Event information
The GC Summit Brazil promises to be an exclusive gathering of legal minds from around the country, offering a range of stimulating discussions and insights tailored to ignite our passion for the law.
Key topics will include the evolving tax landscape in Brazil, examining proposed changes and their impact on businesses. Experts will also explore the personal liability of officers, directors, and shareholders, emphasizing the importance of compliance and risk management in corporate governance. Additionally, there will be an in-depth discussion on investigations in cases of cyberattacks, focusing on the risks posed by cyber threats and effective investigation processes.
The summit will further delve into the rapidly evolving gaming industry in Brazil, addressing its financial regulatory landscape, compliance challenges, and future regulatory developments. A crucial session will explore Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) considerations, providing insights on how businesses can navigate contemporary challenges responsibly, ultimately fostering positive impacts on society and the environment.
Our distinguished panel of experts will provide invaluable insights, unveiling the latest trends and best practices across these crucial topics. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage in thought-provoking dialogues, expand their professional network, and forge invaluable connections with like-minded legal peers. The GC Summit Brazil 2024 is an unmissable event that marks a journey of professional growth and strategic insight.
Agenda
10.30am – 11.00am Registration
11.00am – 11.05 am Opening Remarks
11.05am – 11.55am An Insightful Exploration: Building Strategic Resilience in the Face of Tax Reform
This panel will embark on a journey through Brazil’s evolving tax terrain. It will delve into the intricacies of proposed changes, their potential impact on businesses, and strategies for adaptation amidst shifting regulatory landscapes. Panelists will explore pivotal themes shaping Brazil’s tax reform: an analysis of the current tax system, its complexities and inefficiencies, and the government’s proposed changes, including key objectives and legislative considerations. They will assess how these reforms may affect businesses across various sectors, from multinational corporations to local enterprises, and the practical implications of regulatory changes and strategies for ensuring compliance and mitigating risks in light of uncertainties.
- Vinicius Pimenta Seixas, partner, Pinheiro Neto Advogados
- Maíra Braga Oltra, global director, tax, regulatory, and corporate affairs, EBANX
- Rodrigo Para, associate partner, BTG Pactual
- Felipe Daud, director of public policy, Alibaba Group
- Suelma Rosa, vice president of corporate affairs, PepsiCo Latin America
11.55am – 12.45pm Brazilian ESG Regulations: Legal Strategies for Compliance, Governance, and DE&I Initiatives
This panel will provide an overview of Brazilian ESG regulations and global standards, focusing on recent legislative changes and strategies for effective compliance and risk management. It will explore the role of GCs in promoting ESG within corporate governance structures, sharing best practices for board oversight and stakeholder engagement through successful case studies. The discussion will cover the legal implications of environmental sustainability initiatives, including navigating climate-related disclosures, reporting requirements, and opportunities for innovation and competitive advantage. Additionally, the panel will address social responsibility and legal considerations for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives to enhance corporate reputation and stakeholder trust. Finally, it will highlight the importance of robust governance frameworks to support ESG goals, ensuring transparency, accountability, and ethical conduct, while leveraging technology and data analytics for ESG reporting and compliance.
- Eloy Rizzo, partner, Demarest
- Fernanda Stefanelo, partner, Demarest
- Lucio Batista Martins, legal and compliance director, J&F Investimentos
- Jairo Tcherniakovsky, global compliance executive
12.45pm – 1.45pm Lunch
1.45pm – 2.35pm Recent Developments in the Legal Exposure of Officers, Directors and Shareholders
The personal liability of shareholders and administrators is a crucial aspect of a consistent corporate governance practice in a business operation. Understanding and fulfilling one’s responsibilities as a stakeholder or decision-maker within a company is fundamental to ensuring legal and tax compliance, ethical conduct, and effective risk management. In the context of an evolving business landscape and regulatory environment, shareholders and administrators need to be aware of the potential consequences and ramifications of their actions or inactions, as failing to meet obligations can result in personal liability implications.
