How do you approach managing legal aspects during periods of instability or crises, and how legal strategy align with the broader business strategy to ensure the organisation’s resilience?

During periods of instability or crisis, my first priority is to identify and mitigate legal risks while enabling the business to continue operating effectively. I take a proactive approach: mapping potential exposures, maintaining open communication with leadership, and ensuring compliance frameworks are agile enough to adapt to changing circumstances.

Equally important is aligning the legal strategy with the organisation’s overall objectives. Rather than acting as a gatekeeper, I position the legal function as a strategic partner – integrating legal risk assessments into business decision-making, supporting continuity plans, and helping the organisation pivot quickly while maintaining ethical and regulatory standards. I am also uniquely positioned to leverage my historical knowledge of the business with an eye into the future, serving as a fulcrum that brings several key points together.

This approach not only safeguards the company in the short term but also strengthens its resilience and reputation over the long term.

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

Since November 1, 2022, Celanese (CE) has been diligently integrating the Mobility & Materials (M&M) business, acquired from DuPont, to offer customers and suppliers a consistent experience across the expanded CE Engineered Materials (EM) product portfolio. This integration is a reality now, our EM Business line is on and hitting the markets!

Last year we formed a partnership with Under Armour, a global leader and innovator in athletic apparel and footwear, to develop a new fiber for performance stretch fabrics called NEOLAST™. This new alternative has the potential to enable end users to recycle performance stretch fabrics, addressing a long-standing challenge in the pursuit of circular manufacturing for stretch fabrics. At CE, we love to explore new opportunities and innovate.

Mexico is also positioning itself as a sales and services hub, in addition to the manufacturing of quality Intermediate Chemistry products developed at our Cangrejera site in Coatzacoalcos, Veracruz. There are new projects that will impact Mexico but for the moment I cannot give more details.

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? 

Our company integrates sustainability at the strategic and operational levels — from setting science-based environmental targets and embedding ESG criteria into procurement, to ensuring transparency and accountability through reporting and governance frameworks.

As General Counsel, my role is to translate these commitments into robust yet nimble policies, contracts, and compliance mechanisms. I work closely with leadership to ensure sustainability goals are reflected in risk management, regulatory compliance, and stakeholder engagement. By embedding ESG considerations into decision-making and contract structures, we not only meet our legal obligations but also create long-term value and reinforce our reputation as a responsible business.