What are the projects that you are most proud of working on over the past 12 months? 

Over the past 12 months, I’ve had the privilege of working on a variety of impactful projects across the companies within the Holding. One of the most rewarding initiatives I’ve led was the consolidation of legal services and counsel within each company. I developed an internal structure that enables more efficient handling of day-to-day legal inquiries, with each company now supported by an in-house lawyer. This streamlined approach has allowed me to focus on strategic matters and provide more tailored, in-depth legal advice, fostering a better understanding of each company’s unique needs and challenges.
Additionally, I am particularly proud of my role in the structure, execution, and development of a new investment vehicle for the construction and future operation of a hospital in San Patricio. This facility will serve the Cumbaya and Puembo communities in Quito and is expected to open in August 2026. With an investment of approximately $40 million, funded by the IFC, this project promises to make a significant impact on healthcare access in the region.

How do you approach managing legal aspects during periods of instability or crisis to ensure the organisation’s resilience?

In Ecuador, where instability and crises are often recurring challenges, I adopt a practical and proactive approach to managing legal aspects to ensure the organization’s resilience. I focus on staying continuously updated on new regulations and emerging requirements, which allows me to anticipate potential risks and opportunities. By taking a forward-thinking approach to compliance, I ensure that the Holding remains agile and adaptable during uncertain times.
In addition, the Health sector is particularly sensitive to regulatory changes, and it’s critical to stay ahead of secondary regulations. I prioritize engaging in the development of new regulations, ensuring that the Holding not only meets current requirements but is also well-prepared for future shifts in the legal landscape.

What strategies do you employ to ensure the successful digital transformation of a legal department while maintaining compliance with your country’s data protection laws?

Personal data protection is a critical concern in Ecuador, particularly for health service providers who handle sensitive data. Ensuring the protection of this data is a top priority for the Holding. To address this, we’ve made significant investments in partnering with a renowned Spanish consultancy to develop robust data protection policies and processes. Given the rapidly evolving nature of data protection laws in Ecuador, we maintain a continuous focus on compliance. This includes regularly reviewing and improving our practices to ensure they align with both local regulations and international best practices. By prioritizing data protection, we aim to safeguard sensitive personal data while driving the successful digital transformation of our legal department.

What do you think sets you apart from other in-house counsel?

What sets me apart from other in-house counsel is my unique experience of almost ten years at Pérez Bustamante & Ponce, the top law firm in Ecuador. During this time, I had the opportunity to work as outside counsel for a wide range of companies, which has equipped me with a comprehensive understanding of both the legal and business perspectives. Transitioning to the role of General Counsel for the Holding, I’ve been able to leverage this dual perspective, offering advice that is both practical and thorough while effectively managing risks.
This experience of working on both sides of the legal spectrum allows me to provide the Holding with actionable, yet comprehensive legal counsel, tailored to meet the company’s specific needs and challenges. I believe this combination of hands-on legal expertise and strategic insight is what truly sets me apart.

What do you think are the most important attributes for a modern in-house counsel to possess?

I believe the most important attribute for a modern in-house counsel is the ability to immerse oneself in the business and fully understand its day-to-day challenges. By doing so, an in-house counsel gains valuable insight into the company’s pain points and is better positioned to offer timely, relevant advice when it’s needed most. Unlike outside counsel, who may not be as familiar with the internal workings of the company, in-house counsel must be deeply integrated with the business to provide immediate and practical solutions. The ability to act swiftly and with a clear understanding of the company’s needs is crucial for effective legal support.

What is a cause, business or otherwise, that you are passionate about?

I am deeply passionate about health services, particularly those where each patient is treated as an absolute priority. When it comes to healthcare, no issue is more important than the well-