Team size: Two

First, can you please give us an idea of the sort of work your team has done recently (cases, transactions, projects)?

The legal department acts as consultant to all business stakeholders (sales, manufacturing), and functions (HR, regulatory and internal control) in the organisation. Other the being the senior counsel and head of legal department, I am the compliance and data privacy officer, company secretary and special situation coordinator. Since Mondelēz International Türkiye is a publicly traded company whose shares are traded on the BIST market, I am also a member of the investor relations team. Recently, we have been carrying out the collective bargaining agreement process, following the takeover related to the merger of Mondelēz International and Chipita group’s companies. Furthermore, we have been conducting internal audits and compliance studies regarding the protection of personal data within the company.

What do you think are the biggest risks facing your industry at the moment and how are you preparing your company and team to face these risks?

Pandemic, well-being, and climate change will impact our industry in the months ahead. Our purpose is to empower people promoting healthy lifestyles and well-being. Our legal team is responsible for ensuring compliance with regulations and support innovations such as decreasing sugar levels in our products. Additionally, Mondelez International has made the commitment to target net zero carbon emissions by 2050. The legal has a key role in taking appropriate actions in our operations, such as contract due diligences, no return policies, and regulatory steps, in order to build a more sustainable snacking company. Agility has become a crucial feature in our role and following legislation is not sufficient. In-house legal teams have played and will continue to play a significant role in following legislative development, analysing potential risks, and driving the business decision-making process. We are prepared to provide necessary trainings and increase knowledge so to upskill our legal team and its response to challenges.

In what ways do you see the in-house legal role evolving in your region over the next few years?

Our role in corporate governance and business integrity will increase in responsibilities. In-house lawyers have become more influent in the decision-making process and in controlling potential implication of such processes. General counsel are compliance officers and business partners, rather than consultants. They participate in company’s activities, set targets and benefit from positive outcomes. In the upcoming years, digital transformation and artificial intelligence will change the role further; in-house lawyers should embrace technologies and use them as alternative business solutions, but they also must be ready to ensure the protection of the company in aspects such as IPR — internal counsel are key players to shape vision and maintain a culture of compliance.