Team size: Six

Major legal advisors: PLMJ, White & Case

Jurisdictions your role covers: Portugal, Luxembourg, Ireland

What do you value most in external advisers working alongside your team: sector knowledge, responsiveness, innovation, or something else? 

Above all, I value dedication and a true sense of partnership from external advisers. Technical expertise is expected, but what sets exceptional advisers apart is their availability, their commitment to engaging deeply with the issues at hand, and their willingness to work closely with our team to shape solutions that fit the reality/needs of our business. This collaborative approach consistently leads to better outcomes. 

How has the role of the legal function evolved within your organisation over recent years, and where do you see it adding the most strategic value today? 

The evolution of the in‑house legal function has been profound. Today, legal teams are not merely guardians of compliance; they are essential partners in shaping the organisation’s strategic direction. I firmly believe that in‑house counsel add the greatest value when they are empowered to participate directly in management decisions, helping balance opportunity with risk and ensuring that the right safeguards are in place. Businesses that recognise legal as an enabler — rather than a blocker — are the ones that grow in the most sustainable and resilient way.  

In what ways has technology or process innovation changed how your legal team operates? 

I believe technology and process innovation have transformed the way legal teams operate by enabling us to work faster, more accurately, and to deliver more complete, higher‑quality outputs. AI tools, in particular, have introduced new levels of efficiency, streamlining tasks that once required significant time and manual effort. However, they do not replace the critical thinking, judgment, and responsibility that define the in‑house legal role. These tools enhance our capabilities, but the final analysis and decision‑making remain firmly with the legal team.