- Shin Jae Kim, partner, TozziniFreire
- Thiago Medaglia, partner, TozziniFreire
- Beatriz Barrionuevo, sr. director & chief counsel, Brazil, Mondeléz
- José Aparecido Dos Santos, legal director, Magazine Luiza
2.35pm – 3.30pm Investigations in cases of Cyberattack
In today’s digital age, cyberattacks pose significant risks to organizations worldwide. From data breaches to ransomware attacks, the implications of cyber threats are far-reaching and multifaceted. Effective investigation processes are crucial in mitigating these risks and safeguarding sensitive information. Panelists will share insights and experiences in conducting thorough investigations following cyber incidents. Key topics of discussion will include the methodologies and tools used in cyber investigations, the legal and regulatory considerations, challenges encountered in attributing cyberattacks to specific threat actors, and best practices for incident response and mitigation.
- Pedro Iokoi, partner, Iokoi
- Ruben Longobuco, chief security officer, Telefônica VIVO
- Felipe Sene Tamburus, legal director, Banco ABC Brasil
3.30pm – 3.50pm Coffee Break
3.50pm – 4.40pm Charting the Course: Financial Regulation in Brazil’s Gaming Sector
The gaming industry in Brazil is rapidly evolving, necessitating a comprehensive examination of its financial regulatory landscape. This panel will gather legal experts as well as industry leaders to discuss the current state, challenges, and future directions of financial regulation in Brazil’s gaming sector. The discussion will analyse the existing legal framework and recent legislative changes, address key challenges such as compliance, anti-money laundering (AML) measures, and taxation, and share best practices from local and international perspectives. The panel aims to enhance regulatory compliance and financial stability within the gaming industry. By bringing together diverse perspectives, the panel will provide a holistic view of the regulatory environment, helping stakeholders understand the complexities and navigate the evolving landscape effectively. Additionally, the discussion will explore potential regulatory developments in response to technological advancements, market expansion, and international trends. This collaborative effort aims to foster a more robust and compliant gaming sector in Brazil, ensuring it can thrive sustainably while adhering to stringent financial regulations.
- Marina Olman, partner, Miami, Greenberg Traurig
- Ellen Sezerino, head of legal and compliance, Jogo Global
- Bárbara Rodrigues Lima Teles, regulatory and public affairs lawyer, Rei do Pitaco
- Ana Bárbara Costa Teixeira, director of regulatory affairs, Grupo Ocean 88
4.40pm – 5.30pm Energy Transition Trends and Opportunities
This panel will explore the dynamic shift in the global energy landscape. As industries, governments, and societies increasingly prioritise environmental sustainability and address climate breakdown, the energy sector is undergoing significant transformation. This discussion will highlight key trends driving this shift, such as the rapid growth of renewable energy, advances in energy storage technology, the rise of electric vehicles, and the role of policy and regulation in accelerating the transition. Panelists will delve into the economic opportunities emerging from these trends, including investment prospects in green technologies, job creation in the renewable energy sector, and the potential for innovation across the energy value chain. The conversation will also touch on the challenges and risks associated with the transition, such as grid reliability, energy equity, and the need for global cooperation to ensure a just and inclusive energy future. By examining these themes, the panel aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the evolving energy landscape and identify actionable opportunities for stakeholders across various industries.
- Débora H. Yanasse, partner, global energy, corporate and mergers & acquisitions practices, Tauil & Chequer Advogados Associated to Mayer Brown
- Bruno Salzano, partner, corporate and M&A practice, Tauil & Chequer Advogados Associated to Mayer Brown
- José Eduardo Guimarães Barros, general counsel, Eletrobras
- Daniel Shem Cheng Chen, business lawyer, Órigo Energia
5.30pm – 5.35pm Closing Remarks
5.35pm – 6.30pm Drinks and canapes
Speakers
Vinicius Pimenta Seixas, partner, Pinheiro Neto Advogados
With 16 years of experience at the firm, Vinicius focuses his practice on tax issues related to foreign investments in Brazil, business combinations, corporate reorganization, real estate deals, transactions involving investment funds and those carried out in the financial and capital markets, also acting in project finance, e-payments and fintechs in general and administrative litigation connected tax structuring. LL.M Degree in International Taxation from the New York University (NYU), and Bachelor in Laws at Fundação Getúlio Vargas (FGV-SP). Admitted to practice in Brazil and New York. Vinicius has also worked as a foreign associate at Mori Hamada & Matsumoto, in Tokyo and at Stibbe, in Luxembourg.
