Iberian Lawyer Gold Awards 2025, the winners
The winners of the Iberian Lawyer 2025 Gold Awards were announced during the gala ceremony held at the Wellington hotel.
In their ninth edition, the Gold Awards recognized, once again, the excellence amongst in-house professionals in Spain and Portugal.
The Gold Awards have been granted considering the most important sectors of activity in the economy, distinguishing in each category the best legal team and the most outstanding lawyer of the year.
The winners were the following:
IN-HOUSE TEAM OF THE YEAR in collaboration with Baker McKenzie
Iberdrola
The well-known Spanish company demonstrated exceptional leadership and resilience, showcasing an outstanding commitment to advancing sustainable initiatives. The team also unveiled a strategic joint venture to develop and operate data centres in Spain, the largest binding agreement of its kind in Europe between an energy company and a technology infrastructure developer.
IN-HOUSE COUNSEL OF THE YEAR in collaboration with Baker McKenzie
Ignacio Pereña Pinedo – Grupo ACS
The newly appointed legal expert, recognized for a progressive mindset and extensive experience, is in a strong position to enhance the group’s strategic direction and operational effectiveness.
INTERNATIONAL IN-HOUSE COUNSEL OF THE YEAR
Javier Ramirez Iglesias – HP
An internationally minded legal leader whose expertise bridges technology, governance, and cross-border compliance, enabling global consistency within a leading multinational company.
IN-HOUSE TEAM OF THE YEAR AUTOMOTIVE & TRANSPORT in collaboration with Squire Patton Boggs
Porsche Ibérica
A high-performing legal department, recognized for its precision, efficiency, and excellence in navigating complex commercial, regulatory, and technological challenges across the automotive sector.
IN-HOUSE COUNSEL OF THE YEAR AUTOMOTIVE & TRANSPORT in collaboration with Squire Patton Boggs
Carlos Menor – Renault
The professional plays a key role in leading major restructuring and compliance initiatives for a global automotive manufacturer. His pragmatic and adaptable leadership has been pivotal in maintaining legal consistency during a period of significant transformation.
IN-HOUSE TEAM OF THE YEAR BANKS
Santander
The legal team exemplifies excellence in navigating financial regulation, corporate governance, and complex transactions, supporting the bank’s international growth and digital transformation.
IN-HOUSE COUNSEL OF THE YEAR BANKS
Óscar Calderón de Oya – CaixaBank
The professional is distinguished by strategic insight and deep expertise in banking regulation, skillfully navigating complex legal frameworks within a major banking group while ensuring business agility and the highest standards of business agility.
IN-HOUSE TEAM OF THE YEAR FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS in collaboration with Becker & Poliakoff
Intrum
The team possesses deep expertise in credit management and regulatory frameworks, providing strategic, business-driven counsel that supports complex portfolio transactions and cross-border operations, while strengthening growth across an evolving financial landscape.
IN-HOUSE COUNSEL OF THE YEAR FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS in collaboration with Becker & Poliakoff
Anna Werner – Getnet
The professional manages cross-border legal and regulatory matters for a fast-growing fintech, leveraging sharp compliance and risk insight to strengthen the company’s legal foundation amid rapid digital evolution.
IN-HOUSE TEAM OF THE YEAR CHEMICAL & PHARMACEUTICAL in collaboration with ORBCOM
ISDIN
The legal department combines deep scientific understanding with legal rigour, fostering innovation, intellectual property protection, and compliance within the skincare industry.
IN-HOUSE COUNSEL OF THE YEAR CHEMICAL & PHARMACEUTICAL in collaboration with ORBCOM
Isabel Gomes – Almirall
With 25 years of experience, the lawyer advises a major biopharmaceutical company across Southern Europe on legal strategy, negotiation, risk management, complex litigation, and compliance. She is recognized for a balanced approach that blends technical skills with strategic vision in a highly regulated environment.
IN-HOUSE TEAM OF THE YEAR CONSUMER GOODS MANUFACTURING in collaboration with Baptista Monteverde & Associados
Urbaser
Demonstrating both legal acumen and business awareness, the multidisciplinary legal team navigated a complex regulatory environment, addressing challenges with precision and leading multiple strategic initiatives.
IN-HOUSE COUNSEL OF THE YEAR CONSUMER GOODS MANUFACTURING in collaboration with Baptista Monteverde & Associados
Pontus Hallengren – Henkel Ibérica
An experienced in-house professional drives strategic legal initiatives across consumer goods operations, combining regulatory expertise with commercial insight to support innovation, governance, and sustainable growth.
IN-HOUSE TEAM OF THE YEAR E-COMMERCE & RETAIL in collaboration with CECA MAGÁN ABOGADOS
Lidl Portugal
The legal team is for its strong business partnership and swift adaptability, ensuring compliance and operational resilience in a fast-evolving retail landscape.
