Awardees Houston 2026

Alejandro Bravo Gutierrez is an attorney specializing in compliance, corporate governance, risk management, and financial crime prevention. He has experience designing and implementing global compliance strategies across Latin America, Europe, and Asia.

He currently serves as Senior Global Risk & Compliance Specialist at Johnson & Johnson, overseeing enterprise-wide AML, anti-corruption, and sanctions programs. His role includes managing third-party risk, strengthening internal controls, and delivering training on compliance systems and financial crime risks.

Alejandro focuses on aligning operations with international regulatory standards, enhancing governance frameworks, and promoting a risk-based approach to compliance in complex global environments.

Fernanda Garza is a founding partner at Garza Magdaleno, S.C., specializing in Antitrust and International Trade Law. With over 20 years of experience, she advises national and multinational companies, combining private practice with public service, including roles at COFECE, the Mexican Ministry of Economy, and the WTO. She has led high-profile antitrust cases, international trade disputes, and free trade agreement negotiations. Recognized by Chambers & Partners, Legal500, and Best Lawyers, Fernanda has authored books and lectured on WTO and international law. Since 2025, she coordinates the Antitrust Chapter of the Mexican Bar Association and champions inclusive professional development through AbogadasMx and Women at Competition.

WMP Legal is a German-Mexican law firm and part of the WMP Mexico Advisors Group, providing specialized legal counsel to international companies operating in Mexico. With a multilingual team advising in English, Spanish, and German, the firm supports clients in corporate law, labor and employment, migration, contract negotiation, compliance, litigation, and dispute resolution. With over a decade of experience, WMP Legal helps businesses navigate Mexico’s legal landscape with practical, business-oriented solutions that ensure legal certainty and compliance throughout their operations.

Diego Rycbczak Lopes is a Brazilian-licensed attorney and Founding Partner at Rycbczak & Rinaldi Advogados Associados in São Paulo, Brazil. He focuses on International Family and Probate Law, Real Estate Law and Condominium Law, with more than six years of experience and over 300 cases handled across 11 Brazilian states and multiple countries.

Diego is an Accredited Arbitrator at CPAMC – Private Chamber of Arbitration, Mediation & Conciliation of the Brazilian States (São Paulo, Brazil; Treviglio, Italy), where he works with arbitration, mediation and escrow-backed guarantees that enhance the enforcement of arbitral awards. His practice combines litigation, ADR and strategic legal planning for families and real-estate stakeholders, especially in disputes involving high-value assets and cross-border elements.

Javier Estrada Miranda is a litigation attorney at Tactic Legal, specializing in criminal law and white-collar crime. With over eight years of experience, he focuses on the strategic management of complex, high-profile cases involving regulatory risk and economic analysis.

He is known for combining technical rigor with a strong litigation strategy, enabling him to develop sophisticated legal solutions in sensitive and multifaceted matters. His work reflects a deep understanding of legal frameworks, institutional dynamics, and market structures.

Javier’s multidisciplinary background spans criminal, corporate, and regulatory law. He has been nominated as Breakthrough Lawyer of the Year 2026 at the LexTalk World Legal Honor Global Awards.

José Carlos Luna Castellanos is a Managing Partner specializing in Criminal Financial and Corporate Law. He advises and represents individuals and corporations in complex, high-stakes matters involving financial crimes, regulatory compliance, and corporate liability.

He has played a key role in high-profile cases in Mexico, including the Colegio Rébsamen and Interjet tax fraud matters, achieving significant outcomes with national impact. His practice is defined by strong analytical rigor and a deep understanding of the intersection between finance and criminal law.

As Managing Partner, José Carlos leads with strategic insight and integrity, delivering sophisticated legal solutions in complex regulatory environments.

Legal and Compliance professional with experience across public sector, private practice, and in-house roles. Currently serving at SLB as Legal Attorney and Legal & Compliance Deputy Team Manager, supporting operations in Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru, while contributing to regional team leadership within the Western Hemisphere.