Marina Olman, partner, Miami, Greenberg Traurig
Marina Olman-Pal is a Co-Chair of the firm’s Financial Regulatory & Compliance Practice. She advises foreign and U.S. financial institutions on a broad range of regulatory matters including licensing, acquisitions, divestitures, compliance with Bank Secrecy Act (BSA)/anti-money laundering (AML) laws and regulations, and compliance with Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctions programs. Marina counsels a wide range of companies in the financial services sector including, domestic and foreign banks, gaming companies, money services businesses including money transmitters, cryptocurrency businesses, Fintech companies and digital payment companies. Throughout her career, Marina has represented clients before U.S. regulators such as the Federal Reserve, OCC, FDIC, FinCEN, OFAC, the Florida Office of Financial Regulation and other state supervisory authorities. Marina also regularly develops anti-money laundering programs for a wide range of financial services businesses and non-financial services businesses including, U.S. and foreign companies active in industries such as real estate, hospitality, automotive and artificial intelligence, among many others.
Pedro Iokoi, partner, Iokoi
Master and PhD in Criminal Procedure Law at Faculdade de Direito da Universidade de São Paulo (USP); Bachelor in Laws at Faculdade de Direito da Pontifícia Universidade Católica deSão Paulo (PUC-SP); Professor for IBMEC, ESA and ESMP Postgraduate Course; Former President, of the Brazilian Bar Association – Sub-section of Pinheiros in São Paulo/SP; Member of CEAPRO – Centro de Estudos Avançados de Processo.
Thiago Medaglia, partner, TozziniFreire
Thiago Medaglia has broad experience in consulting and administrative tax litigation, customs, and social security matters. His practice includes advising multinational companies with a presence in Brazil, as well as national companies seeking to internationalize their activities. Thiago specializes in corporate restructuring operations, mergers and acquisitions, and distressed M&A transactions. His expertise comprises indirect taxes and customs duties, taxation of the aviation, financial, technology, infrastructure, and real estate sectors. He is a graduate of the Law School of Universidade Presbiteriana Mackenzie, holds a postgraduate degree in Tax Law from PUC-SP (Pontifícia Universidade Católica de São Paulo), a specialized degree in Advanced Negotiation, focused on Deal Design & Implementation from the Harvard Law School, and an LL.M. degree in Tax Law from Georgetown University Law Center.
Shin Jae Kim, partner, TozziniFreire
Head of TozziniFreire´s Compliance & Investigation practice group and member of the firm´s Executive Committee, Shin Jae Kim is a pioneer in the development of the Compliance field in Brazil. She specializes in the strategic coordination of initiatives that involve relationships with government bodies, crisis management, and corporate investigations across all industries and sectors. Shin is respected for her leading practice and over 30 years of experience in corporate law, M&A, and for advising investors from several different countries in their inbound and outbound investments. She is also head of the Asia Practice Group, directly coordinating the Korea Desk. Shin chairs and speaks at several forums and international events focused on anti-corruption, corporate governance, and investigations matters. She co-headed the creation of the Latin American Compliance & Investigation League (LACIL), which involves the top Latin American law firms in this practice. Shin is a member of the Finance, Compliance, and Audit Committee of the Society of Corporate Compliance and Ethics (SCCE) & Health Care Compliance Association (HCCA) and co-leader of the Brazil Chapter of WWCDA (Women’s White Collar Defense Association). Graduate of the Law School of USP (Universidade de São Paulo), she holds a specialized degree in Tax Law from the Law School of the same institution, an LL.M. degree in International and Comparative Law from Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Belgium, and took the Academy of American and International Law program, held by the Center for American and International Law, USA. Shin is a member of the editorial board of GIR (Global Investigations Review) and also of CCPE-I (Certified Compliance & Ethics Professional – International).
