Legal director and company secretary | Mapfre
Juan Vales
Legal director and company secretary | Mapfre
Team size: Four
LATAM countries your role covers: Argentina, Chile, Paraguay, Uruguay, Perú, Colombia, Ecuador, Venezuela, Panamá, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, El Salvador, Guatemala, República Dominicana and México
Could you please share the most significant cases or transactions in the LATAM region that you or your legal team have recently been involved in?
This year, we have been very active in the region, addressing various legal issues. We are reinforcing our alliances with local partners, including evaluating the potential sale of a minor stake in some of our subsidiaries and primarily negotiating distribution agreements for our products. In some cases, these agreements are negotiated at a local level, while in others, we are working on regional agreements.
Additionally, we have focused on strengthening our new brand, MAWDY, and are in the process of changing our company names in each country to reflect this new brand identity. We are also involved in several litigation and recovery cases.
What strategies do you employ to ensure your legal advice is effectively aligned with the unique regulatory environments and cultural nuances of different LATAM countries?
At MAPFRE, we have a strong culture and set of processes that guide our operations across all countries. With the support and advice of our local legal teams, we adapt as needed to specific local conditions, always ensuring alignment with our core culture and established processes.
What are your organisations plans in the LATAM region over the next 12 months and how will your legal expertise help to achieve these plans?
Extend our business in all countries in B2B2C channels and oversight the new regulation changes in the region.
What specific challenges have you encountered when managing legal issues related to Latin American markets from a European perspective, and how has your team addressed these challenges?
In Europe, regulations and national legislation are very similar across the European Union, which simplifies handling legal matters. In contrast, each country in Latin America has its own unique legal system. While there is a strong influence from Spanish and French law, each country has developed its legal framework differently, meaning that what applies in one country may not be effective in another. This diversity adds an exciting dimension to working with Latin American countries.
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