LIR Council
An exclusive panel of in-house counsel bringing a fresh perspective to legal publishing. With a streamlined review system, LIR Council evaluates the practical relevance of opinion articles submitted by law firms—focusing on real-world applicability and business impact. Because the true value of legal insight lies in how it’s put into practice.
Claudia Lettner is an experienced legal professional specializing in international, European, and business law and with extensive knowledge of languages. She has held leadership roles in various organizations, including the Vienna Chamber of Commerce. Claudia has extensive experience in corporate governance, compliance, and legal advisory, with a strong educational background from the Karl Franzens Universität Graz and Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam.
Mag. Claudia Lettner, LL.M.
Head of Business Law and Commercial Law Department, Vienna Economic Chamber
With over 25 years as an in-house counsel, including 5 years as General Counsel for Coca-Cola Eurasia & Middle East Operating Unit, I’ve led teams across 25 countries. I actively contribute to global projects, legal networks, and serve on the OU leadership and global extended legal leadership teams. My expertise spans various broad range of topics.
Executive with 20+ years’ experience in law, management, operations, data science, and AI. MBA, PMP, and postgraduate in Business Management. Co-founder of Legal Efficiency, driving innovation and aligning legal strategy with corporate goals. Experienced in financial and industrial sectors, mentoring professionals and enhancing the legal function through technology and business-oriented results.
(1985. San José, Costa Rica). Carlos Valenciano has over fifteen years of experience leading legal departments for multinational companies in Latin America and Southeastern Europe.
Richard Burnley joined EBU Legal in 2010 as Senior Competition Counsel, becoming Head of Regulatory Legal Services in 2012, Director of Legal in 2016, and Director of Legal and Policy in 2018. Previously, he worked as a competition lawyer in Brussels and London and at the European Commission’s DG Competition Merger Task Force.
He holds a Law degree from Universidad Javeriana, as well as master’s degrees (MBA and Leadership) from EADA in Barcelona, and specializations in Commercial and Administrative Law. For the past 19 years, he has led Terpel’s legal, reputational, and sustainability strategIES, as well as communications, external relations, and intangible asset management. Since 2025, he has been driving Terpel’s transformation in his role as CTO.
Daniel Perea
VP Asuntos Corporativos y Legales / Chief Transformation Officer (CTO), Terpel
Hironori Inai is an attorney with broad experience in corporate, commercial, and compliance matters. Hiro supports businesses as a trusted co-driver. He serves as. Managing Counsel at Tesla, where he is primarily responsible for the Japanese market. He also teaches freshmen at Chuo University as a part-time lecturer.
Milagros Mago Franco is a Venezuelan lawyer, graduated from Universidad Católica Andrés Bello, with training in corporate law, international economic policy, legal project management, communications, and coaching. She has practiced law in Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean, Peru, Ecuador, and Venezuela. Her approach combines strategic leadership, digital transformation, and ethical management of multicultural legal teams, adding value to organizations with a global vision.
1- Master of Laws in International Trade, Cairo University, Egypt. 2- LLM in International Commercial and Maritime Law, UK. 3- Corporate Lawyer, Teda (2015–2016). 4- Corporate Lawyer, Elsewedy Electric, Egypt (2016–2019). 5- Senior Lawyer, Elsewedy Electric, UAE (2019–2021). 6- Legal Counsel, Elsewedy Electric, Egypt (2021–2025). 7- Legal Manager, Algihaz Holding, KSA (2025–present).
Amr Reda Abdullatif is a Regional Corporate Lawyer specializing in cross-border transactions, corporate governance, construction law, and dispute resolution. He is a published legal author and trusted advisor on major infrastructure projects across the MENA region, with strong capabilities in contract management, arbitration, and legal tech integration.
Legal advisor, public affairs specialist, and certified State court interpreter. He holds a Law degree from PUCMM and a master’s in Business Transactions Law from IOMG. With eight years of experience in prestigious law firms and multinational corporations of mass consumer goods and technology, he leads strategic projects that promote efficiency, innovation, and sustainable growth.
