Iberian Lawyer Gold Awards 2026, the winners

The winners of the Iberian Lawyer 2026 Gold Awards were announced during the gala ceremony held at the Palacio de la Prensa. In their tenth 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

ACS Group

With a strong international footprint across engineering, construction and infrastructure, the legal team provides strategic support for complex projects and major business operations. Its broad sector expertise and close alignment with the Group’s objectives make it a key contributor to sustainable growth and effective risk management.

IN-HOUSE COUNSEL OF THE YEAR in collaboration with Eversheds Sutherland Spain

Santiago Martínez Garrido – Iberdrola

With over two decades of experience at the company, he is a leading figure in the in-house legal market, combining deep regulatory expertise with strategic oversight of complex international operations. His leadership has been instrumental in strengthening the legal function and supporting the group’s global expansion and energy transition.

IN-HOUSE TEAM OF THE YEAR AUTOMOTIVE & TRANSPORT

Renault

The legal team operates at the intersection of industrial transformation, mobility innovation, and increasingly complex regulatory demands. Its broad remit across legal affairs, ethics and compliance, risk management and sustainability positions the team as a strategic partner in the group’s evolving business priorities.

IN-HOUSE COUNSEL OF THE YEAR AUTOMOTIVE & TRANSPORT

Teresa Mínguez Díaz – Porsche Ibérica

The professional has developed a broad strategic role spanning corporate governance, integrity, data protection, and regulatory affairs across Spain and Portugal. Her combination of automotive expertise and commitment to ethical, sustainable business practices makes her a valuable partner in navigating the sector’s evolving legal landscape.

IN-HOUSE TEAM OF THE YEAR BANKS in collaboration with Ceca Magán Abogados

Santander

The legal team brings together multidisciplinary expertise to address complex regulatory requirements and evolving financial-sector risks. Its integrated approach to governance, consumer protection and ethical business conduct supports its international operations and long-term strategic objectives.

IN-HOUSE COUNSEL OF THE YEAR BANKS in collaboration with Ceca Magán Abogados

Jacobo de Nicolás – BBVA

With more than two decades of experience within the banking group, he brings extensive knowledge of financial, regulatory and corporate legal matters to the leadership of its global legal function. His progression through senior legal roles reflects a strong track record of supporting complex banking operations and aligning legal strategy with business priorities.

IN-HOUSE TEAM OF THE YEAR CHEMICAL & PHARMACEUTICAL in collaboration with Eversheds Sutherland Spain

Bayer

Combining expertise in legal affairs, intellectual property and compliance, the team supports a highly regulated business at the intersection of healthcare and life sciences. Its multidisciplinary approach helps navigate complex regulatory demands while safeguarding innovation and supporting the company’s strategic priorities.

IN-HOUSE COUNSEL OF THE YEAR CHEMICAL & PHARMACEUTICAL in collaboration with Eversheds Sutherland Spain

Jorge Muñoz – Eli Lilly and Company

The highly regarded lawyer combines legal leadership with a strong background in compliance, privacy, artificial intelligence governance, and complex regulatory matters. His experience supporting product launches, market access, and cross-border transactions positions him to address the evolving legal challenges facing pharmaceutical innovation.

IN-HOUSE TEAM OF THE YEAR CONSUMER GOODS MANUFACTURING

Tabaqueira

The legal team operates at the intersection of manufacturing, commercial operations and complex product regulation. Its ability to navigate a demanding regulatory landscape while ensuring business continuity and supporting international operations highlights its strategic value to the business.

IN-HOUSE COUNSEL OF THE YEAR CONSUMER GOODS MANUFACTURING

Juan Maggio Mas – Leroy Merlin

The professional combines legal insight with an understanding of the operational demands of a large retail organisation. His contribution lies in aligning legal strategy with commercial priorities while helping manage contractual, regulatory and corporate challenges.

IN-HOUSE TEAM OF THE YEAR E-COMMERCE & RETAIL in collaboration with Ceca Magán Abogados

Inditex

The legal team sets itself apart through a strong partnership with the business and a talent for adapting fast. In a fast-changing retail landscape, it keeps the company compliant and resilient and helps it respond to new challenges with confidence.

IN-HOUSE COUNSEL OF THE YEAR E-COMMERCE & RETAIL in collaboration with Ceca Magán Abogados

Patricio Morenés Hoyos – Grupo Dia

Combining strong corporate and transactional expertise with sound commercial judgement, he has played a key legal role in the group’s strategic turnaround and financial restructuring. His responsibilities in corporate governance and board matters further demonstrate his ability to connect legal strategy with business transformation in a highly competitive retail market.

IN-HOUSE TEAM OF THE YEAR ENERGY in collaboration with Watson Farley & Williams

Moeve

The team plays a strategic role in supporting the company’s transformation and long-term competitiveness in a rapidly evolving energy market. Its engagement with complex regulatory challenges and the integration of legal counsel into business decision-making underscore its contribution to the energy transition.

IN-HOUSE COUNSEL OF THE YEAR ENERGY in collaboration with Sérvulo & Associados

Pablo Blanco Pérez – Repsol

With a career spanning more than two decades within the energy group, he brings extensive legal, regulatory and governance expertise to complex matters across international operations. As General Counsel and Secretary to the Board, he has championed the transformation of the legal function, placing innovation, technology and operational efficiency at the heart of its strategy.

IN-HOUSE TEAM OF THE YEAR ENTERTAINMENT & SPORTS

LALIGA

The legal team provides strategic counsel on sports law, contractual matters, and competition governance, supporting the organisation’s complex regulatory framework. The legal team also deals with integrity issues, protects the league’s rights and brands, and works with other institutions to support professional football.

