Key team members:

Paulo Marinho, Legal Director

Marília Hermanny, Legal Technician

Inês Gomes Vaz, Legal Specialist

Alexandra Kristin Pereira Inácio, Legal Technician

Team size: Four

Jurisdictions your role covers: Portugal, Europe

What are the most significant cases or transactions that your legal team has recently been involved in?

The road infrastructure sector has undergone significant changes within the transnational landscape, driven by the impending expiration of concession contracts and political developments that have directly influenced the current environment. These shifts have naturally not escaped our attention and have played a key role in shaping our strategic corporate decisions, particularly those within the legal department.

In this context, our focus on internationalisation has been a major strategic priority, closely followed by the legal team, including the allocation of resources on an almost exclusive basis. This proactive engagement, combined with the ongoing cross-functional support provided internally, has required a thorough reorganisation and a high level of commitment from our team. These efforts have enabled us to meet new challenges while maintaining the high standard of service expected by our internal stakeholders.

What are some of the biggest legal or regulatory challenges currently facing your industry, and how is your team preparing to address them?

Fortunately, the current economic climate has brought with it a wide range of complex challenges, which we have embraced with humility and enthusiasm. In addressing these, we have often turned to external advisors, particularly in Portugal, where we are fortunate to benefit from highly specialised and qualified expertise. These partnerships have provided outstanding support in both commercial and legal matters, including those with cross-border dimensions.

For instance, we have tackled issues such as the abolition of toll fees, the interoperability of toll collection systems, and the widespread push for digitalisation, all of which are closely linked to a broader, ongoing commitment to sustainability. These developments, together with the international expansion of Ascendi’s operations, have posed significant challenges. However, we are fortunate to have an exceptionally diverse and motivated team that is eager to rise to the occasion.

How do you approach talent development and knowledge sharing within your legal team? Are there any specific practices or programmes in place?

Talent development and knowledge sharing have always been strategic priorities, not only for the legal department but across the Ascendi group. In recent years, this focus has been particularly emphasised by our management team.

Within the legal department, we are proud to have built a team with an outstanding level of technical expertise. This is the result of strong academic backgrounds, relevant professional experience, and considerable seniority within the company. Our team members are naturally curious and committed to continuous learning traits we actively nurture and encourage. These qualities have enabled us to integrate specialists across the diverse areas in which the Ascendi Group operates. As a result, we can provide more precise and tailored internal legal support, to the benefit of the entire organisation.