Head of legal | Megalabs
Vanessa Malcolm
Head of legal | Megalabs
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?
As an in-house counsel, my role extends beyond providing legal services — I adopt a holistic approach that integrates legal strategy with business objectives. During times of instability or crisis, I focus on proactive risk management, scenario planning, and close collaboration with cross-functional teams. This alignment ensures that legal decisions support agile and informed responses, reinforcing the organisation’s resilience and long-term sustainability.
What are the main cases or transactions that you have been involved in recently?
I have recently been involved in strategic acquisitions of companies in Brazil, the United States, and Argentina. As a pharmaceutical company committed to health and well-being, these transactions have been key to strengthening our presence and capabilities across the region. Additionally, I have led the negotiation and execution of major licensing and distribution agreements throughout Latin America, reinforcing our strategic positioning, particularly in key markets such as Brazil and Mexico.
How do you prioritise diversity and inclusion within your legal department, and what initiatives have you implemented to foster a more inclusive and equitable work environment?
Diversity and inclusion are core values in my leadership approach. I am deeply committed to fostering an inclusive and respectful workplace, in alignment with the company’s broader initiatives. Our efforts include awareness campaigns, training programs, and the creation of safe spaces for open dialogue. We have also developed comprehensive guidelines to support our subsidiaries in addressing these topics thoughtfully and respectfully. As head of the legal department, I actively support and advise on the implementation of these initiatives to ensure a welcoming environment for all.
What role does the legal department play in promoting and ensuring corporate social responsibility in your organisation?
The legal department plays a key role in embedding corporate social responsibility (CSR) into the company’s operations and decision-making processes. As a pharmaceutical company committed to improving health and well-being, our CSR efforts are closely tied to our mission. From ensuring compliance with ethical standards and regulatory frameworks to supporting initiatives that promote access to healthcare and environmental sustainability, we work to align legal practices with our broader social impact goals. I actively collaborate with other departments to ensure that our business practices reflect our values and contribute positively to the communities we serve.
Head of legal department | Megalabs