Team size Seven

How can general counsel foster a corporate culture that supports ESG principles and compliance across all levels of the organisation?

General counsel play a critical role in shaping corporate culture, particularly when it comes to embedding ESG principles and compliance across all levels of the organisation.

Leading by example and setting the tone for organisation is essential. Integrating ESG into business strategy is also critical. Rather than treating ESG as a separate initiative, legal departments should ensure that sustainability, diversity, and governance are embedded into all business and functional activities, such as contracts, supply chain management, risk assessment, etc ESG is not optional but integral to long-term success. Training and communication are indispensable. Regular workshops, clear guidelines, and transparent reporting help employees at all levels understand their role in compliance and sustainability. By demystifying complex regulations, general counsel can empower teams to act responsibly.

Collaboration across functions and boundaries strengthens ESG culture. Legal departments should work closely with finance, HR, operations, and public affairs to ensure that compliance and sustainability goals are consistently applied in all jurisdictions. Measuring and rewarding compliance is vital. Establishing clear metrics for ESG performance and recognising employees who contribute to compliance initiatives reinforces positive behaviour.

How does your team contribute to the overall business strategy of the company? Can you share an example of a recent legal-led initiative that had a significant impact?

The legal team contributes directly to the overall business strategy by acting as a trusted partner to the business, ensuring that legal considerations are not obstacles but enablers of growth and efficiency. Our role extends beyond compliance. We actively participate in risk analysis and mitigation, operational discipline projects, and negotiations with clients, suppliers other third parties and collaborators, with the goal of optimising results, productivity, cost savings, efficiency and safety.

We also support strategic initiatives such as mergers and acquisitions, collective labour negotiations, complex contractual arrangements, etc, always with a focus on aligning legal risk management with business objectives. By embedding ourselves in the decision-making process, we ensure that legal strategy is transformed into operational and commercial actions that create long-term value.

By combining legal expertise with commercial acumen, we position ourselves as a valued partner of the business, contributing to sustainable growth and reinforcing the company’s culture and reputation for integrity and compliance.