What are the most significant cases or transactions that your legal team has recently been involved in?

Latin America is currently the best performing region for the company, and our legal department has had a significant role in this, for which we feel immensely proud. Most recently, I actively participated in our group’s acquisition of Ricolino, from Grupo Bimbo, for approximately US$1.3bn. Also, we introduced various advanced tools, within the legal function, allowing simplified mechanisms to support our assignments, and fulfilled our digital and e-commerce agenda, determinant to our department’s performance.

On litigation, the Latin America team has implemented a settlement strategy, allowing for a 40% reduction in cases. This has allowed us to keep doing the right thing, while we are extremely focused on implementing mitigation plans and tackling root causes properly.

Concerning pro bono cases, we started working in several projects, particularly in Latin America, actively cooperating with clearing houses, to help those in need. On diversity, we elevated our ratios, recruiting members of the LGBT community, women, and people with disabilities, embracing inclusion at its fullest.

As we enter the next decade, what skills will a corporate legal team need to succeed in the modern in-house industry?

The first thing I would address is how archaic the expression back office is. From previous experiences, I understand how isolating that is and, moving to a space closer to everyone made a total difference to in-house counsel. As strategic thinkers, we understand the business, develop relationships, provide valuable advice, and embrace responsibilities in multiple fields. Adapting to technological advancements is crucial. I believe more access to technology will empower more people and provide the best advice possible. Additionally, a balance between pragmatism and idealism is important, so we are right on the spot to be a trusted partner.

As a Florida-based in-house lawyer, how has the relationship between the state, Latin America, and the Caribbean influenced your company’s practices in recent years?

Being licensed to practice in New York, Venezuela, and Florida, there is a great responsibility to ensure that I am compliant in each of these jurisdictions. Beyond that, the most important thing is to understand the company you work for, and from experience, I found that the common denominator in my previous jobs have been to understand the company you work for.

Having lived in Florida for the last 10 years, it is a very convenient market to travel and embrace diversity, so we always need to understand that one size does not fit all. As such, any policies and processes that are global need to be adapted. I do believe that working in international companies always expands the ration of sensitivity, awareness and breakthrough thinking. More importantly, one gets to connect with different people, exciting and challenging at the same time.