Head of legal, Chile and compliance officer, Latin America | Grünenthal
Daniela Hirsch
Head of legal, Chile and compliance officer, Latin America | Grünenthal
Team size: 6
How do you approach managing legal aspects during periods of instability or crisis to ensure the organisation’s resilience?
Crises often test a company’s values, and I believe those values should guide our decisions. As Head of Legal, I make it a priority to bring those principles to the forefront, not just to protect the company legally, but also to safeguard its long-term reputation.
Our legal team’s approach is rooted in being strategic, flexible and collaborative. We work cross-functionally and stay agile, which is key during uncertain times. Personally, I focus on a few core principles. First, stay calm and focused. In moments of crisis, the team looks to Legal for clarity and confidence. We are there to highlight risks, offer insights, and, most importantly, find practical solutions. The structured thinking lawyers bring can be a real asset in helping the organisation prioritise and act decisively. Second, listen openly. Some of the best ideas come from unexpected places, especially from colleagues outside the legal function. Not every idea will be viable, but staying open-minded helps uncover creative solutions that might otherwise be missed. Third, communicate proactively. Clear, timely communication is essential. Making sure the right people are informed and involved in decision-making helps build trust and keeps things moving efficiently.
What strategies do you employ to ensure the successful digital transformation of a legal department while maintaining compliance with your country’s data protection laws?
Digital transformation in Legal is all about finding smarter, more efficient ways to work, without compromising on compliance. In our General Counsel area, we are fortunate to have a dedicated Legal Operations team that plays a key role in this process. They continuously explore new technologies that can enhance our day-to-day work, always with a strong focus on data protection and regulatory compliance.
The strategy we follow is quite hands-on: we start by testing tools in a safe, controlled environment to assess their functionality and compliance. Once we are confident in a solution, we run pilot programmes with smaller groups to fine-tune the implementation and gather feedback. This phased approach helps us ensure that any new technology is not only effective but also aligned with local data protection laws before it is rolled out more broadly.
It is a collaborative effort, and we make sure to involve stakeholders early on, especially when it comes to privacy and compliance. That way, we are not just adopting tech for the sake of it, but truly transforming how Legal supports the business.
What is a cause, business or otherwise, that you are passionate about? Why is this?
I am deeply passionate about causes that protect and promote diversity. I was raised with the belief that diversity is essential for any community to truly thrive: it brings different perspectives, fosters innovation, and creates stronger, more inclusive environments.
I also recognise that I am in a position of privilege, and I feel a responsibility to use that privilege to help create safe spaces where others can grow and succeed. Over the years, I have volunteered to lead workshops focused on diversity and inclusion, and professionally, I have been involved in pro bono litigation supporting minority groups. Currently, I am also part of our company’s Diversity and Inclusion Committee, where we work to ensure these values are reflected in our culture and practices.
Given the current socio-political climate, where diversity and minority rights are increasingly under threat, I believe it is more important than ever to protect the progress we have made. This is not just a personal passion, it is a commitment to making sure inclusion remains a priority, not just a checkbox.
Head of legal, Chile and compliance officer, Latin America | Grünenthal
Head of legal and compliance officer, Chile | Grünenthal