Meet Daria Kopytina, who reflects on her 10-year journey with LIXIL, a decade marked by growth, adaptation, and a deep commitment to the company’s evolving mission. From her early days as a junior lawyer in Moscow to her current role as Legal Counsel overseeing multiple regions, Daria’s career showcases her ability to navigate challenges, embrace change, and contribute to LIXIL’s transformation in a fast-paced global environment.
How did your career with LIXIL begin, and how has the company evolved since?
April 2025 marks my 10th anniversary with LIXIL. I started in Moscow as a junior lawyer, fresh out of university. It was an exciting opportunity, as I had always aspired to work for a large, international brand. The competition for the role was fierce, with hundreds of applicants, so I still find it incredible that I was selected.
Since then, so much has changed. When I joined, LIXIL had a more localized focus, but over the years, it has evolved into a truly global organization. One of the best parts of this journey has been the people I’ve worked with at LIXIL. The many colleagues who believed in me back then are still with the company, albeit in different roles and locations. We’ve moved around, but our connections have remained strong, and some have even become close friends.
About three and a half years ago, I was invited to move to Germany to take on a new role at our European headquarters. The constant support and guidance from our regional teams helped me transition to a different region and role smoothly. It also reinforced my trust in LIXIL, as this new pathway in my career journey was created through careful thought and discussion with me.
Relocating to a new country is never easy, but my team in Düsseldorf was incredibly supportive. They helped me navigate the system, adjust to the new environment, and settle in quickly. The strong team dynamic, almost like a family, made all the difference.
What exactly is your role now at LIXIL?
My title, Legal Counsel, may sound simple, but it involves a lot. I’m responsible for two commercial sub-regions: Eastern Europe and the Mediterranean. This means managing legal matters across nearly 30 countries. Over a year ago, I also took on an additional responsibility; supporting governance at LIXIL. Our legal department handles governance-related matters for the Europe and IMEA (India, Middle East, Africa) regions, and my goal is not only improving the current situation locally, but also shaping governance at LIXIL International.
With such a vast region under your jurisdiction, how do you navigate the legal complexities?
Rather than becoming an internal expert on each country’s laws, my role is about understanding the bigger picture. We operate with a global mindset, considering not just legal frameworks but also political landscapes, consumer perceptions, and external factors affecting the business.
So your role extends beyond legal issues to market understanding and challenges?
Exactly. A big part of my job is understanding the needs of our sales markets and offices. It’s about staying one step ahead, improving processes, and making it easier for teams to successfully promote and sell products. We’re not on the front lines—we don’t do sales or marketing—but we need to understand what drives the business. Even globally, we consider how world events impact sales and what we need to prepare for. My goal is for our teams to feel confident promoting products, knowing that we have their back. "At the end of the day, people are at the heart of any organization. We create products for people and we work with people."
Growing up, my family moved around ten times, which made me highly adaptable. Moving frequently exposed me to different cultures and perspectives, which has been invaluable in my role.
This adaptability was particularly useful during COVID-19 and the shift to digitalization. We had to rethink how to work remotely, trust each other in new ways, and develop solutions quickly. Even sometimes within a day. For instance, we found ways to keep signing contracts without physically going into the office. That experience reinforced the importance of flexibility and innovation.
All in all, I’ve traveled to more than 40 countries and continue to explore new places whenever possible. Many people assume legal teams don’t travel much, but I’ve helped change that.
For someone considering a career at LIXIL, what would you say are the opportunities the company offers?
If you want to be part of an industry that focuses on improving people’s lives, I would say: don’t hesitate to apply. There are no boundaries here—not just geographically, as you can move within the company—but also in terms of career growth.
LIXIL is a giant, multinational company, and every day, you may find yourself communicating with different countries. That can be a challenge for some, but if you’re adaptable and open to change, it not only becomes much easier, but also more exciting.
Change is integral in any organization. But with change also comes opportunity. If you embrace it rather than fear it, your career, and even your life, can improve significantly. Personally, my career growth at LIXIL is a great example.
What makes LIXIL a great place to work?
Team spirit. We have a truly multicultural environment built on shared values, and we’re making a positive impact on the world. Even in my role in the legal department, I feel that impact.
We are constantly evolving, adopting modern technologies, strengthening our commitment to sustainability, and finding new ways to work. If you want to be part of a company that’s shaping the future and driving positive change, this is the best place to be.