Legal director, South Latin America | Abbott Laboratories
Isabella Maciel de Sá
Legal director, South Latin America | Abbott Laboratories
Team size: 13
Bio
Isabella Maciel de Sá was born in Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, and graduated in Law in 1988 from the Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul. She began her career at her father’s law firm, specialising in Civil Liability and Moral Damages. In 1998, she moved to São Paulo and became an associate at Machado Meyer Sendacz e Opice Advogados.
Her corporate legal career took off in 1999 when she became Legal Director at Canbras. She continued to excel in similar roles at McDonald’s, Cargill, and Novartis, where she also led the Diversity and Inclusion Committee.
In January 2015, Isabella joined Abbott Laboratories as Legal Director, managing a team of 11 responsible for 15 business divisions and two factories. In 2017, she co-founded and sponsored the company’s Diversity and Inclusion Committee in Brazil. In January 2024, she was promoted to Latam South Legal Director, overseeing legal operations in Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Paraguay, Peru, and Uruguay, and became the Black Business Network (BBN) Sponsor for Brazil.
Throughout her career, Isabella has studied at Harvard Business School, London Business School, and Yale School of Management. She is one of the founders of Jurídico de Saias, a counsellor on the Superior Council of Labour Relations (CORT) of FIESP since 2017, and was elected ‘Latin America General Counsel of the Year 2018’ by the Association of Corporate Lawyers. She served as a counsellor of OAB-SP from 2019 until January 2021 and was honoured by her peers last year as the ‘Most Admired Legal Executive in the Industry’ by Análise Editorial.
Isabella has two sons, Rodrigo, who lives in São Paulo, and Felipe, who lives in London, UK.
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 organization’s resilience?
I have consistently prioritised a proactive and strategic approach to managing legal aspects during periods of instability or crises. Being responsible for countries such as Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Bolivia, Paraguay, Peru, and Uruguay can create a constant sense of crisis. To manage this unique situation, my strategy is built on three key pillars: risk assessment, clear communication, and alignment with the broader business strategy.
First, during times of crisis, I conduct comprehensive risk assessments to identify potential legal challenges and their impact on the organisation. This involves close collaboration with various departments to gather insights and ensure all possible risks are considered. By anticipating issues before they arise, I am able to develop contingency plans that mitigate potential disruptions.
Second, clear and transparent communication is crucial. I make sure all stakeholders, including the executive team, employees, and external partners, are kept informed about the legal implications of the situation. This transparency helps build trust and ensures everyone is aligned and prepared to respond effectively.
Third, my legal strategy is always closely aligned with the organisation’s broader business goals. During crises, I work closely with the business to ensure our legal responses support the company’s long-term objectives and resilience. This includes advising on contractual obligations and potential litigation, with a constant focus on maintaining business continuity and protecting the company’s reputation.
By integrating these pillars into my approach, I have successfully navigated several challenging situations, ensuring the organisation remains resilient and well-positioned for future growth. My ability to align legal strategies with business objectives has been instrumental in safeguarding the company’s interests and driving its success.
How do you prioritize diversity and inclusion within your legal department, and what initiatives have you implemented to foster a more inclusive and equitable work environment?
Having a diverse team and fostering inclusion have always been at the centre of my leadership philosophy and organisational strategy. I believe inclusion is not merely a social issue of representation, but a crucial strategy for future organisational success. Companies that recognise and value the unique skills of a diverse workforce will lead in innovation and competitiveness.
Ignoring this wealth of perspectives is a mistake no organisation can afford to make. The future belongs to those who embrace diversity in all its forms and create environments where everyone can thrive. Such companies will not only survive but prosper in an increasingly complex and dynamic world.
I prioritise diversity and inclusion through a multifaceted approach. I take personal responsibility for the selection, hiring, and development of my team, which enables me to address any lack of representation and to use diversity as a key differentiator when considering candidates with comparable skills. In 2017, I partnered with my HR colleague to establish the Diversity and Inclusion Committee at our Brazil affiliate, focusing on strategies to enhance these values within the organisation. Since 2023, I have also served as the Black Business Network Sponsor for Brazil (BBN Brazil), advocating for Black employees and ensuring their voices are included in organisational decision-making.
Through these initiatives, I strive to build a legal department that is not only diverse but truly inclusive and equitable. I firmly believe that these efforts lead to better decision-making, increased innovation, and a more positive working environment for all.
Legal regional director, LATAM | Abbott
Associate Legal Director EPD & MD Colombia, Ecuador & Venezuela
Abbott
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Associate Legal Director EPD & MD Colombia, Ecuador & Venezuela
Abbott
View Powerlist