David Portilla Rivera – GC Powerlist
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Central America 2025

Industrials and real estate

David Portilla Rivera

Chief legal officer | Grupo Salinas Guatemala

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Central America 2025

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David Portilla Rivera

Chief legal officer | Grupo Salinas Guatemala

Team Size: 15  

What are the major projects or initiatives you have worked on that you are most proud of? 

As the person in charge of the legal areas for all the companies that make up Grupo Salinas in Guatemala, a group which encompass various business lines such as retail sales, motorcycle sales, television, banking, and even a foundation, I have had the opportunity to participate in projects of the most diverse nature. This has allowed me substantial growth and learning in different areas of law.

Among the most relevant projects we have worked on in recent years, I can list the legal analysis and advice for the implementation of the Banco Azteca Guatemala App, ensuring that it complies with all legal requirements for efficient and customer-focused operation. In the retail sector, I have been able to participate in creating strategic alliances for the sale of motorcycles from different brands in both Elektra Guatemala and Italika Guatemala stores. In the television sector, TV Azteca Guatemala, I have had the opportunity to be involved in negotiations for broadcasting major events such as the FIFA World Cup, Copa América, and other exclusive events for Guatemala like Miss Universe and Viña del Mar. Lastly, but certainly not least, I have had the opportunity, as Secretary of the Board of Directors of Fundación Azteca Guatemala, to participate in the implementation of Plantel Azteca, an educational initiative, and various Azteca Symphony Orchestras across the country. 

 

What measures has your company taken to embed sustainability practices into its core business operations, and how does the role of the general counsel contribute to driving and ensuring sustainable practices within the company? 

 

In general terms, Grupo Salinas Guatemala always ensures sustainability in each of its projects, primarily leveraging its social arm, Fundación Azteca Guatemala, where projects related to ecology, sustainability, and the environment are constantly undertaken. For example, I can mention programs like Limpiemos Nuestra Guatemala, which promotes general cleanliness through cleanup campaigns throughout the country.  As general counsel, the role that can be played as a legal advisor is of utmost importance, as this advice ensures that overall activities are carried out within the legal framework and do not cause legal complications for the company.  

In your opinion, what are the main trends that are salient in your country currently?  

Currently in Guatemala, from a political and legal standpoint, the main topic of interest is the recent approval by the Legislative Body of a Competition Law. This legal framework aims to eradicate monopolistic practices and establish rules for healthy competition among economic actors. This issue is of great relevance for economic groups such as Grupo Salinas Guatemala, as it can influence decision-making for future action plans and strategies. Although it is still pending ratification by the Executive Branch, it is already a topic of extensive discussion across all economic sectors. Another relevant issue is the enactment of a credit card Law, which seeks to regulate this product and is of great importance to the banking sector. 

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

Personally, I am someone who greatly believes in the value of people, in the capabilities of our team members, and in the necessity of developing myself as a positive leader to bring out the best in everyone. Regarding business, I am very interested in new technologies and how they might impact the legal field in the near future. 

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