What are the key projects you have been involved in over the past twelve months?

I have been involved in transformational projects related to our digitalisation agenda, marketing law initiatives, real state, commercial strategy, negotiation with providers and clients, labour litigation, licenses and permits and projects related to our PepsiCo Positive agenda.

Can you describe an instance where your legal advice directly influenced business strategy or commercial objectives?

As a member of our Executive Committee in Colombia and leader of the legal agenda for Colombia and Venezuela, I participate directly in the decision-making process, giving strategic legal advice connecting our priorities as a business with our legal framework.

Our value as general counsel is the knowledge of the business and the designing of legal strategies focus on the objectives of the business, identifying opportunities, mitigating risks, offering solutions and efficiency. We have the opportunity to promote a culture of integrity and accountability; legal is part of the business and not just an advisor or a “step or approver”. We can work hand-in-hand in multi-functional teams to make the right decisions at the right time. For example, we design a program for suppliers and clients to evaluate the compliance of legal obligations, which is a preventive initiative to know our strategic partners.

How has the role of general counsel evolved, and what are the most important attributes for the modern in-house lawyer?

General counsel are part of the business. We are a “team player”: business objectives are legal objectives too, and we focus our efforts on supporting the business and preventing risks or impacts. We have the responsibility to know the process; the team is involved and their challenge is to give the most efficient advice and propose solutions or a “plan B”.

From my point of view, the legal function is in constant change, and it is evolving in a positive way. Now, we are part of the creation or discussion: we can anticipate legal matters and create solutions together. For example, we can be part of the evaluation of a commercial project or investment from the very beginning, and we also can create “digital solutions”, standardised process and offer an efficient legal service to our clients.

Have you had any particularly unique or defining experiences during your legal career?

I’m a Peruvian lawyer and PepsiCo gave me the opportunity to work in different countries in the Andean region, an experience that continues to define my career. For me, it’s a big motivation to continue learning. I enjoy discovering new cultures, working with different teams and learning about the business and legal matters. It’s a challenge to understand the business, the particularities of each country and political or social matters, while, at the same time, learn legal matters and design legal strategies connecting this background with the necessities of the business.

Beyond your legal role, is there a cause or initiative you are especially passionate about?

Sustainability is one of my biggest passions, and a couple of years ago I decided to study a Program of Sustainability at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), which included a program of “Women in Leadership: Becoming an Agent of Change”. I feel proud to connect my legal function and my role as a woman executive with sustainability matters. I participated in different projects that allowed me to improve my legal vision and sustainability knowledge. Fortunately, Pepsico has a very strong Sustainability agenda, focus on Positive Agriculture, Value Chain and Choices.