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?

We undertake a proactive approach to address the new challenges and trends emerging within the healthcare technology industry to mitigate risks, but also to position Esaote Group to thrive in a rapidly changing and instable landscape. Some key strategies we employ include integrated Roles: our Legal and Compliance Department combines legal, compliance, sustainability, and public procurement skills and competences under a unified leadership structure led by the General Counsel. We focus on Sustainability: our commitment to sustainability distinguishes us from traditional legal departments. I also serve as Chief Sustainability Officer, leading initiatives that align with global sustainability standards, such as the UN Global Compact and voluntary ESG reporting.

We emphasise strategic risk management across diverse domains, including emerging technologies (for example diagnostic systems integrating AI solutions) and market dynamics (both private and public), to be able to identify and mitigate potential legal and compliance risks before they escalate.

We establish robust compliance frameworks. Through initiatives like our Antitrust Compliance Program and Tax Control Framework, we have implemented structured processes to mitigate risks, enhance transparency and ensure adherence to regulations. Leveraging technology and innovation is also key: we adopted a Gen AI solution to automate and enhance various legal tasks, particularly in contract review and analysis to work more efficiently by understanding and processing legal documents and best serve business needs and growth

We prioritise continuous, tailored learning and development to keep our team and stakeholders informed about the latest trends and regulatory changes and we empower a wide range teams across the organization to navigate complex legal environments and make informed decisions.

Our department actively collaborates with various internal and external stakeholders, including regulatory authorities, industry groups, and compliance networks. As a matter of fact, I am a Founding Member of The Sustainability Circle, a private, invitation-only community of senior sustainability leaders.

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?

Esaote Group integrated sustainability practices into its core operations through several strategic measures, showing that sustainability is not an isolated initiative but a core element of Esaote’s corporate strategy. The General Counsel played a pivotal role, having been appointed Group Sustainability Officer, promoting and implementing each and all of various projects, including commitment to global standards: in 2021, Esaote joined the UN Global Compact, embracing international principles concerning human rights, labour, environment, and anti-corruption. This commitment ensures that our operations align with global ethical standards, laying the groundwork for sustainable practices.

The 2024-2028 Sustainability Plan was established to articulate strategic pillars and macro-objectives, particularly focusing on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). This plan includes defined operative goals and actionable steps, creating a roadmap for achieving long-term sustainability targets, including solid governance with the appointment of the Sustainability, Equality and Diversity Committee and of the Group Sustainability Officer in the person of the General Counsel.

Esaote obtained the Gender Equality Certification (UNI/PdR 125:2022) and aligned its policies and processes with ISO 30415:2021—standards that emphasize Diversity and Inclusion. These certifications represent our commitment to fostering equal opportunities and maintaining inclusive workplace practices.

In 2024, the “Fit for 2030 – Suppliers” project launched to assess suppliers based on expanded evaluation criteria, focusing on ESG performance and DEI measures. This initiative ensures that our procurement practices support our sustainability goals and elevate suppliers to meet these standards through a maturity assessment conducted via a comprehensive survey.

Esaote Group started ESG voluntary reporting in 2021 and since then, the General Counsel, in her capacity as Group Sustainability Officer, has consistently delivered annual ESG Reports. In addition to the above, the implementation of a Double Materiality Assessment aligns with the EU Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD). This thorough evaluation helps identify ESG opportunities, risks, and impacts that guide our strategic decision-making, ensuring that sustainability considerations are integrated across all operations.

The General Counsel significantly contributes to driving and ensuring these sustainable practices through various key activities and projects. These include leadership in sustainability initiatives: the General Counsel serves as Group Sustainability Officer, leading the integration of sustainability strategies in Esaote’s business operations. By driving the establishment and implementation of DEI policies, the General Counsel also ensures that these policies conform to global standards and certifications, reinforcing Esaote’s commitment to ethical practices.

It also includes overseeing compliance initiatives, ensuring consistent adherence to international standards and minimising legal and reputational risks associated with non-compliance, and stakeholder engagement: by actively engaging with both internal teams and external partners, the General Counsel aligns stakeholders with Esaote’s sustainability objectives, thereby fostering a collaborative approach to achieving these goals.