Head of Legal and Compliance and Data Privacy Officer for Central America, the Caribbean, and Venezuela (CCAV) | Roche Pharma

Juan Ignacio Zamora Montes de Oca
Head of Legal and Compliance and Data Privacy Officer for Central America, the Caribbean, and Venezuela (CCAV) | Roche Pharma
Team size: Four
What are the major projects or initiatives you have worked on that you are most proud of?
Over the past year, the Legal Department has successfully executed at least five high-impact projects that demonstrate our strategic importance and commitment to excellence. These initiatives, pivotal in nature and scope, underscore our ability to address complex challenges in a politically complex region while aligning with the organisation’s objectives. The department spearheaded a comprehensive review and enhancement of compliance frameworks across the region, ensuring alignment with evolving legal standards and strengthening operational resilience. We negotiated and finalised agreements for critical alliances, including partnerships with public health entities and private organisations, resulting in expanded patient access to innovative treatments and diagnostic solutions. In addition, we led the update and implementation of corporate governance protocols, reinforcing transparency and accountability in key operational areas, thereby bolstering stakeholder trust and regulatory adherence. High-stakes risk cases were successfully resolved, minimising financial exposure and safeguarding the organisation’s reputation. Finally, we provided critical legal insights and frameworks for embedding sustainability into corporate initiatives, including Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) projects, reflecting our commitment to long-term value creation. Each of these projects reflects the department’s strategic foresight, operational agility, and dedication to driving impactful results in support of the organisation’s mission.
In 2024, at Roche CCAV, we developed an alignment and integration process to ensure that our business strategy reflects not only business objectives but also our commitments to generating social, environmental, and governance impact. Sustainability is no longer a siloed function; it has been integrated across all departments and business areas, with Sustainable Strategy Product Owners in key areas such as Disease Areas, Operations, People and Culture, and Legal & Compliance, ensuring that decisions and efforts are aligned with our Sustainable Business Strategy goals. To foster a culture of sustainability, we provide training and awareness campaigns to employees at all levels. As sustainability objectives are integrated into the strategy and priorities of each area, achieving these indicators forms part of annual performance and compensation review discussions. Our Sustainable Business Strategy efforts and goals are governed by a steering committee and reviewed directly by the Enabling Team. Accountability and transparency with key stakeholders are ensured through annual sustainability reports that adhere to GRI standards.
What is a cause, business-related or otherwise, that you care about, and why?
A cause that deeply resonates with me is ensuring that patients gain timely access to innovative and high-quality treatments. This passion stems from recognising the profound impact that healthcare accessibility has on both individual lives and society as a whole. The commitment to this cause aligns perfectly with Roche’s sustainability strategy, which prioritises access to healthcare innovation and diagnostic tools.
At Roche, we emphasise early diagnosis and the development of partnerships that improve navigation through healthcare ecosystems. For instance, the Patient Navigation Programme exemplifies how we streamline the referral process for patients with critical conditions such as cancer. This initiative, combined with efforts such as Early Screening Programmes for diseases like lung cancer, reflects the organisation’s vision: empowering patients to receive timely and accurate care. By focusing on these goals, we not only enhance patients’ quality of life but also contribute to building resilient healthcare systems. Advocating for equitable access to innovation ensures that everyone, regardless of geography or socio-economic status, can benefit from life-saving treatments. This mission is not merely professional but deeply personal, as I believe in creating lasting societal value by improving lives through healthcare.
Legal and compliance director | Roche Pharma Caribbean, Central America & Venezuela (CCAV)
Legal and compliance head | Roche
Juan Ignacio Zamora Montes de Oca is the legal and compliance director of Roche Pharma CCAV (Central America, Caribbean, and Venezuela). He holds a Juris Doctor from Universidad Escuela Libre...
Legal and compliance head | Roche Pharma