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 times of crisis or instability, it is crucial to remain calm and make swift decisions that align with the company’s strategy and purpose. Several key aspects must be considered during a crisis. First, it is essential to analyse the implications, assessing the legal, financial, employee, and environmental impacts, among others. Additionally, it is important to identify the stakeholders who may be affected and determine the best approach to managing their concerns. Finally, developing an effective communication strategy is key to ensuring clear and timely communication with all relevant parties. 

In 2024, we prepared a Crisis Management Manual, with the primary objective of providing clear guidelines for making decisions in an orderly and coordinated manner, while maintaining alignment with the company’s overarching strategy and purpose. 

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?   

With our corporate purpose in mind – ‘Developing brands that deliver the best care people need in their day-to-day lives and at every stage of their lives’ – we have made sustainability a cornerstone of our brand and one of the five pillars of our Business Plan. This has enabled us to take decisive and impactful action on our material ESG issues.  

Softys has set highly ambitious sustainability goals, which we review regularly through monthly committees, communication campaigns, and other initiatives. In addition to my role as in-house counsel, I also lead the sustainability and corporate affairs department. This dual responsibility provides me with a broader perspective on the business’s needs, with a strong focus on sustainability. I work closely with other departments across the company to achieve our objectives, seeking opportunities, building partnerships, and ensuring compliance with our goals. 

To engage the entire team in our ESG strategy, we launched the “Softys Contigo” project in Uruguay in 2023. In collaboration with Techo, Softys provided 24 sanitary solutions (i.e., bathrooms) to those most in need, with the support of corporate volunteers. In 2024, we began constructing bathrooms in Pando, and will implement 44 sanitary solutions across Uruguay throughout the year.  

Each construction day involved around 40 Softys volunteers, giving us the opportunity to witness the company’s commitment to care in action. The team bonded in a different environment, strengthening connections and fostering a sense of belonging. It has been a true win-win project!