Global vice president legal | Clase Azul México
Francisco Parra
Global vice president legal | Clase Azul México
Could you please tell us a bit about yourself and your role?
I am an attorney with 20 years of legal experience, born in Venezuela and proudly naturalised as Mexican. My academic journey led me to an LLM from Duke University, and I have held several roles at international law firms like Baker McKenzie. For over a decade, I served as legal director and compliance officer at Grupo Bimbo, shaping legal frameworks across Latin America as a board member. Currently, I am the general counsel in the alcoholic beverage industry, working with the prestigious Mexican brand Clase Azul Mexico. Licensed to practice in both Mexico and Venezuela, I am deeply committed to personal growth and professional development, continually striving to empower others and enrich communities through the power of law.
As an attorney with a broad legal practice, I have had the privilege of contributing to a variety of renewable energy projects across Latin America, including in Ecuador, Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Panama. My involvement has typically been in partnership with the renewable energy department of Grupo Bimbo, emphasising the importance of adherence to local and regional regulations to ensure legal compliance across all projects.
These renewable energy initiatives have varied widely, involving innovative technologies like solar panels and energy storage systems. Each project presented unique legal challenges and learning opportunities, which have significantly broadened my expertise in the rapidly evolving renewable energy sector. Working on these projects required a tailored legal approach to address the distinct technological and regulatory landscapes of each country.
Collaboration with international law firms was a critical aspect of my role, enriching my understanding of international legal practices and enabling the development of comprehensive legal strategies. This global collaboration has been vital for integrating diverse legal frameworks and practices, ensuring that each project was managed effectively across different jurisdictions.
Throughout my career, I have learnt that the success of renewable energy projects depends heavily on effective collaboration, flexibility in problem-solving, and a deep commitment to sustainable practices. By engaging with various stakeholders—including government officials, local communities, and international legal experts—is the only way to overcome challenges in the energy sector.
In conclusion, my role in renewable energy has been rewarding and educational, and now, I am transitioning to a new responsibility within the alcoholic beverage industry. This sector presents fresh opportunities for sustainable practices and environmental protection. I am excited to leverage my legal expertise to foster innovative collaborations that not only advance sustainability within the industry but also contribute positively to environmental conservation. This new chapter is an extension of my commitment to supporting industries in achieving their sustainability goals.
Global vice president of legal | Clase Azul México