IN-HOUSE COUNSEL OF THE YEAR E-COMMERCE & RETAIL in collaboration with CECA MAGÁN ABOGADOS
Patricio Morenés Hoyos – Grupo Dia
He brings strategic clarity and commercial acumen to one of the region’s largest retail groups. His guidance is significant in navigating legal challenges, compliance, and expansion in a highly competitive market.
IN-HOUSE TEAM OF THE YEAR FASHION RETAIL
MANGO
A creative and business-savvy legal team that masterfully balances brand protection, digital growth, and global compliance, ensuring that innovation and design excellence are matched by legal precision.
IN-HOUSE TEAM OF THE YEAR ENERGY in collaboration with Watson Farley & Williams
Moeve
An outstanding legal team steering the company’s energy transition, combining deep regulatory expertise with the capability to manage large-scale infrastructure projects with precision.
IN-HOUSE COUNSEL OF THE YEAR ENERGY in collaboration with Watson Farley & Williams
Pablo Blanco Pérez – repsol
The professional has demonstrated outstanding leadership in managing complex legal challenges within the energy sector, successfully supporting major deals and advancing the company’s broader sustainability and transition goals.
IN-HOUSE TEAM OF THE YEAR ENTERTAINMENT & SPORTS
Atlético de Madrid
A dynamic and forward-thinking team that protects the club’s interests across media and commercial ventures. The team delivers agile, strategic solutions in player contracts, sponsorships, and global partnerships, while driving innovation within the modern sports industry.
IN-HOUSE COUNSEL OF THE YEAR ENTERTAINMENT & SPORTS
María José López Lorenzo – LALIGA
A visionary legal professional who has strengthened governance, media rights, and compliance within one of Europe’s most influential sports organizations, ensuring integrity and innovation across all operations.
IN-HOUSE TEAM OF THE YEAR FASHION, LUXURY, DESIGN in collaboration with CECA MAGÁN ABOGADOS
Loewe
Through its proactive approach and forward-looking ability to anticipate challenges, the legal department has evolved into a trusted partner, guiding the company through complexity while enabling strategic expansion.
IN-HOUSE COUNSEL OF THE YEAR FASHION, LUXURY, DESIGN in collaboration with CECA MAGÁN ABOGADOS
Guillermo Zulueta – BIMBA Y LOLA
A distinguished professional in the fashion industry, recognized for dynamic expertise, dedicated leadership, and a strong record of success.
IN-HOUSE TEAM OF THE YEAR FOOD & BEVERAGE in collaboration with Eversheds Sutherland
Mahou San Miguel
The team has become a trusted strategic partner withing the company, guiding its evolution through complex commercial, distribution, and sustainability frameworks with cohesion and foresight.
IN-HOUSE COUNSEL OF THE YEAR FOOD & BEVERAGE in collaboration with Eversheds Sutherland
Ignacio Mendoza – The HEINEKEN Company
A strategic and business-oriented lawyer is recognized for enhancing legal efficiency, compliance, and sustainability within a global beverage company’s operation across multiple markets.
IN-HOUSE TEAM OF THE YEAR INFRASTRUCTURE & CONSTRUCTIONS in collaboration with Baker McKenzie
COSENTINO
A multidisciplinary legal team is distinguished by its expertise in large-scale projects, driving corporate transformation and international expansion through innovative technical and legal strategies.
IN-HOUSE COUNSEL OF THE YEAR INFRASTRUCTURE & CONSTRUCTIONS in collaboration with Baker McKenzie
Isabel Fernandes – Grupo Visabeira
The professional, with a forward-looking and pragmatic legal approach, has played a decisive role in guiding complex infrastructure projects and cross-border operations. She has transformed the legal function into a cohesive force aligned with the company’s international growth strategy.
IN-HOUSE TEAM OF THE YEAR INSURANCE
Fidelidade
This accomplished legal department stands out for redefining governance and compliance structures while strengthening client trust and operational excellence across a regulated industry.
IN-HOUSE COUNSEL OF THE YEAR INSURANCE
Pablo Pernía – VidaCaixa
An experienced professional whose guidance in legal matters enhances risk management, governance, and innovation within a top life and pension provider.
IN-HOUSE TEAM OF THE YEAR REAL ESTATE
Accor
A dynamic and forward-looking legal team expertly manages transactions, fund structuring, and ESG initiatives, supporting growth and innovation within the evolving real estate landscape.
IN-HOUSE COUNSEL OF THE YEAR REAL ESTATE
Pilar Martin Bolea – metrovacesa
The professional, with a sharp understanding of market dynamics and real estate structuring, manages major transactions and asset developments with precision and agility, integrating strategic insight and pragmatic vision to ensure long-term business resilience.
IN-HOUSE TEAM OF THE YEAR SERVICES & CONSULTANCY
idealista
The legal team is composed of dedicated and skilled lawyers who have expertly managed numerous significant operations this year.
