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?

The mindset in our legal team is to provide business-oriented solutions to challenges faced by the business, and to do so with excellent service. When a complex task or issue arises, it is essential to gather all relevant facts, discuss the matter with stakeholders, communicate openly with leadership, and ensure that all legal risks are identified – whether related to new regulations, contract matters, or compliance issues. Effective communication within the business is key to achieving meaningful solutions. Legal advice should, of course, protect the company from risk, but it should also provide the business with options and enable it to operate and move forward, even in difficult circumstances. This approach allows the organisation to adapt quickly without taking on excessive risk.

The legal approach should always align with the company’s goals. This means not only addressing immediate issues but also fostering strong compliance habits and maintaining an ethical approach. By integrating legal planning into the business’s overall strategy, the legal team helps the organisation manage challenges and avoid unpleasant surprises, allowing the business to emerge stronger.

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

Recently, our efforts have been focused on completing the corporate restructuring process, which included a capital increase through the subscription of new shares by the shareholders and the spin-off of the four core businesses into independent and autonomous business units. In addition to this, we have been involved in certain acquisitions and divestitures, as well as debt refinancing, both public and private.

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?

Putting sustainability, through business objectives and policies, at the core of the company’s goals has allowed our businesses to thrive. Whether it is in our food, petrochemical, automotive, or communications industries, each recognises that sustainability plays a key role in their long-term success. The General Counsel should play an essential role in promoting sustainable practices within the company. Together with the business, the General Counsel must ensure that environmental, social, and governance principles are integrated into policies and decision-making. The organisation must comply with changing regulations, world events, and other circumstances. It is the role of the legal department to assist the company in meeting its goals, always adhering to world-class sustainability practices. The General Counsel provides guidance and influence in the decision-making process on these matters.