Litigation manager | Cemex

Juan Camilo Luna Ríos
Litigation manager | Cemex
Team size: Litigation Team: 2
Legal Team Colombia and Peru: 11
What are the key projects you have been involved in over the past twelve months?
I have been involved in a strategic initiative requiring a thorough assessment of ongoing litigation and contingent risks. My contribution focused on identifying, organising and clearly presenting complex legal proceedings — including administrative, civil and enforcement cases — to support decision-making at a transactional level. This work helped ensure transparency, strengthened the company’s position in negotiations, and enabled informed business decisions in a highly sensitive context.
Across key projects, my role as litigation manager has been to combine strong legal analysis with a business-oriented approach. The results include reduced financial exposure, favorable judicial and administrative outcomes, and the resolution of complex disputes that directly impact operations and strategic initiatives. These achievements reflect my commitment to delivering practical, high-value legal solutions that support the company’s long-term goals.
Can you describe an instance where your legal advice directly influenced business strategy or commercial objectives?
One clear example is my leadership of the customer indemnification process for quality claims and the recovery of overdue receivables, where my legal advice directly shapes commercial decisions. My team designed and implemented a structured approach that aligns legal criteria with business priorities, allowing the company to resolve claims efficiently while protecting key customer relationships and maintaining strict control over financial exposure. In parallel, I defined a segmented recovery strategy for accounts receivable, combining negotiation, legal pressure and selective litigation. This has improved cash flow, reduced overdue balances and strengthened payment discipline among clients. In both areas, my role has been to translate legal tools into practical business solutions that protect revenue and support sustainable commercial performance.
What key trends should in-house counsel be monitoring over the coming months?
The biggest challenge for the legal function in the coming years will be the use of artificial intelligence (AI). In my view, the key is not to restrict or limit its adoption, but to successfully integrate AI into the day-to-day work of legal teams in a practical and responsible way. This transformation will require us to rethink roles and responsibilities within the team, as many traditional tasks will evolve or become automated, while other new skills (both legal and other) will be required. The real opportunity lies in redesigning how we work to achieve greater efficiency, allowing lawyers to focus on higher-value strategic activities while leveraging technology to enhance productivity and decision-making.
How has the role of general counsel evolved, and what are the most important attributes for the modern in-house lawyer?
The role of the general counsel — and in-house lawyers more broadly — has evolved significantly. It has moved from being primarily a technical legal expert, often perceived as a barrier, to becoming a true business partner. Today, the in-house lawyer is expected to understand the business, know their internal clients and operate at the same pace as the organisation, contributing proactively to decision-making rather than reacting after the fact. To succeed in this new role, the most important attributes go beyond legal knowledge. A modern in-house lawyer must have the ability to work collaboratively across teams, understand non-legal issues and their impact on the business, and demonstrate flexibility and close relationships with stakeholders. The key is to combine these skills with strong legal rigour, ensuring that legal advice enables the business while still protecting it effectively.
Beyond your legal role, is there a cause or initiative you are especially passionate about?
Beyond my legal role, I am especially passionate about diversity and inclusion, particularly in promoting the visibility and participation of traditionally underrepresented groups. I actively contribute by both designing initiatives and participating in them, with a special focus on the LGBTIQ+ community in our workspace. I believe that creating inclusive environments is not only the right thing to do, but also a key driver of innovation, engagement and long-term business success. Through these efforts, I aim to help build a workplace where everyone feels safe, valued and empowered to contribute fully.