In an increasingly complex global environment, how are you helping your organisation navigate risk while still supporting growth? 

Operating in the healthcare and medical devices sector means working under constant regulatory pressure, strong public scrutiny, and with a direct impact on patients’ lives. After almost ten years with B. Braun, I have learned that managing risk is not about restricting the business, but about enabling sustainable and responsible growth.

My approach focuses on embedding legal and compliance considerations early in strategic decision-making, when options are still open and value can be created. Since taking on regional responsibilities that include Paraguay, this has involved aligning B. Braun’s global standards with local regulatory and business realities through a pragmatic, hands-on approach.

In practice, this means strengthening governance and compliance programmes, applying proportionate, risk-based frameworks, and working closely with commercial, regulatory and operational teams. A key part of my role is translating regulatory complexity into clear, actionable guidance that allows the business to move forward while protecting patient safety, integrity and trust.

How has the role of General Counsel evolved in recent years, and where do you see GCs creating the most value today? 

The role of the General Counsel has evolved from a primarily technical legal function into a strategic leadership role with a strong influence on governance, culture and decision-making. Today, GCs create the most value when they combine legal expertise with business judgement and ethical leadership.

In my experience at B. Braun, value is generated by anticipating risks, not simply reacting to them, and by being actively involved in shaping strategic discussions. This is particularly relevant in regulated industries such as healthcare, where compliance, reputation and patient trust are critical to long-term success.

GCs also play a key role as connectors: aligning global corporate standards with local realities, supporting management in complex decisions, and fostering a strong ethical culture across the organisation. When legal is seen as a trusted business partner rather than a control function, it becomes a true driver of sustainable value.

What does effective leadership look like for a General Counsel today, and where do GCs have the most impact? 

Effective leadership for a General Counsel today is grounded in credibility, clarity and pragmatism. It requires the ability to provide clear direction in complex situations while remaining close to the business and its challenges.

I believe GCs have their greatest impact in shaping organisational culture, strengthening governance and improving the quality of senior-level decision-making. In my regional role, this has meant mentoring teams, standardising compliance approaches across jurisdictions, and promoting consistent ethical standards while respecting local regulatory and cultural differences.

Leadership also involves knowing when to challenge decisions and when to enable them. By maintaining independence, sound judgement and a strong understanding of the business, the GC can act as a trusted adviser to management and the board, particularly in moments of uncertainty or transformation.

What regulatory or risk trends are having the greatest impact on your role at present? 

The most significant trends impacting my role include increased regulatory scrutiny in healthcare, higher expectations around compliance and transparency, and growing enforcement related to anti-corruption, interactions with healthcare professionals and data protection.

In Latin America, including Paraguay, there is a clear shift towards stronger enforcement and accountability, even where regulatory frameworks are still evolving. This requires organisations to move beyond formal compliance and focus on effective implementation and culture.

Additionally, ESG considerations and corporate responsibility are becoming increasingly relevant, particularly for multinational healthcare companies like B. Braun. These trends reinforce the importance of proactive compliance, strong internal controls and continuous training, ensuring that growth is not only commercially successful but also ethical and sustainable.