Dominican Republic 2024 – GC Powerlist
GC Powerlist Logo

Dominican Republic 2024

Supported by the Association of Corporate Counsel

ACC Alliance Logo
  • Industries

  • Powerlist

Alexandra Gartner

Legal and corporate vice-president     | Grupo Martí   

Energy and utilities

View profile
Ana Cabrera

Legal advisor | Grupo Bocel

Financials

View profile
Arlene Castro Ramirez

Senior legal manager | Humano Seguros

Insurance

View profile
Bethania Díaz Muñoz  

Legal manager | Karisma Hotels & Resorts

Hotels, restaurants and leisure

View profile
GC Powerlist logo as placeholder
Camila Virginia Rodríguez Capellá

Legal manager Dominican Republic | Cerveceria Nacional Dominicana

Food, beverages and tobacco

View profile
Carolin Nicole Gonzalez Olaverria

Legal and compliance manager | E.T. Heinsen

Transport and infrastructure

View profile
Claudia Marianela Castro Inoa

Head of legal document preparation department | Ministerio de Hacienda de la República Dominicana

Public sector

View profile
Criselmy Ramírez Perdomo

In-house legal counsel | Intellisys D. Corp

Information technology

View profile
Denny Hernández  

Legal advisor for corporate affairs | Grupo Ramos

Consumer products

View profile
Edgar Fuentes Gil

Head of legal | Gerdau-Metaldom

Materials and mining

View profile
Edward J. Barett A.

Senior legal counsel | AES Dominicana

Energy and utilities

View profile
Elianna Peña Soto

Legal director | Claro Dominicana

Telecommunication services

View profile
GC Powerlist logo as placeholder
Eliaser Durán

Vice president of legal services and corporate governance | Banco Múltiple BHD

Financials

View profile
Enhilda Núñez Soto

In-house legal manager | Agentes y Estibadores Portuarios (Ageport)

Transport and infrastructure

View profile
Enrique Alberto Rijo Nadal

Legal director | Centro Cuesta Nacional (CCN)

Consumer products

View profile
Esther Toral

Legal and compliance manager | Alpha Inversiones

Financials

View profile
GC Powerlist logo as placeholder
Gabriella Navarro Delmonte

Legal and compliance director | Primma Valores, Puesto de Bolsa

Financials

View profile
Giselle Marie Leger Lora

Vice president, legal and governmental affairs | AES Dominicana

Energy and utilities

View profile
Grisel Fernández Herrera

Corporate legal director | Magna Motors

Consumer products

View profile
Gwhendolyn Jiménez Rodríguez

Legal and compliance director | Nestlé Dominicana

Food, beverages and tobacco

View profile
Harje Kjellberg

Vice president of business and legal affairs | Lantica Studios

Sports and media

View profile
Jarouska Cocco

Legal advisor | Ministerio de Hacienda de la República Dominicana

Public sector

View profile
Joan Francisco Alba Méndez

General counsel and corporate governance director | Banesco Banco Múltiple

Financials

View profile
Johanna Ditren

Assistant general counsel, legal operations – Latam and Caribbean | Phoenix Tower International

Telecommunication services

View profile
José Antonio De la Cruz Suriel

Legal manager | Banco Múltiple BHD

Financials

View profile
GC Powerlist logo as placeholder
José Manuel Santiago Comprés

Senior associate | GASA Consultores

Commercial and professional services

View profile
José Miguel González

Legal counsel Caribbean region | Gildan

Consumer products

View profile
Josefa Rodriguez de Logroño     

Vicepresident of legal and compliance | Grupo Universal

Financials

View profile
Karla Gross

Regional legal director greater Caribbean region  | Colgate-Palmolive

Consumer products

View profile
Karla Massiel Peña Perez

Compliance manager | Seguros Crecer y AFP Crecer

Financials

View profile
Larissa Piantini Hazoury

Vice president of legal and compliance | Humano Seguros

Insurance

View profile
Laura Dejardens Paniagua

Corporate legal manager | Banco de Desarrollo y Exportaciones (BANDEX)   

Financials

View profile
Laura Rebeca Luciano Ortiz

Legal director | Parval

Financials

View profile
Laura Virginia Díaz Gómez     

Head of the verification of standards and legal compliance department | Ministerio de Hacienda de la República Dominicana

Public sector

View profile
GC Powerlist logo as placeholder
Lauren Vargas

Corporate legal manager | Pasteurizadora Rica (Grupo Rica)

