Focus on…the added value of a general counsel – strong and effective governance, alongside a business-partnership approach

Governance, an inherent part of the ESG, is one of the key tasks of the general counsel and the legal team in a publicly traded company. Governance touches many aspects of the organisation, including corporate, social and environmental conduct, and when implemented in a correct and accessible manner, may have many benefits to the company.

Policies are the ‘map’, setting the right direction for stakeholders to ensure compliance with relevant regulations and setting the tone of the company’s spirit. But the primary role of the legal team is in the day-to-day implementation, assisting with interpreting the words into actions, raising awareness, guiding and answering questions, and supporting and implementing effective controls.

The efforts are worthwhile. The different stakeholders appreciate a solid and practical governance approach. Employees know what is expected from them, have an address for questions, and understand that they are part of an organisation that cares about doing things right. This reflects the counterparties they communicate with, including customers, suppliers, investors, regulators, Banks and prospective talents, and maintains the company’s good reputation. Overall, these measures allow the company’s management to be confident and to lead an innovative approach.

Alongside the strong governance concept, as the vice president, general counsel and corporate secretary at Nova group, I am implementing a legal-business-partnership approach. I urge my team to deeply understand the company’s business aspects, create open communication channels with the different departments and work together through any difficulties. Through these channels, the business functions can become more aware of the specifics of laws and regulations that apply to their activity while being able to communicate their needs to a legal-team member who accompanies their way and truly understands their goals and efforts.

I believe that a stronger and more profound understanding between the legal team and the business positions leads to a more focused and accurate consultation and enables mutual growth.