Team size: Six

Major legal advisers: Kılınç Law and Consulting

Which recent political, economic, or regulatory changes have impacted the company and the team the most?

Recent global economic trends and the pandemic have brought uncertainties. At STAR, we overcame any challenges—thanks to the integration process that we completed pre-pandemic and team-working between the different departments. All our stakeholders and business partners continued to receive our services uninterrupted and efficiently. We have provided legal support in STAR refinery project financing through the issuance of contracts and documents. Digitalisation has had a pivotal role in accelerating our processes and maximising our effectiveness, especially in document management. I am convinced that we will continue to succeed in ever-changing conditions thanks to our adaptability skills and willingness to take on new challenges.

What are the biggest risks facing your industry and how are you preparing your team and company for this?

STAR’s primary focus will be to continue its operations securely, make significant investments and work in coordination with other SOCAR group companies — to increase the efficiency of our activities and operate within the regulatory framework. However, changes in the global supply and demand of crude oil are often accompanied by price fluctuations and adverse global petroleum market conditions affecting consumers and business spending. The in-house legal team must assist in the growth of the company — supporting other departments through the interpretation of local and foreign regulatory changes, helping the company in successfully conducting its activities and maintaining its profitability.

How has the increasing consciousness of climate change and sustainability affected the company and the team’s priorities?

Climate change and sustainability are our core principles. The SOCAR group provides energy suppliers with clean and renewable energy. By allocating resources for projects to increase energy efficiency, STAR Refinery minimises its carbon footprint. Additionally, we closely monitor the impact of our operations on the climate and environment. The legal team has developed programmes to increase the awareness of climate change and sustainability across the company. Additionally, it provides legal support to contribute to the green energy transformation in STAR Refinery and the other companies of the group.