Alberto Camacho
Sr. Associate & Public Affairs Counsel, PedidosYa República Dominicana
Wise Wang brings over a decade of in-house legal experience in the tech industry, complemented by his background as a business management consultant. With expertise across IT sectors, including IPOs, and being trilingual in Japanese, Chinese, and English, he offers a unique, business-savvy legal perspective tailored to the needs of fast-growing global companies.
Corporate and business lawyer with experience in e-commerce, logistics, and mass consumption. He has led legal strategies in technology companies such as Mercado Libre and Uber. He is currently a candidate for the LLM in the International Corporate and Business Law program at King’s College London.
Polish transactional and regulatory lawyer with expertise in the field of corporate and capital markets law. Attorney-at-law (The Warsaw Bar, Poland). Holds a PhD degree in law. Advises inter alia companies listed on the Warsaw Stock Exchange and financial institutions such as banks or investment funds. Engaged in numerous deals with an aggregate value of dozens of billions of PLN.
With more than 12 years of experience in private banking, I have acquired knowledge in areas such as banking and insurance law, commercial contracting, regulatory compliance, and corporate governance. Throughout my career, I have complemented my training with studies in leadership and communication, risk management, public management, and legal innovation, which has allowed me to adapt and develop a strategic and comprehensive vision.
Holds an LLM from AASTMT and a law degree from Paris 1 Sorbonne. A trilingual lawyer with over 10 years of experience in the engineering, construction, insurance, and telecom sectors. Expertise includes corporate law, contracts, compliance, dispute resolution, and governance across the MENA region. Currently serves as Senior Regional Legal & Compliance Lawyer at Johnson Controls Arabia and previously led legal advisory at Rowad.
Reda Mohamed Mahmoud Ibrahim Wafi
Senior Regional Legal & Compliance Lawyer, Johnson Controls Arabia
Sebastián is a senior corporate lawyer at Microsoft for Chile and Argentina. With experience in data protection, cybersecurity, regulatory compliance, and intellectual property, he leads legal support on issues such as data privacy, artificial intelligence, and technology transactions. He holds a law degree from Universidad Diego Portales and a certificate in Law and Artificial Intelligence from Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, and is bilingual.
Lawyer and communicator with 15 years of experience. She has been a legal journalist, legal assistant, case handler, international affairs coordinator, and legal advisor at the SIC. Today she serves as legal manager for the Andean region and board member at Unilever. Her career focuses on competition and consumer law, commercial law, and corporate advisory.
Alena Shved has worked with several tech companies, assisting founders and startups on investment deals, corporate and IP structuring, tax planning, and related matters. She also mentors early‑career professionals and shares knowledge through seminars and lectures on topics relevant to the tech sector, aiming to support sustainable business growth and practical legal understanding.
Mawande Maqungo is a decorated legal executive recognised through multiple regional awards. He blends his expertise in technology and corporate law across three continents. A speaker and publisher in the legal industry on topics such as AI, cybersecurity and data privacy. Formerly with a leading African law firm, he is now General Counsel at a multinational ICT corporate.
Corporate lawyer with more than 16 years of experience in leading law firms and companies in technology, infrastructure, and mass consumption. Practice areas include contract law, fintech, e-commerce, and M&A. He holds an LLM in Economic Law from The University of Queensland. Recognized for his strategic approach, business vision, and ability to lead innovative legal solutions in dynamic and regulated environments.
Reem is a legal counsel and corporate governance professional with extensive experience in contract negotiation, regulatory compliance and board advisory across the hospitality and real estate sectors. She specializes in structuring strategic partnerships and joint ventures, managing legal disputes and arbitrations, advising on governance best practices, and ensuring operational compliance.
Reem Alrayes
Legal Counsel, Compliance & Board Secretary, Gulf Hotels Group B.S.C.