Food, beverages and tobacco

View profile
Leidy Diana Lugo Durán

Legal manager of hydrocarbons and energy | Grupo Martí   

Energy and utilities

View profile
Leticia De Andrés

Manager external affairs Caribbean | Philip Morris Dominicana

Food, beverages and tobacco

View profile
Lidia Ureña Cedano

Senior manager of regulation | Asociación de Bancos Múltiples de la República Dominicana (ABA)

Financials

View profile
Lluvia Garcia

Senior legal manager permits and litigation | EGE Haina

Energy and utilities

View profile
Marcos Ortega Fernández

Legal director | InterEnergy Group (Dominican Republic)

Energy and utilities

View profile
Maria Del Carmen Santos

Contracts and commercial legal counsel | Gildan

Consumer products

View profile
Mariel Lluberes Luna

Legal counsel manager Caricam | Unilever Caribe

Consumer products

View profile
Marieloy Fernandez

Legal affairs and compliance manager | Industrias Banilejas

Food, beverages and tobacco

View profile
Mayra Carolina Jacobo Troncoso

General counsel | Arajet

Transport and infrastructure

View profile
Michael Contreras

General counsel | Citibank

Financials

View profile
Michelle Brea

Vice president, general counsel - Latam | Phoenix Tower International

Telecommunication services

View profile
Miguel de Jesús Cano Nadal

Corporate legal counsel | César Iglesias

Consumer products

View profile
Miguelina Infante Colón

Legal manager | Banco Múltiple Promerica de la República Dominicana

Financials

View profile
Naira Janet Peña Mercedes

Vice president of financial intermediation unit, consulting | Banco Múltiple BHD

Financials

View profile
Natia Núñez Curiel

Legal director | CODACERO

Materials and mining

View profile
GC Powerlist logo as placeholder
Nelson A. Arriaga Checo

Director of legal and regulatory affairs | Grupo Vimenca

Financials

View profile
Nermis Cesarina Andújar Troncoso

Legal director | Tesorería de la Seguridad Social (TSS)

Public sector

View profile
Nicole Urena Cordero

Legal analyst | Philip Morris International

Food, beverages and tobacco

View profile
Pamela Hernández María

Legal manager and compliance Officer | Magna Motors

Consumer products

View profile
Pamela Luna Russo

Legal manager | Consorcio Energético Punta Cana-Macao (CEPM)

Energy and utilities

View profile
Pamela Orquidea de los Santos Franco

Legal and compliance manager | UC – United Capital Puesto de Bolsa

Financials

View profile
Paola Guerrero

Ethics and compliance director | Grupo Estrella

Materials and mining

View profile
Paola C. González Díaz

In-house counsel | Lifestyle Holidays Vacation Club

Hotels

View profile
Pedro Javier Sepúlveda Mínguez

Legal manager | Banco López de Haro

Financials

View profile
Rachel Cortés Gómez

Legal manager | TC Latinamerican Partners

Financials

View profile
Ralvin Gross

Legal director | Casa Brugal

Food

View profile
Raul Peña Medina

Director – legal and corporate affairs | Grupo Carol

Healthcare

View profile
Raysa Paulino Bretón

Head of legal | Empresa de Generación Eléctrica Punta Catalina (EGEPC)

Energy and utilities

View profile
Rosalía Mena Fernández

Legal counsel | Globalia Servicios Corporativos RD

Transport and infrastructure

View profile
Santiago García Almonte

In-House lawyer | Lifestyle Holidays Vacation Club

Hotels, restaurants and leisure

View profile
Sara Alexandra Maria Concepción

Compliance and risk division manager | AFP Popular

Financials

View profile
Shirley Acosta Luciano

Executive vice president | Banco Múltiple BHD

Financials

View profile
Tania Yannery Feliz Tejeda

Legal manager | Cemex Dominicana

Materials and mining

View profile
Wendy Victoria Rodriguez

Legal and regulatory director | Altice Dominicana

Telecommunication services

View profile
Yissel De León Burgos

Legal counsel | Aeropuertos Dominicanos Siglo XXI (AERODOM)

Transport and infrastructure

View profile
Yocasta Matías Almánzar

Legal director | Banco Caribe

Financials

View profile
Yudith Castillo

Legal director | Grupo Punta Cana

Hotels

View profile
Zamira Delgado Fernández

Corporate legal manager | Plaza Lama

Consumer products

View profile
Ena Inés Ortega Lajara de Gómez

General counsel | Banco de Desarrollo y Exportaciones (BANDEX)

Financials

Ena has more than 20 years of professional practice in different areas of law, with extensive experience in public and private management, handling highly complex cases throughout her professional career,...