Her expertise includes regulatory compliance, corporate law, anti-corruption, AML, data privacy, antitrust, and litigation management, working in complex, high-volume environments with cross-functional teams.

She has enhanced her profile with certifications in Sustainability, Emotional Intelligence, Lean Six Sigma, and leadership. Previously, she worked at Brigard Urrutia and in Colombia’s public sector. She holds a law degree and a postgraduate qualification in Administrative Law from Universidad del Rosario.

Lawyer registered in the Brazilian Bar Association for 10 years with experience and postgraduate degree, studies and performance in Fraud Investigation, Corporate Compliance, Integrity, Risk Management and Risk Assessment, specialized in conducting Corporate Compliance, Integrity Culture and Risk Management training, workshops and communications, policy review, Integrity legislation and regulation analysis and regulatory adherence evaluation, and Corporate Compliance monitoring.

Martín Guala is a Senior Associate at Marval O’Farrell Mairal, specializing in labor, employment, and social security law. With over 15 years of experience, he advises multinational companies on complex workplace matters, including M&A transactions, post-acquisition integrations, restructurings, executive compensation, union negotiations, and compliance strategies.

He holds a Law degree from Universidad de Belgrano and postgraduate specializations in Labor Law and Social Security Law from Universidad de Buenos Aires, along with a degree in Corporate Legal Counseling.

Martín is an active contributor to the legal community, publishing in international guides such as ICLG, teaching, and speaking at conferences and industry events.

Pamela Castellanos is Legal Manager at Lintel, a leading industrial park developer in Mexico, where she drives legal strategy for large-scale development projects. With over eight years of experience in corporate law, she specializes in structuring real estate trusts, cross-border agreements, and high-value construction contracts that support multimillion-dollar investments.

She has supported global companies such as Lear Corporation and Johnson & Johnson, enabling smooth market entry and operational certainty. A key achievement includes leading negotiations for a major industrial park project in Aguascalientes, expected to generate over 9,000 jobs.

Pamela is recognized for aligning legal precision with business strategy to accelerate growth and create lasting economic impact.

Regina Díaz is a corporate lawyer based in Mexico City and part of Auren’s Legal-Corporate practice, where she positions legal work as a structuring force within business operations. Her expertise lies at the intersection of corporate law, compliance, and strategic decision-making.

She advises clients across industries, particularly in highly regulated environments involving data protection, intellectual property, and regulatory compliance. Her work integrates legal analysis into contract structuring, dispute resolution, and strategic advisory, with a focus on clarity and risk management.

Regina operates in evolving regulatory and technological contexts, including AI, and has been nominated as an Emerging Legal Business Consultant at LexTalk World Conference 2026.

Veronica Schroeder is a regulatory attorney with over a decade of experience advising multinational companies in the technology and broadcasting sectors. She specializes in regulatory frameworks, commercial and advertising law, and compliance strategies in highly regulated industries.

She currently serves as Regulatory Counsel at Uber Mexico. Previously, she held legal roles at Grupo Televisa and TelevisaUnivision, focusing on broadcasting regulation, compliance, and commercial matters. Her experience also includes intellectual property and labor law.

Veronica holds a Master’s in Business Law and a law degree from Universidad Anáhuac México Norte, along with additional training in political analysis and regulatory intelligence.

Walter Ocampo Crespo is a Senior Legal Counsel and Bolivian attorney with extensive experience in infrastructure and construction projects across Latin America. A graduate of La Salle University in La Paz, he specializes in labor, contractual, and corporate law.

At China Railway Construction Corporation International, he leads legal strategy for complex cross-border projects, focusing on contract negotiation, risk management, and compliance. He is recognized for aligning legal frameworks with business objectives, ensuring operational certainty and project success.

Walter has been featured in the GC Powerlist by Legal 500 in Bolivia and Ecuador, reflecting his influence as a leading in-house counsel in the region.

Akash Gobardhan is a legal and tax professional with over a decade of experience advising organizations across Suriname and the Caribbean. He began his career in the insurance sector before joining KPMG Meijburg Caribbean and later EY Dutch Caribbean, where he helped establish and lead the Suriname practice.

