Fernanda Castro – GC Powerlist
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Mexico Rising Stars 2025

Consumer products

Fernanda Castro

Legal counsel | Colgate Palmolive MX

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Mexico Rising Stars 2025

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Fernanda Castro

Legal counsel | Colgate Palmolive MX

Team size: 9

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?
During periods of instability or crisis, my approach to managing legal aspects focuses on being a strategic and dynamic business partner, demonstrating a deep commercial understanding. It is fundamental to establish a robust legal framework that not only reacts to challenges but also anticipates and mitigates them, always aligned with business objectives to ensure the organisation’s resilience.

Firstly, anticipation is key. This involves constant monitoring of the regulatory and market environment, identifying potential risks before they materialise. We develop legal contingency plans for various crisis scenarios, ensuring the team is prepared to act quickly. This includes the proactive review of contracts, internal policies, and regulatory obligations to identify vulnerabilities.

Secondly, dynamism is essential. Crises often require quick and adaptable decisions. My legal strategy is based on flexibility, allowing for rapid adjustments to changing circumstances. This means having trained and empowered legal teams to make informed decisions under pressure, with access to the necessary information and resources. We foster a culture of continuous learning and process improvement to optimise our responsiveness.

Finally, strategic communication is vital. During a crisis, information must flow efficiently and accurately both internally and externally. The legal team plays a crucial role in crafting clear and legally compliant messages, protecting the company’s reputation and minimising legal risks.

The alignment of the legal strategy with the broader business strategy is intrinsic to this approach. The legal function is not an isolated department but a key partner that contributes directly to the organisation’s resilience. This is achieved in several ways:

Early integration and commercial knowledge: I involve the legal team from the early stages of strategic and operational planning, contributing solid commercial knowledge to proactively identify and address legal risks associated with new initiatives, expansions, or changes in the business model.

Proactive and dynamic advice: I provide legal advice that not only complies with regulations but also seeks innovative solutions that support business objectives, even in challenging environments. This may include structuring agreements that allow for greater flexibility or identifying opportunities within complex regulatory frameworks, demonstrating a dynamic approach.

Asset protection: My legal strategy focuses on protecting the organisation’s key assets, including intellectual property, data, and relationships with customers and suppliers, which is fundamental for business continuity during and after a crisis.

Promotion of governance: I reinforce corporate governance and regulatory compliance, creating a solid foundation that allows the organisation to navigate instability with integrity and confidence, which in turn strengthens investor and stakeholder trust.

By integrating these principles, my legal strategy becomes a fundamental pillar for organisational resilience, enabling the company not only to survive instability but also to emerge stronger and better adapted to future challenges.

What are the major cases or transactions you have been involved in recently?
Recently, I have participated in significant cases and transactions, demonstrating my role as a strategic partner in business functionality. These include:

Implementation of Labour Regulations and the “Ley Silla”: I led the adaptation and implementation of various labour regulations, including the “Ley Silla”, to ensure full business functionality. My focus was on minimising operational and financial impact, guaranteeing regulatory compliance and optimising internal processes.

Regularisation of New Business Verticals: I was key in the regularisation of new business verticals, allowing the organisation to diversify operations. This involved creating solid legal frameworks and obtaining licences, ensuring a frictionless market entry with complete legal certainty.

Growth and Expansion in the LATAM Market: I actively participated in strategic initiatives for market growth in LATAM. My role was fundamental in the legal structuring of expansion agreements and strategic alliances, navigating the complex regulatory environments of the region to facilitate the successful expansion of our presence.

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?
Regarding diversity and inclusion within our legal department, we are not merely participants but passionate champions. I am incredibly proud to personally spearhead initiatives directly sponsored by the legal department, such as:

The groundbreaking establishment of the first-ever pro bono legal programme at Colgate, providing vital services to underserved minorities, individuals with limited resources, and invaluable non-profit organisations. This initiative truly embodies our commitment to justice and community impact.

The enthusiastic organisation of sports events for fundraising, with all proceeds wholeheartedly donated to individuals with motor disabilities. Through these inspiring efforts, we have collectively raised approximately 10k USD, making a tangible difference in people’s lives.

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