GC Powerlist logo as placeholder
Ernesto A. Jansen Ravelo

Legal manager of international operations | Quala

Food

GC Powerlist logo as placeholder
Ingrid María Jesús Rodríguez González

Vice chancellor of foreign affairs and legal counselor | Universidad Tecnológica de Santiago (UTESA)

Education

Junil Fermin

Legal director | Asociación de Bancos Múltiples de la República Dominicana (ABA)

Financials

GC Powerlist logo as placeholder
Karla Aquino Roedán

Legal manager | Bellón

Consumer products

Kirsys Reynoso

Corporate legal manager | Grupo SID

Consumer products

GC Powerlist logo as placeholder
Lic. José Darío Suárez

Legal advisor | Pontificia Universidad Catolica Madre y Maestra (PUCMM)

Education

Liliana Indhira Torres Estévez

Legal director | Corporación Hotelera del Mar

Hotels

Liliana Torres has 19 years of experience mainly in the in the eastern region of the Dominican Republic (Punta Cana, Bávaro, Cap Cana)., and her main practice areas are civil,...

Manuel Matos Gutierrez

Vice president of legal affairs and regulatory compliance | Banco Popular Dominicano, Banco Múltiple

Financials

Graduated in Law cum laude from the Pontifical Mother and Teacher Catholic University, has completed master’s studies in Economic Analysis of Law with specialisation in financial operations at the Torcuato...

GC Powerlist logo as placeholder
Miguel de Jesus Cano Nadal

Corporate legal counsel | César Iglesias

Consumer products

Noelia Silvestre

Legal manager | Consorcio Energético Punta Cana Macao (CEPM)

Energy and utilities

GC Powerlist logo as placeholder
Rosa Alicia Diaz

Head of legal deparment | Grupo M

Sports and media

GC Powerlist logo as placeholder
Sarah Alejandra Maria Concepción

Compliance and risk division manager | AFP Popular

Financials

GC Powerlist logo as placeholder
Vianni Alcántara Casado

Legal advisor | Hodelpa Centro Plaza

Hotels

It has been a true privilege to lead the research for The Legal 500 GC Powerlist: Dominican Republic, 2024, once again highlighting the outstanding legal talent and innovation within this dynamic region. The energy and enthusiasm of the in-house counsel we had the pleasure of speaking to was truly inspiring, but what stood out even more was the remarkable evolution in the scope and complexity of the work they are driving across various industries. This edition offers a closer look at the key projects they’ve been involved in, how they navigate the ever-shifting legal landscape, and the issues that matter most to them personally and professionally. 

This year, a significant theme that emerged from our conversations was the role of sustainability and ESG initiatives, particularly in how legal teams are embedding these values into their companies’ strategies. Many of the in-house counsel shared how their legal departments are becoming critical partners in driving sustainable growth and adhering to global standards on environmental, social, and governance matters. For example, Lauren Vargas, Corporate Legal Manager at Pasteurizadora Rica emphasised that ‘our role as legal counsel is to ensure that every step in our sustainability roadmap aligns with both local and international regulatory frameworks’. 

Another striking trend we observed was the continued acceleration of digital innovation across industries. Legal teams are not just supporting this transformation—they are often at the forefront, crafting the frameworks that allow these advances to take place securely and within the bounds of the law.  Yudith Castillo shared how ‘digital transformation is a significant and fascinating challenge in many countries, as it will inevitably bring about new laws or modifications to existing ones, which cannot be delayed. I am a firm believer in staying updated with such developments, striving to be open-minded and objective in recognising and understanding what we once considered unthinkable.’ 

Despite the challenges posed by global uncertainties and shifting regulatory environments, the resilience and adaptability of the in-house counsel in this edition shone through. Staying informed and agile was a common theme, with legal professionals detailing how they consistently engage with updates to laws and best practices. This includes everything from attending international conferences to seeking specialised advice from external experts. 

In addition to their legal achievements, the counsel we spoke with also shared their dedication to causes that resonate with them personally. This year’s responses ranged from diversity and inclusion to mental health advocacy in the workplace, reflecting the broader role that in-house lawyers are playing in shaping company culture and driving positive change within their organisations. 

We would like to extend our sincere congratulations to all the in-house counsel featured in this 2024 edition of the GC Powerlist: Dominican Republic. Their innovation, dedication, and leadership continue to set new benchmarks in the legal profession, and it has been an honor to engage with such a talented group of professionals. We look forward to seeing their ongoing contributions and impact in the years to come. 