Eloy Rizzo, partner, Demarest
Partner in the Corporate Investigations area at Demarest, focused on Compliance and ESG matters, Eloy Rizzo holds a master’s degree (LLM) in Competition Law and International Arbitration from King’s College London (England) and a postgraduate degree in Civil Procedural Law from PUC-SP. Eloy Rizzo has completed his Competent Boards Global Certificate and Designation and was awarded the ESG Competent Boards certification and Designation (GCB.D). Eloy has significant experience in internal investigations of high complexity, concentrating his practice in potential violations of anti-corruption laws in multi-jurisdictional cases. In addition, he advises administrative proceedings and lawsuits arising from potential violations of anti-corruption legislations and negotiates leniency agreements with competent authorities. He is a professor at LEC – Legal, Ethics and Compliance and for the postgraduate courses offered by PUC-SP and FGV/RJ Law Schools. Eloy is also recognized by some of the most renowned legal publications, such as Chambers Latin America, Who’s Who Legal and Leaders League. From 2019 to 2023 Eloy was recognized by peers and clients as one of the “Elite 5” Brazilian compliance lawyers.
Fernanda Stefanelo, partner, Demarest
Partner in Demarest’s Environmental and ESG practice áreas, Fernanda Stefanelo holds a master’s degree in Environmental Law from Universidade Católica de Santos (UNISANTOS), a specialization degree in Environmental Law from Pontifícia Universidade Católica de São Paulo (PUC-SP), a specialization degree in Environmental Resource Management and Energy Business from Universidade de São Paulo (USP), and a bachelor’s degree in Law from Faculdades Integradas Toledo. Fernanda also completed the “European Community Environmental Law” and “Comparative USA – China Environmental Law” courses from Vermont Law School, in the United States. In addition, she concluded the “Law and ESG: Corporate Governance and Socioenvironmental Compliance” from PUC-SP. She has acted as a speaker regarding topics that involve environmental law, ESG (especially licensing), contaminated areas, energy, the Forestry Code, the National Policy on Solid Waste and reverse logistics, environmental liability, among others.
Ruben Longobuco, chief security officer, Telefônica VIVO
As the Chief Security Officer (CSO) at Telefônica Brasil, he plays a pivotal role in shaping and overseeing the company’s security policies and initiatives. With a distinguished international career within the Telefónica group, he has made significant contributions to Digital and Corporate Security. His responsibilities span across Telecom services, both Fixed and Mobile, as well as convergent products in B2C and B2B segments, including digital services, financial services, health, and education.
Felipe Sene Tamburus, legal director, Banco ABC Brasil
Felipe holds a Law degree from Universidade Presbiteriana Mackenzie and has specialized in Tax Law at PUC/SP and in Capital Markets at Fundação Getúlio Vargas. He is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Business Law at PUC/SP. Presently, he serves as the Legal Director, responsible for the Corporate Governance area, and as the Secretary of the Board of Directors at Banco ABC Brasil S/A. Felipe joined Banco ABC in March 2011 and has consistently worked in the Legal Business division, focusing on managing teams in the investment banking and commercial banking sectors. He has also worked at other institutions, such as Unibanco from 2000 to 2004, HSBC Bank Brasil from 2007 to 2010, and in Capital Markets Self-Regulation (BSM) in 2010.
Maíra Braga Oltra, global director, tax, regulatory, and corporate affairs, EBANX
Maíra Braga Oltra is the mother of a 6-year-old son, Juan, and a seasoned executive with 23 years of tax experience in law firms and multinational corporations. She has led tax departments at major companies, including Amazon, Heineken, and Stripe, and is currently the Global Director of Tax, Regulatory, and Corporate Affairs at EBANX. Maíra is passionate about fostering innovation, driving transformation, and championing diversity, equity, and inclusion in her profession.
