What are the most significant cases and transactions you have been involved in recently?

I led the acquisition of 608 telecommunication towers in Bolivia through four asset purchase transactions and the acquisition of 180 telecommunication towers in Argentina through four stock purchase agreements. I was also involved in the construction and installation of 108 telecommunication built-to-suite telecommunication towers in Bolivia, and the financing transaction with the IDBI securing a multimillion-dollar loan with this institution, that included several collateral requirements.

What is a cause, business related or otherwise, that you care about, and why?

Two causes that I am passionate about are: going green and helping at-risk children. I strongly believe that if we are going to survive as a species, each individual needs to take steps to reduce the carbon footprint, so I led a project that transformed all beacons on the towers owned by Phoenix Tower International in Bolivia from electrical to solar. Without a doubt, children are the future and taking care of them, especially at-risk children, is a moral obligation. Relating to this cause, I lead the Phoenix Tower International Wings foundation for Bolivia, donating to Aldeas SOS to help the main orphanage in Santa Cruz.

What are the main qualities you need to be successful as an in-house lawyer, as opposed to a private practice one?

Over the past 17 years I’ve worked in various multinational companies, some with exceptionally fast-paced environments and others with slower environments, each of which have taught me that being efficient, succinct, and having the capacity to keep tasks in-house are the most important traits in-house lawyers need. Internal clients are demanding and being straight forward, using layman’s terms and providing fast responses is also crucial. Nowadays one of the most valued traits for in-house counsel is having leadership skills, as we have evolved into managers of a vast array of issues, such as budgets, projects, and teammates.

What will the main focus of your company be over the next few months and how do you intend to assist with this?

Phoenix Tower International is a growth driven company, and sales are the single most important driver of results. This year there is a strong focus on the non-traditional customer, this will in turn expand the telecommunication services that our towers provide for the population. From an operational perspective, starting tower construction in Argentina is a key focus for company growth. As always, keeping the company compliant and safe is always top of mind.