Team size: Four

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?

In times of crisis and instability, it is essential for the legal department to provide maximum support to innovation and efficiency efforts. Speed and productivity are particularly important to support new business initiatives, without losing focus on legality and ethics! Even in complex situations, training and compliance must not be neglected. It is of paramount importance that the legal department is updated on the consequences of international crises such as tariffs, blacklists etc. The legal department must be a player and a leader, not just a consultant.

What are the major cases or transactions you have been involved in recently?

Our department continues to be engaged in acquisitions and support for internal innovation, with a strong commitment to upholding legality in the sector and countering competitors who adopt unfair or illegal commercial practices. Another key focus is workplace safety, which is particularly challenging given the nature of our product. Lastly, I have been asked to support not only the legal office’s activities but also those related to industry associations and advocacy efforts for the benefit of the entire market.

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?

As the department responsible for legality, ethics, and compliance activities, the legal office plays a fundamental role in ensuring adherence to equal opportunity and inclusion policies. In this regard, we have supported the HR department in the gender equality certification process and manage and oversee the whistleblowing system.

In your opinion, what are the main trends that are salient in your country currently?

The main point of focus for my market in Italy and Europe is the dialogue with decarbonisation policies and the so-called Green Deal. Great care must be taken to ensure that decarbonisation is not ideological, but considers user well-being, costs, industry needs, environment and practical realities, so as to safeguard the contribution that traditional energy products must still provide to the market.