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?

At Novo Nordisk, the role of Legal, Ethics & Compliance is not only about mitigating risks but also about strengthening resilience. In periods of instability – whether regulatory, market-driven, or litigation-related – I focus on ensuring that the legal strategy is fully integrated with the business strategy. For us, that means two priorities: safeguarding innovation through litigation strategies that maximise the value of our patent portfolio, and simultaneously enabling operational efficiency. Recent global developments have underscored the importance of agility and cost optimisation, so my approach has been to streamline processes and make our legal and compliance teams more efficient while still delivering high-quality strategic support. In this way, legal is positioned as both a protector and an enabler of resilience.

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

I recently led the Legal, Ethics and Compliance team for an eight-month period, ensuring continuity, alignment with headquarters, and a focus on efficiency during a time of organisational transition, and I have experience in enforcing compliance in the USA.

I have overseen sensitive negotiations with third-party logistics providers, public tenders from a legal perspective, and patient support programme vendors, embedding compliance safeguards and risk-sharing clauses into the transition process. These matters highlight the dual focus of my role: protecting the business through IP litigation while also ensuring operational efficiency and sustainable growth.

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?

Sustainability is embedded in Novo Nordisk’s global purpose, and in Mexico this translates into commitments not only to environmental goals—such as reducing carbon emissions and integrating circular economy principles—but also to sustainable access to healthcare. From the legal function, I contribute by embedding sustainability into contracts, third-party due diligence, and governance frameworks. This means ensuring that environmental, social, and ethical obligations are not only aspirational but enforceable. My team also partners with cross-functional colleagues to integrate ESG considerations into decision-making, ensuring that compliance and sustainability are aligned as strategic imperatives rather than parallel workstreams.