He advanced to Senior Manager at Kenswil & Co, specializing in Oil & Gas, Mining, M&A, corporate structuring, and labor law, continuing after its merger with HBN Law & Tax.

In 2023, Akash co-founded KGL Tax & Legal, where he serves as Legal Partner, focusing on Oil & Gas and multidisciplinary advisory across key industries.

Alejandra Balderas Atilano is a Mexican attorney specializing in labor and employment law, advising companies on regulatory compliance, workforce management, and risk mitigation. She has worked with multinational organizations on complex matters including collective bargaining, employment contracts, benefits, and employer liability.

She is recognized for navigating Mexico’s evolving labor regulations, including outsourcing reforms and employee rights, and for addressing cross-border issues between U.S. and Mexican systems.

Alejandra contributes thought leadership through publications on compliance and labor strategy. She also holds leadership roles in innovative legal initiatives and advocates for workplace inclusion, gender equity, and sustainable employment practices.

David Almeida Madrid is an Associate at ALN – Mining Law Firm, specializing in administrative, regulatory, and contentious law within the mining sector. He has been involved in strategic litigation challenging reforms to Mexican laws, including the Mining Law and National Water Law, and has supported key acquisitions that enabled clients’ expansion in Mexico.

He represents mining companies before federal and state authorities such as the General Mining Bureau, SAT, IMSS, and CONAGUA. Previously, he served as Head of the Litigation Department at PRODECON.

David was recognized as a Leading Associate by The Legal 500 in its Latin America 2026 guide.

Diego heads the firm's Corporate, Transactional, and M&A practice, holding a Master's degree from a renowned university in Colombia, which underscores his advanced understanding of business law and governance. His significant achievements include spearheading the comprehensive legal support for the acquisition, purchase, and strategic investment in companies within the mining-energy sector, overseeing the entire process from due diligence through post-acquisition corporate and contractual compliance. Diego also guides the firm's integrated approach to Compliance and Family Law, ensuring both the operational continuity of corporate clients and the patrimonial stability of private individuals. His focus is on delivering holistic legal solutions that transform transactional risks into sustainable business growth.

Filipe Colombo is a senior legal and compliance leader with over 15 years of experience in the healthcare and medical technology sectors across Latin America. As Senior Counsel & Compliance Manager for LATAM at ResMed and a regional board member, he leads legal strategy, complex negotiations, compliance governance, and competition law initiatives.

Previously, he served as Legal Manager and Data Protection Officer at BIOTRONIK and held leadership roles at Johnson & Johnson, contributing to major M&A transactions and value-based care projects.

Known for integrity and strategic vision, Filipe transforms legal and compliance functions into drivers of sustainable, compliant business growth.

Guilhèm Becvort is a partner in the Global Tax Practice based in Luxembourg, specializing in international and Luxembourg corporate tax law. He advises on cross-border real estate, private equity, infrastructure investments, and alternative investment fund structures, as well as M&A, debt finance, securitizations, and capital markets transactions.

His expertise includes Luxembourg tax matters, litigation support, Pillar 2, and compliance with DAC6, FATCA, and CRS requirements. Guilhèm is a frequent speaker at international conferences and a published author in leading tax journals, as well as a member of key professional associations including IBA, IFA, LuxCMA, and ALFI.

He also leads pro bono initiatives, supporting organizations such as Professors Without Borders.

Hollman David Rodríguez Rincón is a Partner at Grupo Legal Asesorías in Colombia, where he leads a forward-thinking legal practice focused on combining traditional expertise with technological innovation. He champions a “Law 2.0” approach, delivering agile, ethical, and strategic legal solutions for modern challenges.

Alongside his corporate and litigation work, he is a law professor at the Universidad Pedagógica y Tecnológica de Colombia (UPTC) and holds a Master’s degree in Human Rights, International Humanitarian Law, and Operational Law.

Representing his firm at the LexTalk World Conference, David aims to showcase how regional practices can compete globally through digital transformation, strong ethics, and commitment to justice.