Rodrigo Para, associate partner, BTG Pactual
Associate Partner at BTG Pactual. Professor of Tax Law at Fundação Getulio Vargas (FGV), Instituto Brasileiro de Direito Tributário (IBDT) and Fundação Instituto de Pesquisas Contábeis, Atuariais e Financeiras (FIPECAFI). Masters of Economic, Financial and Tax Law, Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Master of Laws (LLM) in Tax Law, Insper.
Lucio Batista Martins, legal and compliance director, J&F Investimentos
Graduated in Law from the Pontifical Catholic University of Paraná (PUC-PR) and with a 15-year career in the Legal department of multinationals, Martins has solid experience in the areas of compliance, litigation, contracts and corporate law. Before joining J&F, Martins was an executive in the legal departments of Kraft Foods (currently Mondelez) and JBS.
Jairo Tcherniakovsky, global compliance executive
Compliance Executive Graduated in Business Law from USP, with an MBA in Marketing & Finance from ESPM and Specializations in Environmental Law and Business Law from Universidade Presbiteriana Mackenzie and with an International Compliance Certification.
Over more than 20 years of career, he has built experience in the compliance market by working for national and international companies, implementing effective compliance programs. In his executive journey he always seeks to implement a Culture of Ethics in the corporate world, having worked as a Global Compliance Officer for the last almost 6 years for a Chinese international conglomerate.
Ellen Sezerino, Head of Legal and Compliance, Jogo Global
Ellen Sezerino is an attorney in Brazil, serving as General Counsel and Head of Legal and Compliance at Jogo Global, a UK-based software and game provider in the gambling industry. She also acts as a consultant, advising foreign companies entering Brazil’s newly regulated sports and online betting market. With nearly 25 years of combined experience in legal affairs and corporate communications, Ellen’s expertise spans regulatory compliance, external affairs, data protection, intellectual property, contract management, and legal strategies tailored to the gaming sector.
She holds a Law degree, a Bachelor’s in Journalism, an MBA in Communication Management, and a certificate in Anti-Money Laundering Risk from the International Compliance Association. Ellen’s responsibilities include overseeing gambling license applications and regulatory obligations in the UK, Malta, and other regulated jurisdictions, ensuring businesses operate with integrity and in full compliance with the law.
Beatriz Barrionuevo, sr. director & chief counsel, Brazil, Mondeléz
Legal and Compliance counsel with 25 years of experience in private practice and in-house. Hands-on attorney with strong experience in global corporations, having developed a specific knowledge of industrial conglomerates. Strong experience in legal advice, M&A, antitrust, litigation management, contracts, corporate and labor law, combined with authentic leadership and team-building skills. Elected one of the Most Admired Legal Executives in Brazil by Análise Editorial in 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023, and included in the Legal 500 General Counsel Powerlist: Brazil 2023. Named one of the best M&A lawyers in the Latin American Counsel Awards, organized by the International Law Office (ILO) and the Association of Corporate Counsel (ACC) in 2017.
José Aparecido Dos Santos, legal director, Magazine Luiza
Specialisations: He holds a degree in Law and a Master’s degree from UNESP – Universidade Estadual Paulista Júlio de Mesquita Filho. He has a postgraduate degree and specialisation in Tax Law from Uniderp. He is a member of the Brazilian Bar Association – São Paulo and Paraná Sections. He is a member of the São Paulo Lawyers Association (AASP) and a member of the Association of Graduates of the Superior War College (ADESG), with qualifications in Political and Strategic Sciences. He is currently pursuing an MBA in Mergers and Acquisitions at FGV.
Barbara Rodrigues Lima Teles, regulatory and public affairs lawyer, Rei do Pitaco
Bárbara Teles has a law degree from UniCeub and a postgraduate degree in Law and Government Relations from the same university.
