About

With a strong focus on operations in Colombia, Canadian petroleum company Frontera (formerly Pacific Exploration and Production) has contributed heavily towards to the nation’s economy through its production of oil. Described by a nominator during this year’s research as ‘sharp, bright and focused’, Alejandra Bonilla was promoted in December 2017 to the position of Frontera’s corporate vice president of legal and head of legal for Colombia having previously served as chief legal officer. With over 15 years of experience in the oil and gas industry with particular expertise in cross border M&As, corporate law and corporate finance, Bonilla occupies a prominent position and is highly respected in Colombia’s in-house market. Prior to Frontera, she enjoyed spells at BP as well as several international and domestic law firms in Bogota. In her in-house career Bonilla has been involved some of her firms’ highest profile actions, such as in the re-structuring of Pacific Rubiales Energy Corporation, local arbitration matters concerning transport contracts in Colombia, divestment of non-strategic assets including six off-shore ultra-deep water blocks in Brazil and on-shore assets in Colombia and Peru, and the refinancing of Frontera´s senior debt through the issuance of bonds under Rule 144 A – Reg S in New York, among others. For Bonilla business needs are a key part of the legal department’s remit. She says, that she has ‘reorganised the legal team to ensure that we are not only responsive to the needs of Frontera Energy Corporation but also are able to actively participate in strategic initiatives. Also, I have been invited to join the team individuals who can anticipate and prevent risks from materialising. Thus, safegaurding the company from incurring unnecessary legal expenses’.