What new pressures are you facing from the business as expectations for legal to act as a strategic partner continue to grow?

One of the main pressures we face is the expectation that Legal move beyond traditional risk assessment and become an active business enabler and problem solver. The business increasingly expects legal guidance that is pragmatic, timely, and clearly aligned with commercial objectives, often under tight deadlines and in highly complex environments. In practice, this means supporting leadership decisions with risk‑based recommendations rather than binary “yes or no” answers, participating earlier in strategic discussions, and helping business teams navigate uncertainty while maintaining compliance. At the same time, resource constraints require us to prioritize matters that have the highest impact on value creation, reputation, and long‑term sustainability, reinforcing the need for Legal to operate with a strong strategic and commercial mindset.

How is your organisation adapting to the rapid evolution of data protection, AI governance and cybersecurity requirements in Brazil?

What strategies has your legal team adopted to manage disputes and mitigate risks in Brazil’s dynamic business environment?

Given Brazil’s complex litigation landscape, particularly in labor and regulatory matters, our strategy prioritizes early risk identification and proactive dispute management. This includes using data and trend analysis to identify root causes of recurring claims, benchmarking exposure against industry practices, and working cross‑functionally to implement preventive measures. When disputes arise, we focus on strategic case management, assessing when litigation is necessary versus when settlement or alternative solutions better serve the company’s long‑term interests. Clear governance, consistent alignment with HR and finance, and disciplined engagement with external counsel are key elements of our approach, enabling us to manage exposure while maintaining predictability and cost control.

How have economic fluctuations, exchange‑rate volatility or supply‑chain pressures in 2026 influenced your legal priorities?

Economic volatility, currency fluctuations, and ongoing supply‑chain pressures have reinforced the importance of legal support in areas such as contract management, trade compliance, and regulatory engagement. The Legal team has been closely involved in reviewing contractual risk allocations, advising on import‑related and customs matters, and supporting the business in managing exposure linked to pricing, logistics, and supplier relationships. In addition, these conditions have heightened the relevance of industry‑level engagement. We actively support collective advocacy through national associations within the tire and manufacturing sectors, contributing legal and regulatory perspectives on issues such as unfair competition and the impact of imported products on the domestic industry. This broader engagement allows Legal to support not only company‑specific risk management but also the long‑term resilience of the business environment in which Bridgestone operates.