“From data privacy to ethical use and regulatory uncertainty, AI is challenging traditional legal frameworks.”

An interview with Oscar Zarhi, Group General Counsel & Chief Compliance Officer at Grupo Elecmetal  in Chile.

What are the biggest external forces or trends currently shaping your role as General Counsel and how are you responding to them? 

One of the most significant external forces shaping my role today is the rapid irruption of artificial intelligence and the complex compliance and governance issues it brings. From data privacy to ethical use and regulatory uncertainty, AI is challenging traditional legal frameworks. As General Counsel, I’m actively engaging with cross-functional teams to ensure our policies, risk assessments, and governance structures are robust and forward-looking. 
 
How are you balancing the increasing demands of legal risk management with the expectation to drive business value and strategic insight? 

Balancing legal risk with business value starts with a deep understanding of the company’s core business and value drivers. By aligning legal strategies with business objectives, I can provide proactive, risk-aware guidance that supports growth and innovation. It’s about being a strategic partner, not just a gatekeeper. 
 
What’s one lesson or insight from your in-house journey that you wish you’d known earlier and would share with a fellow GC today? 

One key lesson is the importance of building the right team – both internally and externally. You need a “dream team” of lawyers who not only understand the business but also bring diverse perspectives and expertise. That includes talented in-house counsel and trusted outside advisors who can scale with your needs and help you navigate complexity with confidence.