She is a lawyer at Sportech Rei do Pitaco, working in the Regulatory and Public Affairs’ team. During her work experience, she was a partner in a law firm specialized in advocacy, where she received recognition from the Legal 500 Latin American Guide as “Next Generation Partners” in Government Relations.
She is the founder of AMIG – Association of Women in the Gaming Industry; Director of Government Relations for ABFS – Brazilian Fantasy Sport Association; and Secretary General of the Gaming Law Commission of the OAB/DF – Brazilian Bar Association – DF Section.
Felipe Daud, director of public policy, libaba Group
Felipe Daud – Director of Public Policy for the Alibaba Group in Latin America. In the public sector, he served as Chief of Staff for the Sub-Chief for Legal Affairs at the Presidency of the Republic (2011 – 2015) and as Chief of Staff for Congresswoman Mara Gabrilli (2009 – 2011). In the private sector, he was Head of Public Policy at iFood (2020 – 2022), Director of Public Affairs for Lime in South America (2018 – 2020), and Public Policy Manager at Ambev (2016 – 2018). He holds a Master’s degree in Law from NYU and a Master’s in Philosophy from UnB, and a Law degree from FGV-SP.
Ana Bárbara Costa Teixeira, director of regulatory affairs, Grupo Ocean 88
Ana Bárbara Costa Teixeira is a lawyer and consultant specialised in Brazilian Regulatory and Contract law. She currently serves as Director of Regulatory Affairs for Brazil at Grupo Ocean 88, a Playtech JV. She is also a consultant for the National Association of Games and Lotteries (ANJL), a founding member of the Brazilian Association of Women in the Gaming Industry (AMIG) and a member of the Gambling, Betting and Responsible Gaming Commission of the Brazilian Bar Association – São Paulo Section (OAB/SP). She holds a MSc degree in Law from the University of São Paulo – USP, and an MBA in Strategic and Economic Project Management from Fundação Getúlio Vargas – FGV/SP.
Débora H. Yanasse, partner, global energy, corporate and mergers & acquisitions practices, Tauil & Chequer Advogados Associated to Mayer Brown
Débora H. Yanasse is a partner in the Global Energy, Corporate and Mergers & Acquisitions Practices of Tauil & Chequer Advogados in association with Mayer Brown with a focus in the power, gas and, more recently, hydrogen industries. Since 2002, Débora has advised both domestic Brazilian and international clients in these industries on transactions and projects in Brazil, Africa and the Middle East. She advises on regulatory, contractual and corporate matters and has served as counsel for large and complex infrastructure projects in the structuring, implementation and operational phases, and in mergers and acquisitions, privatizations and auctions.
Bruno Salzano, partner, corporate and M&A practice, Tauil & Chequer Advogados Associated to Mayer Brown
Bruno Salzano is a partner in the Corporate and M&A practice of Tauil & Chequer Advogados in association with Mayer Brown. Bruno has supported many clients in cross-border mergers and acquisitions, corporate restructurings, inbound and outbound investments and other cooperative ventures involving international and Brazilian companies, as well as in legal due diligence processes.
Bruno is post-graduated in management and administration at Fundação Getulio Vargas of São Paulo and completed his master degree (LLM) in Financial, Business and International Law at King’s College London in 2013, in addition to a specialization degree in the energy industry at the Brazilian Association of Companies of the Energy Industry (Associação Brasileira de Companhias de Energia Elétrica).
José Eduardo Guimarães Barros, general counsel, Eletrobras
Lawyer. Legal Director of Eletrobras. Former General Counsel of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Former Legal Consultant for the Ministry of Development, Industry and Foreign Trade.
Daniel Shem Cheng Chen, business lawyer, Órigo Energia
Lawyer graduated from Mackenzie Presbyterian University, with a Master’s degree in Commercial Law from the Pontifical Catholic University of São Paulo (PUC-SP), specialisation (IBET-SP) in Tax Law, and in Corporate Law (PUC-SP), among other courses in leadership and people management. Fluent in Portuguese and English, with advanced proficiency in Mandarin.
