Career Biography
Andrés Morales

Andrés Morales is a seasoned legal and compliance expert with over 20 years of experience navigating the complex landscape of corporate law, healthcare, corporate governance, and digital and technological solutions across Latin America. Based in Costa Rica, Andrés has developed a strategic, results-driven approach to managing legal affairs within multinational companies and top law firms.

Currently, Andrés serves as the Head of Legal and Compliance Officer at Roche – RSS Americas. In this Swiss-based company, he oversees all legal and corporate matters for its operations in Costa Rica while liaising with affiliates of the Roche Group worldwide. He also acts as the Data Privacy Officer, ensuring compliance with data protection laws, alongside his role as Compliance Officer for an organisation of over 1,200 collaborators. His responsibilities span critical areas, including ethics, AI, healthcare digital solutions, People & Culture, and Facilities, among others. Andrés plays a vital role in the company’s legal strategy and operations, focusing on improving patients’ lives through innovative solutions.

Before joining Roche, Andrés was the Latin America Legal Counsel for National Instruments (part of Emerson Electric), where he provided legal support to the company’s Latin American subsidiaries on corporate, compliance, commercial, and transactional matters. As a member of the company’s leadership committee, he successfully drove risk mitigation and legal compliance programmes across the region.

Earlier in his career, Andrés served as Legal Manager at Grupo Roble, a leading developer and operator of commercial properties and hotels across Central America, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, and the Caribbean. His role involved overseeing the legal affairs of large-scale real estate projects, including shopping centres and hotels under major international brands.

Andrés began his legal career as an attorney in several prestigious law firms, including Facio & Cañas, Consortium, and KPMG. There, he advised multinational corporations and financial institutions on corporate law, free trade zones, and real estate transactions. His expertise extended to complex legal matters and corporate restructuring, helping clients navigate stringent regulatory challenges.

A strong advocate for continuous learning, Andrés earned his J.D. from Universidad La Salle and later obtained a Master of Laws (LL.M.) from Boston University School of Law. He also completed the Leadership Development Programme and the Strategic Sustainable Transformation Programme at INCAE Business School in Costa Rica, further enhancing his leadership skills and business acumen. He is currently enrolled in the Executive Healthcare Leadership Programme at Cornell University.

Additionally, Andrés has been recognised in The Legal 500 General Counsel Powerlist Central America in 2018, 2024, and 2025.

Throughout his career, Andrés has been a dedicated leader and mentor, managing teams and advising leadership committees. His extensive experience and strategic approach continue to drive success in the organisations he serves, with a strong commitment to equity, diversity, and the advancement of healthcare and innovative medical solutions.