Dr. Denis Peterson, an award-winning General Counsel and Company Secretary at Mercedes-Benz South Africa, holds a DBA, MBA, B.Comm and LLB. With over 18 years’ legal expertise in international trade, M&A, governance, and compliance, he has advised global corporations, shaped legislation, and pioneered legal innovation, earning recognition among South Africa’s most influential legal leaders.
Denis Peterson
General Counsel and Company Secretary, Mercedes-Benz South Africa Ltd.
Law graduate, Magna Cum Laude (2020) and Master’s in Administrative Law and Economic Regulation (2023) from PUCMM. Legal Manager at Advanced Asset Management, with experience in corporate, real estate, and investment law. Skilled in contract management, regulatory compliance, and dispute resolution. Trilingual professional with solid academic and professional experience, committed to delivering excellence in legal practice.
Nidia Nicole Marion-Landais Tavárez
Legal Representative, Advanced Asset Management, S.A. Sociedad Administradora de Fondos de Inversión
Law graduate with a postgraduate degree in Labor Law from PUC Minas, with a 13-year career in a leading multinational beverage company. Currently Legal Labor Counsel at Shopee Brazil, responsible for managing advisory and litigation matters, combining legal expertise with a passion for strategic problem-solving.
Lawyer and currently Chief Legal Officer at Tenpo, a Chilean fintech soon to become the country’s first neobank. With extensive experience in financial regulation, compliance, and corporate governance, his professional career has always been as in-house counsel, focusing on driving innovation, financial inclusion, and strategic solutions in highly regulated and competitive environments.
Legal professional with over 25 years of experience, currently Head of Legal at Atlántica Group. Expert in corporate law, compliance, data protection, and digital transformation. Actively involved in executive and innovation committees, combining a strategic global vision with leadership in complex and multidisciplinary environments.
Patryk Paszko, law graduate from Jagiellonian University and postgraduate expert cum laude in Negotiation, Mediation, and ADR at the University of Warsaw, is a certified manager from the Warsaw School of Economics. Head of Legal at Bergerat Monnoyeur Poland and Eneria CAT Poland, he specializes in negotiation, civil law, publishes extensively, and is passionate about geopolitics and foreign affairs.
Legal and corporate Affairs leader with 20+years’ experience in law, government, and telcom. Director since 2022 at Honduras largest telco. Law graduate from Mexico with a business management specialization from INCAE.
Legal Director with over 18 years of experience leading legal, compliance, and corporate governance areas in Latin America. He is recognized by Legal 500 as a Rising Star (2022–2024). He is an expert in contracts, risk management, and legal strategy, with a focus on adding value to the business and building trusted relationships with senior management.
Paulina Acevedo is a corporate lawyer with an LL.M in Business Law and a diploma in Corporate Compliance. She has extensive experience in multinational companies across various industries, specializing in Corporate Governance, Compliance, and Contract Management. Known for strategic support, adaptability, and leadership in multicultural teams, she ensures legal alignment and operational excellence.
Mario Zlattinger, honored in the Legal500 GC Powerlist 2023–2025, is recognized as one of Austria’s top legal leaders. As Head of Legal Austria & Switzerland at AYVENS, he drives legal strategy, negotiations, and litigation. A Certified Digital Legal Expert, he is renowned for combining corporate law excellence with forward-thinking digital innovation.
Corporate lawyer and notary with over six years of experience advising companies across Latin America. Specialized in corporate, real estate, banking, and compliance matters, with strong in-house expertise. Skilled in contract drafting, risk management, and cross-border operations. Holds a Master’s in International Business Law from OBS Business School.
Lawyer and Notary Public with over 20 years of experience in corporate law, mergers, and acquisitions. A graduate of Universidad Francisco Marroquín, he is currently the Legal Manager for Guatemala and Belize at Uno Guatemala, a leading fuel marketing company. He leads a team of professionals handling corporate governance, strategic litigation, and all legal operations."
