Team size: Five

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

Over the past year, my team has focused on the implementation of the first project under the public-private partnership (PPP) model in Guatemala. It has been a challenging process, involving various technical, political, and legal obstacles, but we have paved the way for future projects under this model. We are proud to have overcome the hurdles that arose in the project to initiate the construction phase, and above all, to reinforce to the people of Guatemala that public-private partnerships are a transparent and ethical alternative for the country’s development.

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?

Marhnos has always stood out for involving the areas and communities impacted by its projects. This commitment has earned us corporate recognition with the ESR (Socially Responsible Company) distinction. In Guatemala, we have developed a corporate social responsibility program since the construction phase of one of our most iconic projects, ensuring the sustainability of communities with objectives set for the next 25 years. The program includes: Health: vaccination programs, diagnostics, and prevention of common diseases in the area; Environment: recycling campaigns; Education: workshops, infrastructure refurbishment; among others that foster direct interaction with society.

In my role, it is essential to keep projects within the legal framework but, beyond that, to ensure they have a strong legal foundation that allows for their growth and development over their intended timeline, typically 20 to 25 years. Additionally, my role involves direct engagement with authorities to build strategic partnerships that help identify the needs of all communities and local governments, facilitating joint efforts to align projects with the objectives of the authorities in office.

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

A cause that is very close to my heart is education for individuals with limited opportunities who are eager to improve themselves. Those who, despite challenges, strive to build a better future for themselves and their communities are truly worth investing in and supporting. Currently, I am a benefactor of a foundation that provides university scholarships to individuals with limited opportunities, enabling them to complete their studies. Subsequently, they repay the foundation, which in turn allows for new scholarships to be awarded to future generations.