General counsel and general secretary
Valeo

What are the most significant cases and/or transactions that your legal team has recently been involved in?

The Valeo legal team is continually involved in strategic M&A and commercial transactions, as well as handling complex litigations for the Group. These transactions and litigations can be significant, and this year, the business has achieved success in several critical matters, in part thanks to the work of the legal team.

From a governance perspective, the Valeo legal team handles matters for our holding company, which is listed on the Paris Stock Exchange. Our public disclosure documents, including the annual report, consistently rank in the top ten in France according to specialised agencies. More generally, Valeo is widely recognised in France for its high-quality governance.

What are some of your main tips for dealing with a crisis?

Effective crisis management requires preparation, reactivity, and skills. Here at Valeo legal we have put protocols in place that allow us to react to certain crisis situations in a methodical manner. It is also especially important to have the right lawyers and the best experts in the various areas where crises can arise.

How do you see the general counsel role evolving in France over the next five-ten years?

The regulations surrounding listed companies in France are becoming increasingly complex and demanding. Therefore, the role of the general counsel in ensuring that the company complies with these regulations is becoming increasingly more important and challenging. In an increasingly competitive landscape, the general counsel will have to play a proactive and key role in the company’s success, staying on top of all important matters.

How do you suggest in-house lawyers build strong relationships with business partners?

The main driver in building strong relationships is simply being an excellent lawyer who can contribute to solving issues and problems. By doing this, the strong relationship will come naturally.