Head of legal, privacy & compliance | Alliance Medical Italia
Vincenzo Ilardo
Head of legal, privacy & compliance | Alliance Medical Italia
Team size: Seven
How do you handle legal aspects during periods of instability or crisis, and how does the legal strategy evolve to ensure the organisation is both protected and resilient in such crises?
In times of instability, the legal function must evolve from a technical support role to a strategic partner. Over the past year, our approach has become more integrated and resilient, focusing on ensuring operational continuity and legal protection while enabling transformation. This involves constant monitoring of the regulatory and geopolitical landscape to anticipate risks and translate uncertainty into actionable strategies for management.
We’ve developed agile decision-making models that allow us to respond quickly and effectively, even in emergencies, without compromising quality. Our role extends beyond validating decisions: we actively help shape them, offering a legal perspective that balances compliance, sustainability, and growth. At the same time, we reinforce the company’s culture, ensuring that values like integrity and transparency guide our actions, especially during critical moments.
Ultimately, the legal function is not just a safeguard, it is a driver of resilience and transformation.
Can you tell me about any transactions or particular cases you’ve worked on this year?
This year, our legal team has focused on the post-acquisition integration following the company’s transition happened in February 2024. After supporting the entire due diligence and acquisition process, we are now aligning governance, contracts, and operations with the new ownership structure.
We’ve also resumed work on the acquisition of diagnostic centres and are supporting new strategic initiatives aimed at capturing market opportunities. Throughout, we maintain a strong focus on ensuring that every legal decision supports the company’s commitment to excellence and high-quality service.
In parallel, we continue to monitor and implement sector-specific regulations, ensuring full compliance and anticipating legal developments that could impact our operations. This proactive approach allows us to provide timely, reliable legal guidance across all areas.
What do you believe will be the main legal challenges for companies operating in Italy over the next five years?
One of the main challenges for companies in Italy will be navigating an increasingly complex and unstable geopolitical landscape. Global tensions, evolving EU regulations, and the need for rapid adaptation demand that businesses remain legally agile and strategically prepared. In this context, the legal function must act as a proactive partner, managing risk while enabling the business to seize emerging opportunities.
Another significant challenge is the integration of artificial intelligence into legal workflows. AI can bring substantial value-especially in legal research, document review, and compliance monitoring by improving efficiency and freeing up time for higher-value tasks. However, in civil law systems like Italy’s, where interpretation and context are critical, the human element remains essential. The key will be finding the right balance: using AI as a powerful support tool that enhances, rather than replaces, legal expertise.
Legal teams will also need to address the growing complexity of ESG-related regulations, particularly in environmental compliance, supply chain transparency, and corporate governance. Aligning with these evolving frameworks will be crucial not only for compliance but also for long-term reputation and sustainability.
Finally, continuous regulatory monitoring will remain a core responsibility. Frequent updates-especially in healthcare-require legal departments to stay ahead of change, ensuring compliance while supporting innovation and growth.
In your opinion, what are the main trends that are salient in your country currently?
Italy is currently facing a phase of geopolitical uncertainty, regulatory change, and sector-specific evolution, particularly in healthcare. Global tensions and economic instability are influencing national policy and investment strategies, requiring companies to be agile and legally prepared to adapt quickly.
From a legal perspective, one of the most relevant trends is the increasing complexity of compliance, especially in regulated sectors like healthcare.
In healthcare, there’s a strong drive toward consolidation and innovation. There is a strong growing focus on digital transformation, including the use of AI in clinical and administrative processes. While AI offers efficiency and analytical advantages, it also raises legal concerns around data protection, transparency, and accountability, which require clear legal oversight.
Meanwhile, the public healthcare system is under pressure, prompting government reforms and increased funding. For private operators, this presents both opportunities and challenges.
Finally, continuous regulatory monitoring remains essential. Frequent legislative updates, especially in healthcare,require legal departments to stay ahead of change, ensuring compliance while supporting innovation and sustainable growth.
Head of Legal, Privacy & Compliance | Alliance Medical Italia