Over 20 years of experience providing counsel on complex legal matters, with extensive expertise in M&A, construction, project finance, capital market issuances, and intricate litigation and arbitration issues related to power generation (hydroelectric, solar, and distributed generation), transmission, commercialisation, and distribution of electricity.
Has participated in various negotiations of construction contracts for hydroelectric generation and transmission auctions. Strategic legal planning for managing claims arising from construction contracts of over 10 energy projects for a major energy group in Brazil, with a capex exceeding R$10 billion.
Participated in several internal investigations, notably two compliance investigations related to the Lava Jato operation. Served as a member of the ethics committee of the EDP Brasil Group, coordinator of the compliance committee for Empresa de Energia São Manoel, as well as alternate board member for various companies within the EDP Group, and Board Member of the Brazilian Association of Electric Power Companies (ABCE).
Over 15 years of experience as in-house counsel, with 10 years as Legal Director, responsible for developing, training, and managing people. Strongly values leading through inspiration and motivation, fostering excellence, diversity, integrity, and a strategic business-oriented vision.
Key attributes include the ability to translate complex legal discussions into simple, objective, and direct actions to support and facilitate decision-making by company management. To achieve this, an effective communicator who enhances business acumen to assess legal risks without compromising commercial decisions, driving exceptional results.
Winner of the “In-house Lawyer of the Year – Energy” award in 2023 by Latin American Lawyer. Legal Department finalist in the Filasa 2022 awards. Individual award for “Best Labour Lawyer in Latin America” in 2018 and shortlisted for “Best M&A Legal Team” in 2016, both by Latin American Counsel Awards.
Suelma Rosa, vice president of corporate affairs, PepsiCo Latin America
Suelma Rosa is a prominent and recognised figure in corporate and governmental relations, with over two decades of experience spanning risk management, sustainability, social impact, communication, and institutional and governmental relations. She currently serves as Vice President of Corporate Affairs for PepsiCo Latin America, where her mission is to strengthen the company’s reputation through strategies focused on corporate communication, inclusion, equity, and human rights protection across the value chain to impact communities and the planet positively.
Before joining PepsiCo, Suelma had a distinguished career at companies such as Unilever and Dow Chemical, where she led efforts in communication and sustainability. Her trajectory is not limited to the private sector; she has also made a significant mark in the public sector and international organizations. At the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency, Suelma was instrumental in formulating international trade policies, climate change initiatives, and environmental negotiations, helping to enhance Brazil’s global position and foster international relations. Her work with the UN included coordinating regional programs across Latin America and the Caribbean aligning project outcomes with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Suelma has also firmly committed to environmental conservation and biodiversity protection as the National Representative and Director of External Affairs at TNC – The Nature Conservancy. Her leadership has been recognized multiple times, named one of the 500 most influential people in Latin America by Bloomberg Línea for several consecutive years. Additionally, she has held governance positions in major global and regional organizations and associations, including the UN Global Compact Board and the Brazilian Association of Bioinnovation (ABBI).
A passionate advocate for female representation and empowerment in leadership roles, Suelma has been a critical figure in initiatives such as Women in Government Relations and Elas no Poder. Her academic background is equally impressive, with a Ph.D. in Political Science from the Panthéon-Sorbonne University in Paris, a master’s degree in International Cooperation for Development from the Complutense University of Madrid, and a master’s in International and Comparative Politics from the University of Brasília (UnB), in addition to an MBA in Business Strategy from Fundação Getúlio Vargas.
A published author and speaker, Suelma Rosa is recognized as an expert in creating connections between people, agendas, and organizations, combining competence and empathy. With her ability to lead with impact and dedication to sustainability and equity, Suelma demonstrates that effective leadership is not just about managing companies but also about positively transforming society and the environment.
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