Team size: 10 people with legal function and 20 people with compliance function across LATAM

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? How

As both General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer, my approach to managing legal and compliance matters during periods of instability is rooted in strategic alignment, agility, and resilience. Holding both roles enables a unified perspective that ensures legal integrity and regulatory adherence are seamlessly integrated into the broader business strategy. My dual role facilitates close collaboration with executive leadership to ensure that legal and compliance strategies are not only reactive, but also support long-term business goals. During crises, I focus on enabling informed, timely decisions that balance risk mitigation with business agility.

I oversee the legal and compliance aspects of internal and external communications to ensure transparency, consistency, and legal soundness. This helps maintain stakeholder trust and minimises reputational and regulatory risks.

This integrated approach ensures that legal and compliance functions are not siloed but are central to the organisation’s ability to navigate uncertainty and emerge stronger.

What are the main cases or transactions that you have been involved in recently?

One of the most significant projects I have been involved in recently is Megalabs acquiring marketing and distribution rights for several world-leading innovative pharmaceutical companies’ products. With agreements now in place in countries like Bolivia, Uruguay, Brazil, Mexico, Chile, and Argentina, the move has been a strategic game-changer.

Since November 2023, I have been spearheading the implementation of a global anti-corruption program across the organisation, a cornerstone of our ethical and compliance framework. This initiative has required close coordination with business units, leadership, and external stakeholders. The program is still in its implementation phase, and its integration into our global operations is a key component of our long-term resilience strategy.

What measures has your company taken to embed sustainability practices into its core business operations, and how does the role of the general counsel contribute to driving and ensuring sustainable practices within the company?

In parallel with the implementation of the global anti-corruption program, I have been actively involved in the development of our global double materiality report, mapping and rating risks in alignment with sustainability and regulatory expectations. This work reflects our commitment to transparency, accountability, and long-term value creation. In my capacity as CCO, I oversee the second line of defense, supporting the business in the implementation and follow-up of controls and processes. Guided by the principle that those who run the business manage the risks, my role ensures that compliance mechanisms are embedded into operations and aligned with risk ownership at the first line.

What do you see as the major legal challenges for businesses in Uruguay over the next five years, and how are you preparing to address them?

Megalabs, like the entire pharmaceutical industry both in Uruguay and globally, is dedicated to consolidating an ethical and integral culture. The company is strengthening its processes to comply with best compliance practices, with the aim of continuing its constant expansion and maintaining its position as a market leader.

Also, AI challenges us in these times as rarely before in the history of the legal profession. It is our responsibility, as lawyers, to interpret and stay updated on each of the existing innovations and to always be thinking of new solutions based on this technology, which undoubtedly impacts businesses today.