Beatrice is Chief Legal Officer and Managing Director at Lifeplus Europe. She began in 2011 as EU Legal Manager at Lifeplus, then served as Legal Counsel for Business Markets Energy Supply at British Gas (Centrica) in London. In 2016, she became PM-International’s first General Counsel, later joining its Executive Board. Returning in 2023, she leads Lifeplus’s European strategy and global expansion, prioritizing Asia, customer growth, and sustainable innovation.
Agnieszka’s legal career began at a top law firm in Vienna (Austria) specializing in competition law. After gaining further experience at another law firm, she chose to continue her path as an in-house counsel. Alongside her career, she also pursued a postgraduate master’s degree in European and International Business Law.
Luma Scheidt is a Legal Director with more than 15 years of experience in multinational companies such as Ecolab, Schaeffler, and Owens Corning. She leads the Legal Department for Latin America with a focus on strategy, governance, and innovation. She believes in the transformative power of the legal endeavors as a motor of values, efficiency, and positive business impact, while promoting diversity, inclusion, and sustainability.
Luma Scheidt
Legal Director / Assistant General Counsel Latam South, Central & Caribbean, Ecolab
Alejandro Rubilar is Managing Director, Senior Country Counsel (Chile) and Global Corporate Banking Latam Legal Head. Is a member of J.P. Morgan Chile’s Management Committee. Prior to joining J.P. Morgan in 2008, was Director at the Corporate & Investment Bank for Citibank, N.A. and International Associate in the Project Finance group at Shearman & Sterling LLP, based in New York. Graduated in laws and LL.M from Universidad de los Andes. PIL Harvard Law School. Adjunct Professor of commercial law at Universidad Católica de Chile. Member of the Board of Directors of the Chilean Banking Association and Fundación Camino.
Alejandro Rubilar
Managing Director, Senior Country Counsel / Global Corporate Banking Latam Legal Head, J.P. Morgan Chase & Co.
Lawyer and currently General Counsel at Redbanc, a leading Chilean financial technology company. With over 10 years of experience in corporate law, banking, and financial regulation, her career has focused on compliance, payment systems, and corporate governance, driving innovation and strategic solutions in highly regulated environments while fostering collaboration across multidisciplinary teams.
Larissa Cenan, Head of Legal at Capgemini Romania, is an award-winning legal leader (Legal 500 GC Powerlist Romania) with an LLM in AI, she specialize in contract negotiation, compliance, and legal innovation, with a strong regional focus across IT industry and artificial intelligence. Passionate about digital transformation in legal operations, she bring sa pragmatic, business-oriented approach to complex legal challenges.
Legal Affairs Manager at Aguas Andinas. Lawyer from Pontificia Universidad Católica with strong background in litigation and legal leadership. Master in Water Technology Management and Diplomas in sustainability, natural resources, and labor law. Lecturer in UC’s Natural Resources Law Diploma. Advocates for collaborative, interdisciplinary work, with a leadership style focused on team development, continuous learning, and navigating complexity through collective intelligence.New York. Graduated in laws and LL.M from Universidad de los Andes. PIL Harvard Law School. Adjunct Professor of commercial law at Universidad Católica de Chile. Member of the Board of Directors of the Chilean Banking Association and Fundación Camino.
Diego Kother Kraemer leads the legal strategy for investments and pension reform implementation at AFP Capital, a Chilean Pension Fund. With expertise in corporate law, dispute resolutions, international arbitration and ESG Gobernance, Diego drives sustainable finance and regulatory compliance. He holds an LL.M. from Universität Heidelberg and is a key voice in Chile’s evolving pension landscape.
General Counsel and Corporate Secretary at Niubiz, recognized by The Legal 500 in the GC Powerlist 2023–2025. Built legal and corporate secretary department from 0–1, advised 80+ startups on legal structuring at EY, and led landmark antitrust and consumer cases at Indecopi (Competition Authority of Peru). Holds an LL.M. in Banking & Financial Law (UCM/CUNEF, Spain) and lectures in Banking and Fintech Law.