Isabella Calamia Rinaldi is a Brazilian-qualified attorney and Founding Partner at Rycbczak & Rinaldi Advogados Associados in São Paulo. With over eight years of experience, she specializes in International Family and Succession Law, focusing on cross-border disputes, mediation, international child abduction, and estate planning.

Her practice bridges civil and common law systems, advising families and high-net-worth clients across Brazil, the United States, and Europe. In 2021, she secured a landmark ruling before the São Paulo Court of Appeals recognizing socio-affective maternity.

Isabella is a columnist at Magis Legal Portal and is pursuing an LL.M. in American and Transnational Law at the University of Dayton, expanding her global legal practice.

Jesús Aja Cadena is a partner at Aja Cadena Abogados, advising financial institutions and companies in Mexico. With 15 years of experience in compliance and legal advisory, he specializes in anti-money laundering, regulatory compliance, and financial law.

He previously served as Legal and Compliance Director at FINAE, where he developed AML frameworks and led regulatory compliance. Over the past six years, he has incorporated 16 financial institutions and advised on credit structures and AML prevention, including for the Port of Veracruz.

Jesús has extensive experience handling regulatory investigations and sanctions before CNBV and Condusef. He holds a master’s in law from UNAM and is a recertified AML compliance officer.

Jorge Fernández Braniff Méndez is a business lawyer specializing in guiding companies through their full growth cycle, from formation to complex financing and expansion. He combines technical legal expertise with strong commercial vision, advising clients in sectors such as blockchain, real estate, hospitality, energy, cosmetics, and financial services.

He began his career at Ibarra y Gallego, continued at White & Case, and now practices at Fernández Braniff Abogados, focusing on corporate, regulatory, and transactional matters. He has supported clients in securing funding through seed capital, debt, and bond structures.

Jorge holds a law degree from Universidad Anáhuac, a master’s from Northwestern University, and a business certificate from IE University.

Lawyer with a background in Philosophy and Humanities from Universidad Sergio Arboleda, specialized in Labor and Social Security Law from Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, and holding a Master’s degree in Law. He is also a scholarship recipient of the Multinational MBA at Universidad Adolfo Ibáñez.

He has extensive experience in managing labor relations, both individual and collective, participating in collective bargaining processes across public and private sectors, and serving as an arbitrator in labor disputes.

He currently serves as Director of the Department of Labor and Social Security Law at Universidad Sergio Arboleda and as Governor of the Colombian Bar Association for the 2026 term.

Juan Pablo Argüelles Siller is General Counsel & Chief Legal Officer at FlyAcross, with over eight years leading legal strategy and advising the Board, CEO, and executive team. He holds a law degree from ITAM and has completed postgraduate studies in aviation, antitrust, finance, and corporate law.

He previously worked at Grupo Aeromexico, América Móvil, and the Federal Economic Competition Commission, and has served as a professor at institutions including ITAM and Tec de Monterrey. His expertise spans corporate, finance, contracts, tax, regulatory, compliance, and litigation.

Notably, he contributed to the first Open Skies Agreement between Mexico and the United States and led FlyAcross’s post-COVID financial restructuring and asset optimization.

Lucas Paglia is a Brazilian attorney, compliance executive, and Data Protection Officer with extensive experience in business law, privacy, and corporate governance. He serves as Director of Compliance at a multinational technology company, leading data protection, AI governance, and cross-border data initiatives across Latin America in alignment with LGPD and GDPR.

He combines litigation expertise with regulatory advisory, handling high-stakes disputes, privacy programs, incident response, and compliance structuring for technology and financial services companies.

Lucas is also a professor and academic coordinator, having trained over 4,000 students. He is recognized for his pragmatic, business-oriented approach to legal innovation and compliance.

Luciana is a Corporate Attorney with over a decade of experience advising on complex transactions. A graduate of Universidade Presbiteriana Mackenzie, she holds an LL.M. in Corporate Law from Insper and is pursuing an MBA in Accounting Management, Controllership, and Valuation at PUC-PR.

