Career Biography

María Paz Alvear, General Counsel and Compliance Officer at GV, is a leading legal and strategic advisor in the energy sector, with over 25 years of experience. Having held the position of General Counsel at the same company for more than two decades, she has consistently demonstrated an exceptional ability to adapt and thrive amidst the evolving challenges of the industry. Her career is marked by a deep commitment to embedding ethics and compliance at the heart of corporate strategy, establishing her as a key figure in driving cultural transformation.

A cornerstone of her work has been the complete overhaul of GV’s internal compliance framework. She led the transformation of the existing Code of Ethics into a comprehensive Ethics and Compliance Manual, now a foundational document for the company. María Paz ensured its full rollout through a series of training sessions delivered across the organisation, actively cultivating a culture grounded in integrity. As part of her governance efforts, she also oversaw the implementation of a new whistleblowing hotline, strengthening internal transparency and providing employees with a safe and confidential platform for raising concerns.

Beyond her leadership in compliance, María Paz has played a pivotal role in navigating complex regulatory and operational issues. In 2024, she led negotiations and secured the successful settlement of a new Collective Agreement with the company’s union. Through careful analysis of the union’s proposal and effective representation of the company’s position, she helped achieve an outcome that safeguards organisational stability while fostering a constructive and positive labour environment—a significant accomplishment, particularly in a sector often marked by industrial tensions.

María Paz also plays a vital role in GV’s strategic expansion into new business areas. As the company ventures beyond traditional gas distribution into energy efficiency programmes and the emerging hydrogen market, she has taken part in high-level contract negotiations. Her legal insight has been instrumental in managing risk and navigating regulatory uncertainties tied to pioneering projects, including the installation of photovoltaic (PV) panels and the distribution of a natural gas-hydrogen blend in the Coquimbo Region. Her guidance ensures that GV can embrace innovation while remaining legally sound.

Her expertise and leadership have earned her recognition in the prestigious Legal 500 GC Powerlist for four consecutive years. She currently serves as Chair of the Committee for Women of the Natural Gas Association (AGN), where she advocates for gender inclusion within the energy industry. In this capacity, she has contributed to industry podcasts and newsletters, and led the creation and publication of a Good Practice Manual. She has also championed initiatives such as a company-wide workshop on unconscious bias—an event that helped reveal and address underlying challenges faced by both male and female employees.

María Paz’s dedication to her company, alongside her respected standing within the wider industry, positions her as a powerful and influential voice in corporate governance and ethical leadership in the energy sector.

She holds a law degree from the Universidad de Valparaíso, and a Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Tax Law from Universidad Adolfo Ibáñez, where she also completed a Diploma in Business Administration. Her academic background is further enriched by postgraduate studies in Labour, Compliance and Administrative Law at the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, as well as the Sustainable Capitalism & ESG course from the University of California, Berkeley. She has also completed additional training in leadership and talent development.