Spotlight on: My career 

Enrique Aguilar Gálvez is the general counsel of Grupo IGS, a leading real estate fund manager in Mexico. Enrique obtained his law degree from Universidad Anáhuac in Mexico City, where he also completed a master’s degree on real estate, focusing on management of all sorts of estate assets, financing and valuation. Enrique also holds a post-graduate degree diploma on real estate development from the Tec de Monterrey.  

While in IGS since 2007, Enrique has actively participated in the acquisition, development, management and sale of assets with a value of more than US$850mn in Mexico, ranging from housing and retail to industrial and mixed-use projects, with the participation of other institutional investors.  

As a junior lawyer, Enrique worked with the public sector at the Municipality of Huixquilucan, State of Mexico in the Urban Development Office and at the Federal Congress conducting research for legislative initiatives. Enrique has published articles regarding Mexican estate investments and has lectured on related topics at the Instituto Teconológico Autónomo de México ITAM.  

Enrique Aguilar’s experience with the real estate business and sensitivity with institutional investments makes him part of a new generation of lawyers: transaction-oriented, fully familiarised with securitisation matters, FCPA regulations and a broad array of financing, real estate, ESG and transactional matters. 

What are the main cases or transactions you have been involved in recently?  

Recently, we have been investing in large industrial portfolios, especially in properties located across our north border. Expectations about nearshoring are huge. Undoubtedly, there is a boom in the industrial market which is expected to continue in the next 10 years at least. With the new federal government leaded by Mrs. Sheinbaum, we expect better access to other energy (green) sources which is one of the problems new projects are facing right now. 

How can general counsel foster a corporate culture that supports ESG principles and compliance across all levels of the organisation? 

ESG is one of the top priorities Grupo IGS has right now. As General Counsel I think it’s important to be sure that the team understands the importance of always comply with our Ethic  

Code, which all employees sign yearly. Also, we have constant courses about several topics involving compliance, and other matters regarding ESG. 

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

Recent elections undoubtedly have been the main topic in most business forums lately. Certain concerns about the majority that Morena (Mrs. Sheinbaum´s party) will have starting September, and some bills that may be passed soon, especially a judicial reform where judges might be elected by popular vote, may affect the trust Mexico needs, now more than never. Elections in the USA are also a regular trend for obvious reasons.