The legal industry plays a fundamental role in shaping businesses’ compliance and operational frameworks across various sectors. Over time, it has expanded from a purely advisory capacity to a strategic contributor to organizational decision-making. With technological advancements and the increasing intricacy of global regulations, legal professionals are now tasked with steering the multifaceted legal sector while ensuring alignment with ethical principles and corporate values. This progress highlights the importance of integrating innovative tools, cross-functional collaboration, and proactive approaches to meet businesses’ diverse legal and compliance needs, particularly in regions like Latin America, where regulatory frameworks are intricate and varied.

Cinthia Mazzucatto, Head of Legal LATAM, is a prominent leader in reshaping how legal departments operate within the consumer goods sector. With nearly two decades of experience spanning multiple industries, her leadership is defined by adaptability, strategic thinking, and a relentless commitment to aligning legal processes with business goals. Cinthia is adept at addressing region-specific regulatory challenges, advocating for integrating legal considerations into broader organizational strategies. Her focus on mentorship, ethical decision-making, and cultivating collaboration underscores her ability to lead with vision and inspire teams to excel in a challenging environment.

At Newell Brands, Cinthia leads the LATAM legal team with a forward-thinking approach focusing on compliance, efficiency, and innovation. The company, a global player in the consumer goods industry, relies on her expertise to lead diverse regulatory fields, ensure adherence to stringent data privacy laws, and align legal objectives with business strategies. By championing technology integration and cross-functional collaboration, she ensures that the legal function contributes meaningfully to the organization’s success while maintaining its commitment to ethical principles and corporate values. This dedication positions Newell Brands as a leader in managing tough legal challenges in Latin America and beyond.

In this interview, Cinthia shares how her leadership has transformed legal operations in the consumer goods sector through technology, collaboration, and ethics. Let’s explore her approach to managing legal challenges and cultivating innovation in LATAM:

Can you walk us through your professional journey and how it led you to your current role? 

In my nearly 17 years of experience in the legal field, I have served in the Legal Department of various multinational companies across diverse sectors, such as the chemical industry, retail, and consumer goods companies. This has allowed me to develop practical knowledge in multiple areas of law, undergo significant experiences, and devise strategies for companies to reduce liabilities.

I have also been involved in essential negotiations that have brought substantial gains to the companies I have worked for. These experiences have been of utmost importance in helping me acquire the necessary skills for my current position. In addition to this, I have also had a significant phase of learning and development in my current company.

What specific experiences or skills do you bring from your previous roles that have been instrumental in shaping your approach to legal matters in the consumer goods industry? 

Over the past 8 years, I have been working in consumer goods companies. Not only have I developed a particular affinity for this sector, but I have also had the opportunity to specialize in specific topics related to the consumer goods industries.

In Latin America, various regulations and situations apply to multiple products. As part of our legal function, it is crucial to understand how to leverage tools and resources that can benefit the business while adhering to compliance rules and fair competition practices.

As the head of the legal department for the LATAM region, what strategies do you employ to provide strategic guidance and support to the company while managing legal risks effectively? 

It’s important to highlight that I believe the legal department can play a crucial role in a company’s strategy. Over the years, the role of legal leaders (and the legal team in general) has evolved significantly. What used to be a purely supportive function has now become an integral part of decision-making within the company.

This shift in importance has occurred because company boards recognize the impact of making well-informed decisions. While I won’t cite specific situations, I firmly believe that providing a strong legal foundation is the best way to ensure that decisions are made in the most secure manner possible.

How do you ensure alignment between legal objectives and broader business goals? 

Aligning legal objectives with broader business goals involves open communication, understanding the business context, proactive legal support, risk assessment, policy development, and measuring success. Legal teams can effectively align their efforts with overall business objectives by cultivating collaboration, adapting to changes, and considering the organization’s mission.

Given your expertise in privacy law and data protection, how do you steer the intricate sector of data privacy regulations in the LATAM region to ensure compliance? 

As an expert in privacy law and data protection, steering the challenging sector of data privacy regulations in the LATAM region involves understanding the specific rules of each country. Most LATAM countries have strong data protection frameworks, but the legal requirements vary significantly. Compliance requires staying informed about recent regulatory activity and tailoring strategies to meet local standards.

For instance, Chile, Argentina, Uruguay, Mexico, Costa Rica, Peru, Colombia, Brazil, and Panama have enacted data protection laws, often following the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) model. Each country has its legislation, and compliance is mandatory for companies operating in the region.

Colombian data privacy laws are considered modern and have been enforced effectively, with fines imposed for violations. In Mexico, data protection laws apply to personal data processed within Mexican territory or on behalf of a Mexican data controller, regardless of location. Overall, staying up to date with local regulations and adapting practices accordingly is crucial for compliance in the LATAM region.

How do you collaborate with other departments, such as operations, marketing, and finance, to integrate legal considerations into their strategies and initiatives? 

Successful collaboration with other departments involves active listening, empathy, and a willingness to adapt. By integrating legal considerations into cross-functional strategies, organizations can achieve better outcomes and effectively mitigate risks.

This holistic approach ensures that decisions align with business goals and legal requirements, nurturing a collaborative environment where diverse perspectives contribute to innovative solutions. Moreover, clear communication channels and mutual respect enhance teamwork, enabling seamless coordination across departments. A collaborative mindset transcends organizational boundaries, leading to shared success and sustainable growth.

What measures or initiatives do you implement to ensure legal decisions align with ethical principles and corporate values? 

Establishing clear connections between ethical guidelines and strategic planning is necessary to ensure legal decisions align with moral principles and corporate values. By focusing ethics in decision-making processes, rewarding ethical behavior, and cultivating a culture of moral norms, it is possible to create an environment where integrity is valued. As part of my role, I am committed to ensuring that these ethical guides are consistently adhered to.

How do you encourage innovation within the legal department to streamline processes, enhance efficiency, and adapt to evolving legal requirements? 

To encourage innovation within the legal department, we prioritize technology and staff integration to streamline processes, enhance efficiency, and adapt to evolving legal requirements. By leveraging cutting-edge tools, creating cross-functional collaboration, and embracing agile methodologies, we drive continuous improvement and stay ahead in the growing legal sector.

How do you support your legal team members’ professional development and growth within the LATAM region? 

To support the professional development and growth of our legal team members within the LATAM region, we provide mentorship and opportunities for advancement and develop a high-performing environment. My approach includes learning paths, cross-functional exposure, performance feedback, and a focus on work-life balance. Combining these strategies creates a supportive environment where legal professionals can thrive and contribute to the organization’s success.

What motivates you the most in your role and inspires you to drive positive change and innovation within the legal function? 

I am motivated by a sense of purpose, the intellectual challenge of intricate legal issues, and the opportunity to solve complicated problems. The fast-growing legal sector and the need to adapt to new laws and technological advancements keep me engaged. Collaborating with colleagues, continuous learning, and upholding ethical standards inspire positive change and innovation within the legal function.