Chief Legal Officer | Transgaz
Cristina Iancu
Chief Legal Officer | Transgaz
Team size: 44
What are the most important cases, projects or transactions that you and your legal team have recently been involved in?
Over the past year, my legal team and I have been actively involved in several landmark projects of major importance both for Transgaz and for the Romanian energy sector. Among these, I would highlight the legal support provided for the development and implementation of strategic natural gas transmission infrastructure, including cross-border interconnections and projects that are part of the “Vertical Corridor” initiative. These projects are essential for strengthening regional energy security, diversifying supply sources, and aligning Romania with the European Union’s energy and climate policies.
In parallel, we have managed complex legal matters related to regulatory compliance, corporate governance, and financing agreements, particularly in the context of partnerships with European institutions and neighboring transmission system operators. Our role has been to ensure that all contractual, regulatory, and cross-border legal aspects are efficiently addressed, allowing the company to advance and grow with confidence in a challenging geopolitical and economic environment.
How do you approach managing legal aspects during periods of instability or crisis to ensure the organisation’s resilience?
During periods of instability or crisis — whether geopolitical, regulatory, or economic — my approach relies on three key principles that I have also sought to instill within my team: anticipation, adaptability, and communication.
First, we closely monitor legislative and market developments in order to anticipate and mitigate risks in advance. Second, we implement flexible legal strategies, ensuring that Transgaz’s contracts, governance mechanisms, and commitments can withstand sudden changes without exposing the company to risks. Third, transparent and continuous communication with management and my team members is essential for aligning expectations and supporting fast and well-founded decisions.
This proactive approach has helped both my team and Transgaz in maintaining resilience and operational stability, while protecting the company’s long-term interests.
Given the current geopolitical shifts and the growing uncertainties around international free trade, has your company’s risk profile evolved, and are you taking measures to address these challenges?
Yes, the company’s risk profile has evolved considerably. The current geopolitical environment, especially in our region, has emphasized the importance of energy security and independence. From a legal perspective, this has meant strengthening the contractual framework, enhancing compliance with EU energy regulations, and implementing solid risk-mitigation measures against potential supply disruptions. We also work closely with external partners and European institutions to ensure that Transgaz remains a well-positioned strategic partner within the international energy sector value chain.
How does your team contribute to the overall business strategy of the company? Can you provide an example of a recent legal-led initiative that had a significant impact?
The legal department is not only a support function but also a strategic partner within Transgaz’s operations. One example is our involvement in structuring and negotiating all commitments in which Transgaz is a party, including financing agreements for major investment projects. This legal-led initiative has directly supported the implementation of infrastructure projects that consolidate Transgaz’s strategic position as a key player in the regional energy market.
Legal director | Transgaz