Diana Marcela Silva Giraldo – GC Powerlist
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Colombia 2024

Energy and utilities

Diana Marcela Silva Giraldo

Head legal M&A | Promigas

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Colombia 2024

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Diana Marcela Silva Giraldo

Head legal M&A | Promigas

How do you approach managing legal aspects during periods of instability or crises, and how does your legal strategy align with the broader business strategy to ensure the organisation’s resilience? 

My team focuses on providing legal support for Promigas’ inorganic growth, a critical element in diversifying our portfolio into new geographies and business areas. This diversification is a key pillar of the company’s business plan and an essential tool for navigating periods of instability and potential crises. As Promigas is a key player in the energy transition, our legal team must be prepared to address the legal, regulatory, and political challenges facing the gas industry. We aim to be allies to the business development teams by sourcing the right projects for the company, ensuring Promigas’ interests in prospective deals through meticulous structuring, negotiation, and due diligence. Our commitment lies in fostering Promigas’ growth as a multinational energy company. 

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

Diversity and inclusion are central to our legal department. I have ensured that the two senior lawyers on my team—both highly talented, intelligent women, one of whom is a single mother—receive strong professional and personal support. I focus on their career development by providing learning tools and clear goals. For example, this year I secured funding for them to attend the Corporate Finance graduate programme at Andes University, and arranged a foreign associate position for one at Latham & Watkins in Washington, D.C. next year. I believe in offering unique opportunities for development, especially to encourage the careers of bright, younger women. As a co-founder of Abogadas In House Colombia, I am committed to advancing gender equality within the legal sector across Bogotá and the country. 

In your opinion, what are the main trends that are salient in your country currently (these can be legal, political, economy or business-based)? 

Colombia’s current political landscape significantly impacts investment decisions. The country is facing a relatively unstable economic, legal, and political environment, akin to other emerging markets in the region. This instability has led to a noticeable decrease in M&A activity, a reduced range of private equity and venture capital transactions, and stricter conditions for acquisition financing with traditional banks. Despite these challenges, we are witnessing a surge in foreign companies acquiring local firms and an increase in emerging fintechs offering financing on more lenient terms. In the energy sector, renewable energy projects remain at the forefront of investors’ priorities. 

 

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