Team size: 2

What are the key projects you have been involved in over the past twelve months?

I have been involved in several key initiatives. First, I led the legal and operational structuring of Aval Banca de Inversión (Aval BI), a spin-off of the former investment banking division of Corficolombiana S.A. This process culminated in the successful establishment of a new and innovative business unit within Grupo Aval. Second, I designed and implemented Aval BI’s corporate governance framework, including risk management policies, internal regulations for corporate bodies and the company’s operational and financial guidelines. Finally, I have continued to work closely with investment banking teams on major transactions, including the structuring of the financing for the renovation of the Estadio Nemesio Camacho El Campín sports complex and the refinancing of a major 4G toll-road concession between Girardot and Cajamarca, in which certain Grupo Aval banking entities participated.

Can you describe an instance where your legal advice directly influenced business strategy or commercial objectives?

I currently serve as Aval BI’s legal representative, head of legal and secretary to the Board of Directors, the General Assembly of Shareholders and certain board committees. This combination of roles has positioned me at the center of the company’s decision-making processes. In this capacity, my legal advice has directly shaped key strategic initiatives, including the company’s long-term planning, the governance structure underpinning its commercial strategy and its investment decisions. By aligning legal frameworks with business objectives, I have helped ensure that strategic choices are both commercially sound and legally robust.

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 has evolved from that of a reactive legal gatekeeper into a strategic business partner embedded in decision-making. Today’s in-house lawyer must combine strong legal acumen with commercial judgment, risk calibration and leadership. The most critical attributes are clear communication and the ability to translate complex legal issues into practical, actionable business guidance. Beyond technical expertise, a modern lawyer must also understand financial and commercial dynamics and be able to speak the same language as business stakeholders. Legal knowledge alone is no longer sufficient; relevance depends on integration with the broader strategic objectives of the organisation.

Have you had any particularly unique or defining experiences during your legal career?

I have had several defining experiences, but the most significant was being entrusted with a leadership role within a Grupo Aval company at an early stage in my career. I was appointed legal director of Aval Banca de Inversión at the age of 30. Initially, I approached the role with a degree of uncertainty; however, I quickly came to understand the appointment as a strong vote of confidence and a responsibility to rise to the occasion. Since then, I have focused on continuous professional development, gaining a deep understanding of the group’s culture and strategic objectives, and contributing to positioning the company as a relevant and competitive player in the investment banking sector.

Beyond your legal role, is there a cause or initiative you are especially passionate about?

I am particularly passionate about fostering responsible, innovative and self-sustaining growth. I believe in setting ambitious long-term goals and working consistently towards them with discipline and purpose. I do not view my role as limited to fulfilling defined responsibilities; rather, I see it as an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the development of the organisations and projects I am involved in. As a young professional, I am motivated by the prospect of building initiatives that, over time, generate lasting impact. Ultimately, I believe that even incremental contributions can collectively strengthen our economic environment. My goal is to look back in the future and see that we built something meaningful starting with ambition and evolving into sustained, impactful growth. If today we’re a company of 20, I’ve set my mind into contributing to making this a 50 or 80 or 100 plus company. Is not only a matter of size, but a metric of becoming relevant and ambitious.