Francisco Antonio Cardona Argueta

Legal Services Manager / Gerente de Servicios Jurídicos

Grupo Cayalá

Team size: Six

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

Throughout my professional life, I have been involved in major projects and initiatives that I am very proud of. Among those I can highlight at the moment, I have served as the legal project leader in mergers of several significant and large companies nationwide, primarily in the shopping center sector. Additionally, I have also led the legal aspects of one of the largest and most important corporate bond issuances in the Guatemalan stock exchange. These two examples are just a glimpse of many similar accomplishments, especially in the company that has currently entrusted me and given me the opportunity to excel. However, I consider these two to be the ones I am most proud of.

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?

Internally, as an in-house lawyer for one of the largest real estate companies in Guatemala, it is extremely important to support the company’s sustainability management efforts. Currently, we work hand in hand with the environmental management team, which is primarily responsible for this area. From our side, we are conducting team training to minimize any environmental or sustainability risks, while also focusing on fostering sustainability beyond risk mitigation.

I am currently in the process of obtaining an international certification as an ISO 14001 auditor in environmental matters. This is part of my commitment to staying updated in the field of sustainability, particularly given the direction in which the market is evolving.

How do you prioritize diversity and inclusion within your legal department, and what initiatives have you implemented to foster a more inclusive and equitable work environment? 

At our firm, we prioritize diversity and inclusion, recognizing that a diverse team enriches our perspective and enhances our ability to provide creative and comprehensive solutions for our clients. We currently have a balanced team of two men and two women, and we are committed to continuing to promote gender equity in leadership roles. Among the initiatives we have implemented, the following stand out:

Continuous training: We conduct internal workshops on unconscious bias and inclusive leadership to ensure that all team members feel valued and respected.

Work-life balance policies: We promote flexible policies to support both men and women in balancing work and personal life, such as adjusted schedules and remote work when necessary.

Cross-mentoring: We have established a mentoring program where every team member could learn from one another, fostering an exchange of perspectives and experiences regardless of gender, age, or seniority.