanian Tennis Federation (RTF), managing legal matters during instability has involved not only responding to challenges but actively preventing future risks. In recent years, our organisation faced extensive legal issues, the suspension of critical public funding, and the unprecedented effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. In these periods of crisis, my strategy has been to adopt both proactive prevention measures and effective response plans to safeguard the organisation’s resilience.

For example, at the onset of the pandemic, RTF became the first sports federation in Romania to pause sports competitions, prioritising the health and safety of our stakeholders. We also implemented social protection measures for employees to mitigate the impact of financial uncertainties and to retain their roles, especially since our public funding was suspended at that time. This proactive response exemplified our commitment to our workforce and allowed us to maintain continuity without compromising on job security or organisational integrity.

On a strategic level, my approach emphasises preventive legal planning by anticipating regulatory shifts and aligning our practices with compliance standards, which has proven crucial in protecting RTF’s core activities. This includes fostering transparency in our procedures, ensuring accountability, and aligning our department’s objectives with the broader goals of RTF to support Romanian tennis development.

This balanced focus on both prevention and adaptive crisis management reinforces our legal resilience, contributing to RTF’s stability and capacity to uphold its mission, even in challenging times.

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?

Within the Romanian Tennis Federation (RTF), embedding sustainability is crucial for positive, lasting impact. Among our initiatives to reduce the environmental footprint, we installed photovoltaic panels on our headquarters, enhancing energy efficiency and reducing carbon emissions. Additionally, at our competitions, we prioritise eco-friendly practices by minimising waste and using recyclable and sustainable materials for equipment and promotional items.

In terms of social sustainability, RTF proudly supports accessibility and inclusion through tennis competitions specifically designed for people with disabilities. These events not only promote diversity and inclusivity in Romanian sports but also offer meaningful engagement and competitive opportunities for players with disabilities. This inclusive approach strengthens our commitment to equal opportunities in tennis.

From a legal perspective, as the general counsel, I play a critical role in facilitating these sustainability practices. I ensure that our partnerships, contracts, and sponsorship agreements align with RTF’s eco-conscious goals and comply with environmental and social governance regulations. Furthermore, I advise management on best practices for meeting these legal and ethical standards, embedding sustainability into our core operational strategies.

Through these initiatives, the RTF supports the sustainable advancement of Romanian tennis and promotes responsible practices, positioning itself as a leader in both environmental stewardship and social inclusion, while actively contributing to a more inclusive and sustainable future for sports in Romania.