Team size:  12 

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? 

In my opinion, as a result of a long professional experience in the business world, the key lies, also in the legal function, in trying to face challenges with an optimistic approach; in periods of instability or crisis, efforts must be made to identify the positive aspects of these periods, which always exist, and to focus on them, discarding, as far as possible, the problems. In short, it is a question of facing the situation as an opportunity for learning and growth and have the capacity to recover during periods of instability or crises, adapting to change by adopting preventive measures, taking advantage of the technological advances that surprise us every day and at the same time help us to adapt. 

What are the main cases or transactions that you have been involved in recently? 

In recent months, we have been involved in a range of impactful M&A transactions that highlight our expertise and leadership in the Testing, Inspection and Certification (TIC) sector and allow us to grow inorganically in line with our strategic objectives. 

With highly qualified professionals, we fiercely ensure compliance with evolving international standards across industries, as well as supporting stakeholders in meeting our sustainability and digital transformation goals. 

Additionally, we have contributed to several strategic collaborations aimed at advancing innovation in different areas. These experiences demonstrate our ongoing commitment to providing reliable, efficient, and forward-thinking solutions that empower our stakeholders to succeed. 

What role does the legal department play in promoting and ensuring corporate social responsibility in your organisation? 

Fortunately, at SGS we are seriously and firmly committed to ensuring corporate social responsibility (hereinafter, “CSR”). 

We play a key role in promoting and ensuring CSR within our organisation. Our responsibilities include ensuring compliance with environmental, social, and governance (ESG) regulations, which are fundamental to our CSR strategy. 

We actively contribute to the development and implementation of procedures and policies that align with international standards on sustainability, human rights, and business ethics practices. For instance, we strongly believe in ensuring transparency in reporting by verifying the accuracy and integrity of the data disclosed in our Non-Financial Information Report (Estado de Información no Financiera), which reflects our commitments to reducing environmental impact, fostering diversity and inclusion, and supporting local communities, developing a short and medium-term strategy that is aligned with the firm compliance with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 

What do you see as the major legal challenges for businesses in Spain over the next five years, and how are you preparing to address them? 

Over the next five years, one of the major challenges for businesses will be adapting to the growing body of European Union. The implementation of this regulatory framework will demand greater transparency and accountability in environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices, requiring businesses to align their strategies with stricter sustainability standards. 

To address these, our organisation is strengthening its legal expertise, leveraging tools, and fostering cross-departmental collaboration to anticipate and seamlessly implement these regulatory requirements, turning compliance into a driver of innovation and trust. This adaptation also involves ensuring that, within our respective organisations, our in-house legal teams are perceived as true business partners and not just as technicians qualified in our field.