Lawyer, with studies in MBA, Financial Management, and Business Law. He began his career as a litigation attorney and then moved to the financial sector, where he held key positions at ING Chile and Sura Asset Management Chile, leading areas such as labor relations, compliance, and investment control. Today, he serves as Vice President of Regulatory, Legal, and Compliance at AFP Capital.
Lawyer specialized in securities and financial regulation, corporate and administrative law. Corporate Finance Legal Manager at Danper, with extensive experience in financings, debt issuances, and regulatory compliance. Lecturer in corporate and financial law at leading Peruvian universities and member of a private debt fund oversight committee. Holds a Law degree from PUCP, and an MBA and Master’s in Finance and Corporate Law from ESAN.
Lawyer with over 13 years in the automotive sector and a second degree in Unfair Competition, Advertising, Consumer Protection, and Compliance. As Head of Legal and Public Affairs at Toyota del Perú, she drives public policy on electromobility and sustainability. Co-founder of WIAS, she promotes gender equity and was recognized in The Legal 500 GC Powerlist Peru 2024.
In-house corporate lawyer with more than 10 years of experience working in multinational corporate environments and in a variety of industries such as agribusiness, river and road transportation, telecommunications, fintech, among others. Firmly committed to the continuous formation and the leveling of knowledge of in-house colleagues in the industry. The latter motivated to found, together with other colleagues, the Paraguayan Association of In-House Lawyers in 2023, which with great honor presides over since its founding.
Thomas is the Chief Legal Officer for the Gen II Group and has over 15 years of experience in the private equity industry. He is a member of the Global Executive Management team with overall responsibility for the Legal, Risk, Compliance, and Privacy functions. Prior to joining Gen II, Thomas served as deputy general counsel for Quilvest Private Equity. He also served as a partner for Garson, Segal, Steinmetz, Fladgate LLP in New York. Thomas is a graduate of Paris X University and holds an LL.M. from Cardozo Law School (New York). He is licensed to practice law in New York, Paris, and Luxembourg.
Edward Guevara is a Honduran attorney and Tax Law Master's graduate with over 14 years of experience in corporate law, tax, compliance, and governance. As Legal Manager at UNO Honduras, he provides strategic regulatory counsel, manages legal risk, and leads complex negotiations. His expertise spans tax advisory, AML investigations, and corporate governance, consistently delivering strong results across multiple business areas.
Jezabel Pando is the Legal Manager at CADIEM, with over a decade of experience in legal affairs, compliance, and corporate governance across the financial, telecommunications, and healthcare sectors. She currently serves as President of the Advisory Group of the Alliance for Integrity in Paraguay, where she promotes ethical leadership and sustainable business cultures throughout Latin America.
Javier Tapasco is a legal leader specialized in Legal Operations and the transformation of legal departments. With solid experience in Legal Project Management, Compliance, and IT for Business, he guides legal teams to align their objectives with business strategy while adopting technology to enhance the Legal Function and deliver greater organizational value. Firmly committed to the continuous formation and the leveling of knowledge of in-house colleagues in the industry. The latter motivated to found, together with other colleagues, the Paraguayan Association of In-House Lawyers in 2023, which with great honor presides over since its founding.
Elli Ioannou is a corporate lawyer with over 10 years of experience in the legal services industry, specializing in Cyprus law. Skilled in advising on private acquisitions, disposals, restructurings, and liquidation proceedings. Recognized for providing comprehensive legal support across a broad range of corporate and commercial matters, with a strong track record of delivering practical and strategic solutions to clients.
Juan Da Silva Bernal serves as Head of Legal & Compliance at Itaú Asset Management and Itaú Invest Casa de Bolsa in Paraguay. Combining backgrounds in Business and Law with an LL.M. from Northwestern, he brings expertise in structured finance, asset management regulation, and ethical governance, contributing to the development of Paraguay’s evolving financial markets.
