Career Biography

I manage all legal and business aspects of a ferroalloys operation, working closely with leadership, operations, finance, and external advisors. My role goes well beyond traditional legal work and includes day-to-day decision-making, risk management, contracts, compliance, and helping guide the business through challenging operating conditions.

In addition to my work in the ferroalloys industry, I have also been involved in side projects unrelated to ferroalloys. These projects have allowed me to expand my areas of work, support different types of businesses, and apply my skills in new contexts. That broader exposure has strengthened my ability to think commercially and adapt quickly to new challenges.

Over the past year, my work has included negotiating and managing key commercial agreements, overseeing corporate and governance matters across jurisdictions, handling disputes and regulatory issues, and supporting the business through ongoing uncertainty. Some matters are confidential, but overall, the focus has been on protecting the company while allowing it to continue operating in a very difficult market. One significant matter involved leading the company’s anti-dumping proceedings against certain foreign producers of ferrosilicon. I managed the internal team working on the matter, which required coordinating and analysing data from multiple departments. It was a lengthy and complex process, but we were successful in the end.

My entire time at the company has been shaped by instability and crisis. The ferroalloys business is highly cyclical, and we are constantly adjusting to weak markets and shifting conditions. During these periods, I focus on what is extremely important and necessary and manage issues that can wait. I prioritise risks, simplify decisions, and provide guidance to leadership. This environment has been consistently challenging, and it has prepared me for how I approach both legal and business decisions.

Technology, particularly AI, has had a meaningful impact on how I work. I use tools like ChatGPT regularly in my day-to-day legal work to assist with research, drafting, summarising materials, and testing different approaches to legal and business issues. AI has not replaced legal judgment, but it has significantly improved efficiency. It has become a practical tool I rely on, but with caution.

Outside of work, I am passionate about travel, culture, wine, and beach tennis. Traveling allows me to experience different cultures and expand my view of the world. Wine is something I originally enjoyed for its taste, but as the owner of a wine bar in Porto, Portugal, I have learned much more about grapes, production methods, and how soil and climate shape the character and body of each wine, which I find fascinating. Wine also brings people together and often leads to great conversations. Beach tennis helps me stay active and balanced. These interests help me maintain my perspective and energy, which is essential in a demanding in-house role.