She specializes in M&A, corporate, and contractual law, leading full-cycle transactions from structuring and due diligence to negotiation and closing. Her expertise includes SPAs, joint ventures, shareholders’ agreements, and convertible instruments.

Luciana is also highly regarded in corporate restructuring and governance advisory, combining technical excellence with strong commercial insight to support clients in growth, transformation, and long-term value creation.

María Concepción Stahl is an attorney with international law firm experience, graduating cum laude from Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí and holding a Master’s in Corporate and Business Law from Université Paris II Panthéon-Assas. With over a decade of experience, she specializes in dispute resolution, corporate law, intellectual property, and legal innovation.

She served as Knowledge Management Manager at Baker McKenzie Mexico, leading strategic initiatives across the firm. She is now Founder of STAHL Consulting, advising on knowledge management, innovation, and AI adoption.

Recognized for legal transformation, she has received global awards and is a Chief AI Officer and member of AMCID.

Monika Gupta is a senior in-house legal professional with over 17 years of experience in highly regulated industries. She has worked with global organizations such as Bayer, Monsanto, and the Tata Group, advising on corporate governance, compliance, litigation, investigations, arbitration, and commercial matters.

A law graduate from Mumbai University and an Associate Member of the Institute of Company Secretaries of India, she is known for her business-focused approach to legal leadership, viewing law as a strategic enabler of decision-making.

She has completed the Women’s Leadership Programme at ISB and is committed to fostering legal teams that drive clarity, confidence, and sustainable business growth.

Pablo Salazar Urbiola is a legal strategist and Legal Manager at a multinational Irish company in the nutrition and flavors industry, supporting operations across Latin America. He specializes in commercial, corporate, regulatory, and compliance matters, acting as a trusted advisor to C-level executives.

Pablo is known for translating legal insight into business value, enabling confident decision-making in complex, cross-border environments. He has played a key role in advancing regional projects, driving growth, and delivering measurable results.

Through proactive risk management, effective negotiation, and budget oversight, he minimizes compliance risks, prevents disputes, and optimizes costs, delivering commercially impactful and strategic legal solutions.

Patricia Villa Berger is a legal innovation strategist focused on the intersection of technology, legal operations, and access to justice. She holds a JSD from Chicago-Kent College of Law, where her research explored the use of AI to improve legal services and regulatory design.

She serves as Special Advisor at KermaPartners, leading initiatives in legal ops, legal tech, and technology strategy. Her work centers on redesigning legal processes, building data-driven capabilities, and deploying AI responsibly. She also led a project recognized with the 2023 Legal Innovation in Operations award by CLOC.

Patricia has collaborated with government bodies and international organizations, including the Federal Judiciary Council, INEGI, the ICRC, and the International Criminal Court.

Pedro Longhi is Legal Chief Officer at JiveMauá Group, a leading Brazilian alternative asset manager with over R$24 billion in assets under management. He oversees legal strategy and supports the structuring and execution of complex investment transactions across credit, real estate, and special situations.

He has extensive experience in capital markets, M&A, and corporate finance, having worked at Lefosse Advogados, Itaú BBA, White & Case, and Mattos Filho Advogados. His background includes advising on sophisticated domestic and cross-border transactions.

Pedro holds a Law degree from Universidade Presbiteriana Mackenzie and a master’s in business economics from FGV. He is admitted to the Brazilian Bar and is fluent in English and German.

Raísa Xavier is a legal professional specializing in public, regulatory, and compliance law, with experience in complex, innovation-driven environments. She supports initiatives involving technology transfer, advanced therapies, and institutional partnerships, ensuring legal certainty, risk management, and strategic alignment.

Her work includes projects related to CAR-T cell therapies for lymphoma, leukemia, HIV, and rare diseases. She focuses on Regulatory Law, Compliance, Intellectual Property, and Administrative Law, enabling innovation while maintaining governance and transparency.

Raisa has worked with public institutions and multi-stakeholder collaborations, balancing regulatory integrity and technological progress. She also completed specialized training in global innovation and intellectual property at Harvard Law School (PatentX).

