Team size: 12

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?

The energy sector is inherently volatile, marked by cycles of undercapacity, overcapacity, and periodic crises. This demands a legal team that is not only reactive but also proactive, ready to swiftly interpret regulatory changes, seize market opportunities, and advocate for both the company and the broader industry. Blending regulatory and legal expertise within the team is a strategic advantage, enabling us to anticipate shifts and shape our responses effectively. Flexibility is equally crucial: maintaining a variable cost structure through the adoption of IT tools (such as AI) and leveraging flexible arrangements with external providers, like secondments, allows us to scale resources as needed. Secondments, in particular, offer a win-win, ensuring continuity for the company while deepening collaboration with law firms. Ultimately, this agile, integrated approach ensures the legal function remains a business enabler, supporting resilience and growth regardless of market turbulence.

What are the major cases or transactions you have been involved in recently?

During the relevant period, the Legal & Regulatory Team of Axpo Italia led strategic operations supporting the energy transition: acquisition of two biomethane plants in Sicily (90 GWh/year), ten-year PPAs with Bormioli Luigi and Moncada Energy, partnership with TIM for “TIM Energia”, strategic sponsorships with relevant sport teams/players (Genoa CFC, Imoco Volley, Flavio Coblli), various efficiency projects with Coop Alleanza 3.0, and investment in LNG bunkering projects at several Italian ports. The team managed all legal aspects, from due diligence to authorisations and contracts.

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?

Axpo Italia has made sustainability a core part of its business, guided by an internal ESG Committee and a clear roadmap toward net-zero. The company invests in renewable projects, energy efficiency, and circular economy initiatives, while also promoting sustainable mobility and regularly engaging employees and stakeholders on ESG topics. A standout initiative is “RiforestAzione,” developed in partnership with the Ministry of Environment (MASE), which aims to restore ecosystems and enhance biodiversity. As general counsel, I played a key role in this project, working closely with the Ministry’s team to define the scope, legal framework, and operational perimeter of our collaboration, ensuring robust governance from the outset. More broadly, my role involves embedding ESG principles in contracts and business processes, ensuring compliance with evolving regulations, and advocating for Axpo’s sustainability agenda both internally and externally. This leadership helps make ESG a living part of our company culture and strategy.