Beko Romania’s Head of Legal & Compliance Minerva Ionita shares her professional milestones, how she facilitates collaboration across a geographically dispersed legal team, and her view on what role legal and compliance leaders should play in driving ESG initiatives.
CEEIHM: Could you run us through your career and professional milestones?
Ionita: I began my career as a lawyer working closely with individuals — handling personal legal matters that required empathy, precision, and a strong sense of responsibility. Those early experiences taught me how deeply law can affect people’s lives and how important it is to communicate complex issues in a clear, human way.
As my career progressed, I became increasingly drawn to the business side of law — where strategic thinking, risk management, and collaboration shape long-term success. Moving in-house was a turning point: it allowed me to contribute not just as a legal adviser, but as a true business partner.
Over time, focus expended to compliance and governance, having frameworks that support ethical and sustainable growth.
CEEIHM: You coordinate legal and compliance across Romania, Greece, Moldova, Malta, and Cyprus. What are the biggest similarities and differences that stand out to you between these markets?
Ionita: Each country operates within a European legal framework, yet their maturity and enforcement cultures differ. Romania and Greece have robust regulatory landscapes, with active authorities and well-defined processes. Moldova, on the other hand, is a dynamic environment still refining its governance tools — which requires closer collaboration and dialogue. Malta and Cyprus are small but agile markets, often quick to adopt modern regulations.
Across all five, the shared challenge is balancing local practice with the expectations of international standards.
What unites them most, however, is a growing commitment to transparency and ethical business — a trend that should give confidence in the region’s evolution.
CEEIHM: How do you ensure alignment and collaboration across a geographically dispersed legal team – both in terms of high-level strategy and the day-to-day tools or practices that keep everyone connected?
Ionita: Our setup is quite dynamic — the Romanian Legal Department acts as legal hub, providing legal support and coordination for the organizations in Greece, Moldova, Cyprus, and Malta. This model ensures consistency in legal interpretation, compliance standards, and governance principles across all markets, while allowing each local entity to remain agile and responsive to its own realities.
A key factor in our success is the excellent collaboration we have with our Group Legal Director and Regional Legal Manager. Together, we ensure that regional and group-level objectives are fully aligned, that best practices are shared effectively, and that the legal function operates with a common vision and voice across countries.
I must also emphasize the outstanding contribution of the Romanian legal team members. Their professionalism, dedication, and teamwork make everything possible. They manage a high volume of complex topics while maintaining the same quality, responsiveness, and solution-oriented mindset that define our department’s culture. Their commitment truly represents the backbone of our legal operations.
To maintain day-to-day alignment, we combine structured coordination — regular meetings, shared digital platforms, and transparent reporting — with a culture of openness and trust. We operate as one integrated team, supporting each other and learning from one another. This approach strengthens not only our efficiency but also the sense of purpose and unity within the wider legal community.
CEEIHM: Are there particular types of projects or challenges where expertise from outside counsel has been especially valuable for your team?
Ionita: Definitely. We collaborate with external counsel for different matters.
Beyond their advice, I value external partners who understand our business realities and help translate the law into actionable solutions.
The most effective collaborations are those built on mutual respect and knowledge sharing. Outside counsel extend our reach, while we ensure that their work is grounded in the company’s strategic objectives. It’s truly a partnership model.
CEEIHM: In your view, what role should legal and compliance leaders play in driving ESG initiatives, beyond just meeting regulations?
Ionita: First of all, ESG shouldn’t be a checklist; it should be part of how the business defines success.
Our role goes beyond monitoring frameworks — it’s about embedding ESG principles into daily decision-making. By connecting purpose with compliance, we make sustainability not only a requirement but a source of long-term value.
CEEIHM: What do you see as the biggest legal or compliance challenges facing the home appliances industry right now?
Ionita: The sector is experiencing a profound transformation. Regulatory developments in areas such as product safety, data protection for connected devices, and the circular economy are evolving rapidly. Companies must adapt their compliance programs to meet stricter environmental and consumer standards while maintaining agility in innovation.
The challenge — and opportunity — lies in positioning compliance as a driver of trust and competitiveness.
CEEIHM: Are there any emerging trends or upcoming regulations in the sector that you see as creating new opportunities for the market?
Ionita: Yes — particularly in sustainability and digitalization. EU initiatives such as the right-to-repair, energy-efficiency standards, and sustainable product design are reshaping the industry. While these bring new obligations, they also stimulate innovation and differentiation.
Similarly, the digital transformation of appliances raises new regulatory themes — from data privacy to cybersecurity and AI.
Businesses that anticipate these shifts and integrate legal foresight into product strategy will not only comply but lead.
CEEIHM: If you could give advice to your younger self, just starting as a legal professional, what would it be?
Ionita: Stay curious, and build authentic relationships. Technical expertise will get you noticed, but integrity, empathy, and adaptability will sustain your career.
I’d also remind my younger self that change is not a threat — it’s a constant.
The legal world is evolving faster than ever, and those who embrace innovation with ethics will have the greatest impact.
Above all, never lose sight of why you chose this profession: to bring clarity, fairness, and purpose to what matters.