Juan Da Silva Bernal
Head Jurídico & Compliance, Itaú Asset Management e Itaú Invest.
Corporate lawyer with over 12 years of experience leading legal strategy in multinational companies. Expert in Data Privacy, Consumer Law, and Litigation Strategy, providing high-level legal advice to management, supporting decision-making, and managing legal risks. Leads compliance and acts as DPO, with expertise in contract negotiation, corporate governance, and team leadership.Firmly committed to the continuous formation and the leveling of knowledge of in-house colleagues in the industry. The latter motivated to found, together with other colleagues, the Paraguayan Association of In-House Lawyers in 2023, which with great honor presides over since its founding.
Mario is an international regulatory lawyer focused on data transfers, technology, and financial inclusion. He leads Equifax’s legal team across 11 Latin American and Caribbean countries. Graduating with honors from UNA and Cambridge (Chevening Scholar), he frequently speaks on data protection, big data, AI, and credit reporting at forums from 2017–2025, including the World Bank, IBA, ALACRED, RIPD, and ICCR.
Master’s degree in finance from the Universidad del Pacífico, with a specialization in Corporate Finance. I hold a law degree from the Universidad de San Martín de Porres. I’m a lawyer with over 12 years of experience in banking and financial law, financial services, negotiation and sports law. I currently serve as Legal Manager at Club Alianza Lima.
Peruvian attorney, she has completed postgraduate studies at the University of San Martin de Porres in Peru, at the Complutense University of Madrid and at the University of Castilla-La Mancha in Spain and obtained a Sustainability Professional Certificate from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). She has worked at Pepsico for 10 years and has been responsible for the legal agenda in Peru, Ecuador, and Bolivia. She currently serves as Legal Director for Colombia and Venezuela. More than 15 years of experience in the textile, banking, auditing, and consumer goods industries.
With over 10 years of experience in multinational corporate environments, she is a specialist in insurance and corporate governance. She brings a multidisciplinary perspective that integrates the legal, strategic, and operational aspects of the sector. She was recognized by *The Legal 500* in the GC Powerlist Paraguay 2025 and is a founding partner of the Paraguayan Association of In-House Lawyers, as well as a member of various legal organizations.
Esmilce Romina Estigarribia Larrea
Head of Legal & Compliance, Itaú Seguros Paraguay
Lawyer and public notary recognized by the GC Powerlist Paraguay 2025 for her outstanding career in the corporate, fiduciary, and financial sectors. With extensive experience in strategic legal counsel for major companies, she leads processes focused on risk management, regulatory compliance, and effective negotiation. Her profile combines technical expertise, strategic vision, and added value to complex and dynamic businesses.
Grecia Ornella Centurión Ferreira
Legal Counsel, GRUPO HOECKLE – Terminal Occidental SA
Corporate lawyer with experience in governance, compliance, international business, and regulatory affairs, currently leading legal strategy within the pharmaceutical and retail sector. He focus on aligning legal frameworks with business objectives, managing risk, and supporting executive decision-making.
Lawyer and Notary Public with over ten years of experience in the corporate field. Providing legal counsel to insurance companies, banks, real estate firms, and multinational corporations, as well as law firms. Specialized in Banking Law, Real Estate Law, Law of Obligations and Contracts, and Corporate Law.
Mexican lawyer with over twenty years of experience in the field of corporate law and regulatory compliance. Currently serving as General Counsel at Sizzling Platter de México, S.A. de C.V., a restaurant operating company. Pursuing a Doctorate in Labor Law at the Institute of Postgraduate Studies in Law.
Nelson Figueroa Vereau is a lawyer with extensive experience in energy law, with an emphasis on oil and gas. He also has a specialization in environmental and natural resources law. He has experience as an in-house lawyer for public entities and major companies in the energy sector (Upstream and Downstream), which gives him solid knowledge of regulatory compliance management in highly regulated industries.