Executive legal director | Grupo Edson Queiroz (GEQ)
Paula Nogueira
Executive legal director | Grupo Edson Queiroz (GEQ)
Team size: 40 (approximately)
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 organisation’s resilience?
I focus on being proactive and anticipating risks, ensuring the legal strategy aligns with business goals to maintain continuity and resilience. I prioritise adaptable solutions that reduce potential impacts while capitalising on opportunities. By fostering strong communication between legal and business teams, I ensure that the company’s legal framework supports its long-term objectives. This approach enables the organisation to swiftly respond to challenges and market changes, while also driving sustainable growth. Regularly reviewing and updating our strategies helps us to stay ahead of emerging risks, keeping the company agile and well-positioned for future success.
What are the major cases or transactions you have been involved in recently?
The Edson Queiroz Group (GEQ) is a multi-sector conglomerate with diverse operations across LPG (Nacional Gás), water and beverages (Minalba Brasil), home appliances (Esmaltec), and communications (SVM). I am involved in various strategic projects across these sectors.
At Nacional Gás, I am working on the Joint Venture OTGN project, which involves constructing an LPG terminal at the Port of Suape, PE, with an investment of R$1.5bn.
At SVM, I am overseeing the transformation and renewal of 100% of the company’s TV and radio broadcasting licenses, ensuring compliance with current regulations.
What emerging technologies do you see as having the most significant impact on the legal profession in the near future, and how do you stay updated on these developments?
I consider artificial intelligence and process automation to be the most influential technologies. To stay informed, I regularly read specialised publications, attend webinars, and collaborate with colleagues to share knowledge and insights. Additionally, I actively seek out case studies and real-world applications to better understand how these technologies are transforming the legal and business landscapes. This helps me stay ahead of trends, ensuring I can leverage these innovations effectively in my work and contribute to driving efficiency and growth within my organisation.
In your opinion, what are the main trends that are salient in your country currently (these can be legal, political, economy or business-based)?
In Brazil, key trends include the digitalisation of services, enhanced corporate governance, and a strong emphasis on sustainability and the green economy. There is also a rising push for tax and labor reforms, reflecting the country’s efforts to modernize and adapt to global economic changes. These trends are shaping the business and legal landscape, driving innovation and fostering a more sustainable and transparent environment for companies. As Brazil navigates these shifts, the focus remains on creating a more resilient economy and addressing long-term challenges in governance and regulatory frameworks.
Head of legal | GEQ - Grupo Edson Queiroz