Raphael Zaroni is the founding partner of Zaroni Advogados, specializing in international contracts, corporate law, tax, and dispute resolution. He advises foreign companies, investors, and general counsel on cross-border transactions involving Brazil, covering contract structuring, corporate arrangements, arbitration, and litigation.

His experience spans sectors such as technology, infrastructure, maritime, and financial services. Known for a practical, results-driven approach, Raphael focuses on legal strategies that perform effectively in real-world scenarios.

He is an active speaker at international forums, including LexTalk World Houston 2026, where he addresses challenges in aligning international contracts with Brazilian legal frameworks.

Ricardo Medina is a Senior Vice President at Banamex Afore with over 10 years of experience in antitrust, corporate law, and private equity. Since 2022, he has led legal oversight of alternative investments, contributing to over 40 fund closings across global markets and managing a legacy portfolio of 60+ investment trusts.

Previously, he served as General Counsel at Arago Capital, overseeing due diligence, regulatory, and compliance matters, and worked at COFECE on antitrust investigations and merger control.

Ricardo holds degrees in Law and International Relations from UNAM and an LL.M. from Columbia University, bringing strong expertise in complex investments and regulatory frameworks.

Silvio Gómez Saldarriaga is a legal professional specializing in intellectual property, corporate law, entertainment law, ICT, and alternative dispute resolution. He is recognized for advancing collaborative, innovation-driven legal solutions, particularly in creative and technology industries.

He is a mediator and conciliator with the Arbitration and Conciliation Centers of the Chambers of Commerce of Bogotá and Medellín, and a mediator at the WIPO Arbitration and Mediation Center, handling complex domestic and cross-border disputes.

Silvio is also a postgraduate professor at leading Colombian universities, including Universidad Externado, Universidad de los Andes, and Universidad de La Sabana, and actively contributes to legal innovation and global dialogue on dispute resolution.

Zaroni Advogados is a Brazilian boutique law firm built around a single premise: that cross-border transactions involving Brazil require more than international legal excellence — they require lawyers who understand precisely where foreign contracts meet Brazilian law and what happens when they do.

The firm advises foreign companies, investors, and domestic clients across its core practice areas: international contracts, corporate law, tax, employment law, and dispute resolution — encompassing both arbitration and litigation. Its work has a consistent international dimension, acting on matters at the intersection of Brazilian and international jurisdictions.

Zaroni Advogados combines technical depth with practical orientation — focused on results that hold in practice, not just on paper.

Andrés Huacuja Bucay is a Mexican lawyer and legal scholar specializing in compliance and public procurement. He is currently a PhD candidate in Philosophy at Universidad Panamericana and holds multiple LL.M. degrees from New York University, American University, and ITAM, graduating summa cum laude. He also earned a master’s in History of Thought and undergraduate degrees in law and philosophy.

He serves as Senior Associate at Huacuja Betancourt Abogados, advising clients in pharmaceutical, consumer goods, and technology sectors on contracts, compliance, anti-corruption, AML, data protection, and cross-border disputes. He also worked with the United Nations Development Programme on rule of law, governance, and institutional accountability.

Claudia Magaña is Legal Counsel with over 20 years of experience, overseeing cross-border legal matters in Mexico and the Dominican Republic. She successfully reestablished the in-house legal function within her organization, positioning it as a strategic partner driving compliance, efficiency, and risk mitigation.

Her expertise includes contract negotiation, corporate governance, due diligence, litigation coordination, and regulatory compliance. She has led initiatives to streamline legal processes, optimize external counsel, and align operations with global standards.

Claudia champions ethics, integrity, and accountability, strengthening internal trust and supporting transformation. As a nominee for the Inspiring In-house Counsel recognition, she is committed to advancing sustainable, people-focused legal practices.

