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?

Telefónica is dedicated to advancing the digitalisation of Latin America, approaching a massive transformation, cutting edge network, optimised and future-proof operations and committed to sustainability.

Our legal team has played a crucial role in this transformation, strategically supporting the business, e.g., incorporating open-access fibre optic companies and minimising potential risks.

Part of this transformation runs also by supporting Telefónica’s Open Innovation, the Venture Capital arm, in Brazil by means of Wayra and Vivo Ventures, but also in Hispanoamérica, Germany, and United Kingdom, fostering new technologies and startups. This kind of support led to exciting developments and collaborations across region and businesses.

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?

We focus in extracting the best of two words, regional coordination and local expertise to ensure tailored legal solutions customised to fit the specific needs and circumstances of each country or business.

Our robust legal strategies are due to a mix of local expertise, cultural sensitivity, centralised coordination with local autonomy, risk management and technology. Sharing and implementing good practices or successful experiences from one country to others is essential.

Collaborating as a unified team and constantly seeking ways to improve by challenging the current status quo is inherently beneficial.

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?

Telefónica remains committed to the digitalisation and connectivity of LATAM. From the Venture Capital side, Wayra will continue investing in seed-stage startups in its footprint in Europe and Latam, while Vivo Ventures plans to continue investing in startups in a series A stage in Brazil.

I am confident in providing efficient and innovative legal advice, emphasising agility and committed to a business orientation approach, prioritising practical solutions that support growth and mitigate risks, and ensuring that legal strategies are integrated into our business frameworks. This also includes provide comprehensive support in various areas, like risk management, contract management and, among others, strategic advice

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?

Managing legal issues related to Latin American markets from a European perspective presents several unique challenges. One of the primary challenges is the vast cultural diversity across Latin American countries, which is reflected in various working styles and business tactics. This diversity requires a high level of adaptability and cultural sensitivity when providing legal advice.

To address these challenges, we employ a hands-on approach and adapt to different environments and projects. We make an effort to understand both the business and its goals beforehand, allowing us to propose practical ideas to support the team in achieving their goals by adjusting the path as needed. This approach ensures that our legal advice is aligned with the regulatory environments of different Latin American countries.

Additionally, my experience of living and working in Spain, Chile, Brazil, and the UK has fostered my adaptability, which I frequently apply when working with my multicultural group of stakeholders. This adaptability is crucial in managing the complexities of legal issues in the Latin American markets from a European perspective.