What has been the number one challenge that has impacted you over the past year?

The biggest challenge that has impacted me in the last year has undoubtedly been the purchase and sale of operations and assets between Suez and Veolia, two of the world’s largest water and waste treatment companies. This operation involved a coordinated effort of Suez’s legal teams globally and meant a significant change in the company’s operating structure. I had never been involved in such a large operation of such personal and professional relevance.

In which ways have you attempted to bring the legal department closer to your business colleagues?

I believe in the active role of the in-house lawyer – and the legal team in general – in all business decisions of the company. For this, it is important to gradually create greater spaces for communication between the legal, operational and administrative teams of the company, with the aim of promoting synergy and avenues for open communication that go beyond mere legal consultation. Consequently, legal team will be recognised as being able to contribute to making business decisions.

What are some of the most significant cases and transactions you have been involved in recently?

In 2022, Suez completed two relevant projects in Central America; the construction of the second module of the Juan Diaz wastewater treatment plant – the largest water treatment plant in Central America, which treats all wastewater from Panama City. Additionally, we completed renovation work and increased the treatment capacity of the Las Pavas drinking water treatment plant – the largest in El Salvador. These milestones necessitated important legal and contractual compliance work for our team.