Director, group general counsel and board secretary | Faerch Group
Sofie Jensen
Director, group general counsel and board secretary | Faerch Group
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?
This is very much our current reality. During times of instability or crisis, we really need to take things one step and one day at a time, because we often do not know what tomorrow will bring. For example, some foreign government actions impact us directly, including the recent tariff war, as Faerch is having sites both in the EU and the US. In response, we are closely monitoring developments. From a legal standpoint, it is key is to provide legal clarity when needed and align our legal perspective with the company’s broader priorities. It ’is about being present, informed, and supportive.
What measures has your company taken to embed sustainability practices into its core business operations, and how does the role of the general counsel contribute to driving and ensuring sustainable practices within the company?
Sustainability is a big deal for us – and not just as a concept, but in practice, as Faerch actually is the only company in the world with our own integrated tray recycling facility. Circularity is truly embedded in our DNA, as we are able to take a plastic tray, recycle it, and turn it back into a food-grade tray without down cycling. That is a huge achievement and something we are very proud of. Group Legal is part of that journey, ensuring compliance, supporting innovation, and helping with the necessary Legal guidance also in relation to the contractual framework. And it is not just a “journey” anymore; it is something we are actively doing and have done for quite some time. Personally, I am proud of it and I even tell my four daughters about how we at Faerch are helping to save the world by reducing plastic waste!
What emerging technologies do you see as having the most significant impact on the legal profession in the near future, and how do you stay updated on these developments?
There is no doubt that AI has been a major enabler. We see it as a valuable tool that can enhance the way we work, if used wisely. Of course, it is essential to maintain a critical mindset when using AI, but the pace of development is remarkable. We are constantly being aware of new technologies within Legal Tech and already exploring internal AI tools and capabilities, and I believe this technology will continue to transform how legal departments operate.
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?
I would not say I have deliberately led specific initiatives, but inclusion and diversity are part of the Faerch Group DNA. Even though our HQ is based in Holstebro, Denmark, the Group Legal team compromising only 7 team members is truly international, as well as the rest of Faerch Group. There is no doubt that the diversity in our team is valuable as it gives unique perspectives and experiences in our daily work. We value inclusion not just as a policy, but as a lived experience.