Team size:  Seven 

Could you share an example of a time when you came up with an innovation that improved how your legal team works and did not come at a large expense? 

Acting as a legal team of large group of companies, we deal with several issues along different jurisdictions. Some of those issues are closely related or connected. I realised that it would be more efficient for all members of the team to be on the same page about the ongoing tasks and therefore, we implemented the use of a platform where all the members of the legal team are aligned, which includes among others, list of pending issues, status, related documentation tracking all the introduced changes, interactions, responsible persons and a centralised document repository.  

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? 

The company, through the different operations, has always considered ESG as a key matter and analysed and informed, through sustainability reports, its programs and strategy focused on creating value for stakeholders. New ESG regulations in the US and EU challenged us to create a structure of reporting and measuring in areas such as diversity, human rights, and environmental impact, among others. 

This is a very relevant project, which encourages us to lead a process where ESG metrics should be aligned through all the operations in all jurisdictions where the airports operated by the company are located, liaising with multiple areas within such companies, and creating a long term ESG strategy with maximum transparency. This means not only the determination of metrics but also a standardisation of ESG practices. 

The legal team is a key player in this process, establishing and maintaining good corporate governance practices, keeping the board and management informed on the progress made and coordinating reporting with local legal departments. 

What are some of the key developments (legal, geopolitical, or otherwise) that have affected your business over the past year? 

Some of the airports operated by the company are located in countries with very diverse economic, political, demographic and business conditions, including operations in emerging markets. Many factors such as cyberterrorism, escalation of conflicts between countries, political events and government measures, exchange rates instability, among others, may sometimes restrict the company’s ability to take certain corporate actions or compel the management to focus on such issues. 

A key development of 2022 was the submission, together with local partners, of a proposal within the terms of the bidding process for the concession of the major airport terminals in Abuja and Kano, Nigeria. In November of that year, the government announced the consortium as preferred bidder for the project. Negotiations on the terms of the concession agreement are being carried out with the Nigerian authorities, while we get involved in a new context for us, as it is Africa market and regulations.