IN-HOUSE COUNSEL OF THE YEAR SERVICES & CONSULTANCY
Andreia Avelino – Vendap
She oversees complex and high-impact matters, including mergers, large-scale contract restructuring, and the design of forward-thinking legal frameworks that drive innovation and efficiency.
IN-HOUSE TEAM OF THE YEAR HIGH TECH & TELECOM in collaboration with Abreu Advogados
Vodafone
A results-driven legal team that manages complex regulatory, privacy, and competition matters, ensuring strategic alignment between technological innovation and global compliance standards.
IN-HOUSE COUNSEL OF THE YEAR HIGH TECH & TELECOM in collaboration with Abreu Advogados
Asier Crespo – Microsoft
The professional leads one of the most complex legal and regulatory portfolios in the technology and telecoms sector, shaping policy and compliance strategies that foster innovation and digital trust.
IN-HOUSE TEAM OF THE YEAR PUBLISHING & MEDIA
Secuoya Content Group
The legal department blends creativity with precision, providing guidance on content production, intellectual property, and digital distribution while leveraging deep knowledge of media law and global operations.
IN-HOUSE COUNSEL OF THE YEAR PUBLISHING & MEDIA
Teresa González Ercoreca – Paramount
A recognized professional in the audiovisual and digital-media space, she integrates legal proficiency with strategic business acumen to drive effective results. His strategic approach accelerates platform growth and cross-border opportunities within a dynamic media ecosystem.
IN-HOUSE TEAM OF THE YEAR IT SERVICES in collaboration with Squire Patton Boggs
Nokia
The legal team demonstrates expertise in handling complex transactions and complex deals. With a combination of innovative thinking, digital proficiency, and strong business insight, they deliver customized and effective solutions.
IN-HOUSE COUNSEL OF THE YEAR IT SERVICES in collaboration with Squire Patton Boggs
Patricia Montoro – Indra
Drawing on her expertise in commercial and corporate law, M&A, contracting, and corporate finance, she navigates complex legal challenges while effectively overseeing her team’s operations in a dynamic economic environment.
IN-HOUSE TEAM OF THE YEAR TRAVEL & TOURISM in collaboration with CECA MAGÁN ABOGADOS
Amadeus
A highly skilled legal team is recognized for guiding regulatory, digital, and contractual strategies that enable sustainable growth and technological leadership in the global travel industry.
IN-HOUSE COUNSEL OF THE YEAR TRAVEL & TOURISM in collaboration with CECA MAGÁN ABOGADOS
Mariano Pérez de Cáceres – Melia Hotels International
The professional advises a world-renowned hospitality group on its digital and sustainable transformation, strengthening resilience and regulatory excellence across global operations.
DIVERSITY & INCLUSION
Clara Cerdán Molina – GARCIA-CARRION
With over 15 years of professional experience, she was recently appointed General Counsel at a one of the leading food and beverage company in Spain. She also serves as a founding member of Women in a Legal World, where she champions values of consistency, collaboration and professional rigor.
IN-HOUSE COUNSEL OF THE YEAR UNDER40 FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS
Vicente Ortuño Martinez – Omni Bridgeway
With extensive experience and strong business acumen, the professional, serving as Global Head of Tax, leads the tax functions, overseeing multiple strategic operations and ensuring compliance across diverse practices.
IN-HOUSE COUNSEL OF THE YEAR UNDER40 FINTECH
João Augusto Teixeira – Bit2Me
Leading the legal and compliance team, the professional has gained prominence in Spain’s crypto-asset sector. This year, his leadership enabled the team to execute major strategic operations, enhancing its standing in regulatory compliance both in Europe and globally.
IN-HOUSE COUNSEL OF THE YEAR UNDER40 INFRASTRUCTURE & CONSTRUCTIONS
Vanessa Villamor Labandeira – Audasa, Grupo Itínere
The lawyer demonstrates strong leadership and legal expertise in the infrastructure sector, effectively managing complex, high-stakes challenges. Her proactive approach to risk management protects the company’s financial and operational interests.
IN-HOUSE COUNSEL OF THE YEAR UNDER40 TECHNOLOGY
Victoria Bujalance Vigara – ALTER TECHNOLOGY TÜV NORD
Drawing on her extensive experience, she leads the group’s legal services and oversees significant deals for a leading engineering company that delivers reliable and agile solutions to some of the world’s most innovative technologies.
IN-HOUSE COUNSEL OF THE YEAR UNDER40 INSURANCE
Leticia Lapuente Suanzes – ASISA
Over the past 12 months, the professional has led the legal management of healthcare professional agreements across the Group’s hospital network, spanning a broad range of medical specialties. Her commitment and operational efficiency ensure the seamless execution of projects and the achievement of strategic objectives.