Margherita Birri, Lead researcher: GC Powerlist Dominican Republic 2024 

GC Powerlist: East Africa 2025

Legal 500 was proud to host the second edition of the GC Powerlist: East Africa 2025 in Nairobi, honouring the top General Counsel, Chief Legal Officers, Legal Directors, and senior in-house legal professionals across Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and Rwanda. This year’s reception brought together over 100 of the most influential and innovative corporate counsel from the region, and was an unrivalled success, cementing Legal 500’s role as the leading voice in recognising in-house legal excellence across Africa.

The evening was opened by Joe Boswell, lead editor of the GC Powerlist publication at Legal 500, who highlighted the growing prestige of the East Africa edition and the increasing challenge of selecting honourees from such a deep (and rapidly growing) pool of talent.

Guests were then treated to some particularly relevant insights from distinguished speakers. Rachel Musoke, Head of ENS Uganda, delivered a thoughtful welcome that reflected on the importance of collaboration between private practice and in-house teams. This was followed by a powerful keynote from Habil Waswani, Company Secretary & Director Legal Services and Regulatory Compliance at Kenya Airways, who shared reflections on leadership, regulatory stewardship, and the evolving role of corporate counsel in East Africa.

The highlight of the evening was the certificate ceremony, where this year’s honourees were formally recognised. Certificates were presented by senior representatives of ENS, including Désiré Kamanzi (Head of Rwanda), Rachel Musoke, Nigel Shaw (Head of Kenya), Donald Nyakairu (Executive, Uganda), Dieudonne Nzafashwanayo (Executive, Rwanda), Rahema Nakirya Ssemyalo (Executive, Uganda) and Binti Shah (Executive, Kenya) whose participation underlined the depth of the firm’s support for the GC Powerlist initiative.

The GC Powerlist: East Africa 2025 reaffirmed The Legal 500’s commitment to shining a spotlight on the region’s most talented in-house lawyers. With an even stronger field of candidates, this year’s edition stands as a powerful testament to the influence and expertise of East Africa’s legal leaders. Habil Waswani’s excellent speech, which got a raucous reception from those in the room, is reproduced below with his permission:

‘My name is Habil Waswani, and I have been an inhouse legal practitioner for the past 21 years in different sectors (having done law-firm practice for 2 years before that). Tt is indeed a true privilege and honour for me to be here tonight, surrounded by the sharpest legal minds and calmest crisis-handlers the East African corporate world has to offer.

First, let me thank the Legal 500 and ENSAfrica teams, for organising such a fantastic event and for bringing us together in such style. Congratulations to each of tonight’s honourees. You represent the very best of general counsel in this very dynamic corporate space the businesses we support operate in. Strategic, ethical, resilient, and, let’s be honest, often underappreciated leaders of industry.

I am so happy that this evening is not about contracts, or compliance checklists, or board packs. Tonight is about celebrating you, the people behind all of that. The steady hands guiding companies through complexities, uncertainties, and ensuring that the opportunities that lie within those difficult circumstances are lawfully realized.

We all know the role of GCs has evolved. We are no longer tucked away at the end of a corridor marked “Legal” or labelled the proverbial “cost centres”. These days, the GCs sit at the big table – helping drive corporate strategy, shaping desired culture, providing leadership and safeguarding business reputations. We have become indispensable partners to businesses, interpreters, navigators, protectors… and on some (many) days, therapists with law degrees. And yet, we mostly do it all so quietly. No victory laps, no press releases. Often, success for us means the expected disaster didn’t happen.

But tonight, we break that rule. Tonight, we raise a glass to the GCs who’ve blazed the trail courageously, with clarity, conviction, and tremendous resilience that only matches the expectations of the Leadership Guru John Maxwell when he said, “resilient leaders don’t wait for the storm to past — they learn to dance in the rain”. You have managed to balance growth and governance, risk and reward regularly. And, of course, always managed to deal with those 10pm messages: “Hey, just a quick question…Are you able to talk right now…?”

Let this evening serve as a reminder that you are not just experienced legal advisors. You are leaders — spear heads and enablers of execution — and without a doubt critical pillars of business strategy.

To all the honourees, congratulations once again for the well-deserved recognition. This is for the heavy lifting that you do, the standards you uphold, and the impact you make – quietly, consistently, and brilliantly so. You’ve earned this spotlight.

And now, let’s gather and celebrate this milestone. And while we’re at it I plead with you to stay away from your phones …you might just spot a message that says, “please quickly review this and we can discuss your views in the morning?”