Head of legal, Brazil | DHL

Maria Cecília da Silva Plácido
Head of legal, Brazil | DHL
Team size: 20
What are the most significant cases or transactions that your legal team has recently been involved in?
We have been conducting a series of highly relevant and challenging projects, especially from the perspective of innovation, automation, the use of advanced technologies, and sustainable growth. Many of these, however, are confidential, as they are directly linked to our global expansion strategy, as well as the development of new activities, products, and disruptive business models for our clients.
These projects encompass various strategic sectors, such as Automotive, Industrial, Chemical, Energy, Manufacturing, Life Sciences, Technology, E-commerce, Consumer Goods, and Retail, and require the Legal Department to work increasingly closely with the business, anticipating risks, enabling solutions, and keeping pace with the rapid evolution of the markets in which we operate.
What new pressures are you facing from the business as expectations for legal to act as a strategic partner continue to grow?
Corporate legal departments need to constantly adapt to different challenges, but some stand out as priorities. The first is the continuous investment in innovation, especially to automate repetitive and operational activities, freeing up time for in-house lawyers so they can dedicate themselves to strategic initiatives and those with greater added value to the business. Another central point is the ESG agenda, which must be genuinely integrated into the corporate strategy, reconciling social responsibility, environmental sustainability, and the generation of economic value in a consistent and measurable way. In addition, the discussion about mental health has gained relevance and requires constant attention, especially in increasingly complex and dynamic corporate environments. Promoting well-being, balance, and a healthy work environment is essential not only for people but also for the sustainability and performance of the business in the long term.
How is your organization adapting to the rapid evolution of data protection, AI governance, and cybersecurity requirements in Brazil?
The organization has a team dedicated to these topics but invests heavily in the continuous training of its employees. We understand that culture only transforms consistently when everyone shares the same understanding, speaks the same language, and moves in the same direction. This alignment is fundamental to ensuring the effectiveness of initiatives and the sustainability of changes in the long term.
What strategies has your legal team adopted to manage disputes and mitigate risks in Brazil’s dynamic business environment?
The main strategy is to act as a business area, deeply understanding the activities performed by the operational areas. Managing existing disputes is a natural consequence, but the real differentiator lies in acting not only preventively but also correctively in processes, being an agent of change. This action involves effectively addressing operational, financial, commercial, and tax issues, with the goal of implementing solutions that mitigate current and future risks.
How have economic fluctuations, exchange‑rate volatility or supply‑chain pressures in 2026 influenced your legal priorities?
Undoubtedly, the focus is on labor law. The market faces structural challenges related to absenteeism and turnover, which has required companies to invest more and more in engagement, well-being, and talent retention. In this context, new regulatory requirements, such as NR-17 and NR-01, play a central role, reinforcing corporate responsibility in the management of ergonomic, psychosocial, and occupational risks. These standards increase the need for preventive, integrated, and cross-cutting action, directly impacting internal policies, leadership, processes, and organizational culture. Beyond regulatory compliance, they are strongly connected to the ESG agenda, especially the social and governance pillars, promoting safer, more inclusive, and sustainable work environments. For companies, addressing these issues strategically is not just a legal obligation, but an essential factor for business sustainability, corporate reputation, and long-term value creation.
Head of legal, Brazil | DHL
Head of legal, Brazil | DHL