Claudio Enrique Hernández Careaga is an international legal strategist with over 20 years of experience in infrastructure and telecommunications across Latin America. He is known for transforming complex legal challenges into strategic opportunities in high-impact, cross-border projects. At Grupo ICA, he led the International and Construction Division, shaping legal frameworks in highly regulated environments. His expertise spans corporate, regulatory, contractual, and international arbitration matters. Claudio has supported major initiatives such as the Maya Train and NAIM, and led negotiations under FIDIC and NEC standards. He excels in aligning legal strategy with business goals, enabling growth, investment, and operational resilience.

Diane Carvalho is a Tax Executive with over 20 years of experience across Big Four consulting and multinational Oil & Gas leadership. As Head of Tax at PRIO S.A., she specializes in Brazilian and international tax planning, M&A structuring, and corporate restructuring, ensuring legal certainty and fiscal efficiency.

She is an active contributor to the evolution of tax regulation, serving as an author and speaker at major national and international forums. Diane holds an Executive MBA from COPPEAD/UFRJ, a Law degree from PUCRS, and an Accounting degree from Cândido Mendes. She is a proactive leader committed to fostering a meritocratic, collaborative, and inclusive professional culture.

Estela Juárez is a Guatemalan attorney and notary specializing in criminal law and compliance, recognized for her strategic approach and technical rigor. She is the founding partner of Juárez Gutiérrez & Asociados, focusing on criminal defense, constitutional guarantees, and compliance models that strengthen corporate integrity. She combines litigation with corporate advisory, with expertise in corporate criminal liability and anti-money laundering. With advanced training as a Compliance Officer, she integrates governance and risk management into legal practice. An active speaker at international forums, she promotes ethical, transparent legal solutions and represents a new generation of women leaders in criminal law.

Lawyer specialized in Legal Affairs, Compliance, and Public Policy, with over 20 years of experience across public and private sectors. She currently serves as Chief Legal Officer and Compliance Officer at Wplay.co, leading legal strategy, regulatory engagement, and AML/CFT/FPADM systems, including ethics and data protection frameworks. She is recognized as a leading legal voice in the online gaming sector in Colombia and Latin America.

She has held leadership roles in institutions such as the Mayor’s Office of Bogotá, ICBF, the Ministry of Telecommunications, and regional governments. With strong academic credentials, she brings strategic vision, legal innovation, and leadership to align regulation with business sustainability and technological advancement.

Attorney with over 20 years of experience, he has served as both in-house and external counsel for multinational companies across diverse industries. His expertise includes Contract, Corporate, Real Estate, Data Privacy, Antitrust, Compliance, Intellectual Property, and Labor Law. He has held key roles at Unilever, Grupo Carso, Perrigo, Tupperware, and Sanofi, and currently serves as Legal Manager for CS Shell & Quaker State, supporting operations in Mexico, Texas, and the Dominican Republic.

He has also served as a board member and academic lecturer, bringing a strategic global perspective, and remains committed to continuous growth and delivering business-focused legal solutions.

Partner at Cortés Elías & Ravelo Alvarez de la Cadena Abogados, S.C., he has led the energy law, contracts, and corporate practice since 2018, following his role as Senior Associate at Hagerman Abogados. He also served in regulatory and legal roles at INAI and the Federal Electricity Commission.

With strong expertise in the electric power industry, he specializes in hedge contracts, PPAs, EPC, and turnkey contracts for energy generation. He has supported major solar projects, including a 390 MW photovoltaic initiative, and participated in multiple power auctions.

His experience also includes corporate and commercial law, advising IT and logistics clients, and leading data protection implementation across large organizations.

Manuela Loeser is a strategic legal executive with nearly 20 years of experience at the intersection of technology, product development, data privacy, and AI risk. She works within Accenture’s Global Product Counsel, focusing on assets and solutions readiness, risk strategy, and responsible deployment of technology-driven products.

She is known for bridging legal, business, and engineering perspectives, enabling organizations to scale innovation while ensuring regulatory alignment and operational resilience. Her work emphasizes evolving from traditional compliance to evidence-based frameworks for responsible AI, including vendor risk and lifecycle accountability.

An active voice in global AI and governance discussions, she advances the concept of the “Legitimacy Layer” to support sustainable and trustworthy AI adoption.