IN-HOUSE COUNSEL OF THE YEAR ENTERTAINMENT & SPORTS

Álvaro Gil Baquero – CLUB ATLÉTICO DE MADRID

The professional navigates the complex legal challenges facing a leading football club. His role calls for a thorough understanding of contractual negotiations, player-related matters, and the commercial interests underpinning modern sports management.

IN-HOUSE TEAM OF THE YEAR FASHION, LUXURY, DESIGN

Bimba y Lola

Supporting an internationally recognised fashion brand, the legal team must balance creative ambition and commercial growth with the protection of intellectual property, brand identity, and consumer rights. Its work spans the evolving legal demands of international expansion, digital commerce and the fashion industry’s increasingly complex regulatory environment.

IN-HOUSE COUNSEL OF THE YEAR FASHION, LUXURY, DESIGN

Jaime López de Villarreal – Loewe

He operates in a business where creativity, craftsmanship, and brand heritage are closely intertwined with legal strategy. His remit calls for particular attention to intellectual property protection, international commercial arrangements and the preservation of an exclusive brand identity across global markets.

IN-HOUSE TEAM OF THE YEAR FINANCIAL SERVICES in collaboration with QLT Law & Tax

Vivus Financial Services

Operating in the fast-moving digital lending market, the team addresses the legal and compliance challenges associated with online consumer finance. Its work encompasses consumer protection, contractual transparency, data privacy and fraud prevention, all essential to maintaining responsible operations and customer confidence in a digital-first environment.

IN-HOUSE COUNSEL OF THE YEAR FINANCIAL SERVICES in collaboration with QLT Law & Tax

José Luis Blanco Pérez – Iberpay

He plays a central role in addressing the legal challenges surrounding payment systems and financial market infrastructure. His position requires close coordination between corporate governance, contractual matters and the regulatory framework underpinning secure and efficient interbank payment services.

IN-HOUSE TEAM OF THE YEAR FOOD & BEVERAGE

Danone

Supporting a global leader in food and nutrition, the legal team plays a key role in navigating complex regulatory requirements and protecting the business across its diverse product portfolio. Its strategic contribution spans commercial operations, corporate governance and compliance, helping the organisation pursue sustainable growth in a highly regulated industry.

IN-HOUSE COUNSEL OF THE YEAR FOOD & BEVERAGE

Ignacio Mendoza – The HEINEKEN Company

Bringing legal strategy to the heart of a highly competitive consumer goods market, he supports a business shaped by complex commercial relationships and evolving regulatory requirements. His leadership in legal affairs helps the company navigate corporate, contractual and compliance matters while balancing commercial objectives with responsible business practices.

IN-HOUSE TEAM OF THE YEAR INFRASTRUCTURE & CONSTRUCTIONS

Propav Infraestructuras

The in-house legal team operates in a demanding environment where contractual certainty, regulatory compliance, and risk management are fundamental to successful delivery. Its contribution to sound corporate governance and the integration of integrity and sustainability principles supports the company’s long-term growth and operational objectives.

IN-HOUSE COUNSEL OF THE YEAR INFRASTRUCTURE & CONSTRUCTIONS

Isabel Fernandes – Grupo Visabeira

With nearly two decades of experience as General Counsel, she provides strategic legal leadership across complex corporate, contractual and international matters. Her ability to align legal solutions with business objectives, particularly in cross-border transactions, restructuring and infrastructure-related operations, has earned her international recognition.

IN-HOUSE TEAM OF THE YEAR INSURANCE in collaboration with QLT Law & Tax

MAPFRE

The legal team supports a major international insurance group operating across diverse markets and regulatory frameworks, addressing complex legal and governance challenges. Through close collaboration with business and compliance functions, it helps manage risk, strengthen corporate oversight and safeguard the operations in a highly regulated sector.

IN-HOUSE COUNSEL OF THE YEAR INSURANCE in collaboration with QLT Law & Tax

Isabel Lage – Fidelidade

With more than 25 years of experience in the insurance sector, she brings exceptional depth to complex legal, regulatory and corporate matters across domestic and international markets. As General Counsel, she leads a multidisciplinary team and provides strategic oversight of cross-border transactions, corporate governance, digital innovation, and real estate matters.

IN-HOUSE COUNSEL OF THE YEAR REAL ESTATE

Carlos Sanchez Nieto – Alquiler Seguro Grupo

Demonstrating strong real estate legal expertise and strategic business acumen, the professional led the in-house legal execution of a landmark property investment company IPO, overseeing regulatory filings, corporate governance, and market-facing documentation. The transaction strengthened the Group’s position in the real estate market and opened new avenues for capital raising and future growth.

IN-HOUSE TEAM OF THE YEAR SERVICES & CONSULTANCY

Capgemini

With a global footprint across technology and consulting, the legal team provides essential support for complex commercial relationships and cross-border business operations. Its integrated approach to contractual risk, corporate matters and ethics and compliance helps the organisation navigate an evolving regulatory landscape while enabling innovation and business growth.

IN-HOUSE COUNSEL OF THE YEAR SERVICES & CONSULTANCY

Rita Branquinho Lobo – Novabase

With over 15 years of experience navigating the legal challenges of a technology-driven business, she combines corporate legal expertise with a strong understanding of innovation and digital transformation. Her leadership across legal functions supporting international operations highlights her ability to address diverse regulatory environments while aligning legal strategy with commercial growth.

IN-HOUSE TEAM OF THE YEAR HIGH TECH & TELECOM

Vodafone

The legal team has played a key role in the company’s new projects, including Internet of Things, metaverse, and new collaborations, adapting to entirely new legal scenarios. Its deep experience, solid knowledge, and genuine passion for what it does make it a true strategic partner to the business.

IN-HOUSE COUNSEL OF THE YEAR HIGH TECH & TELECOM

Maria Echeverria-Torres – Nokia

With more than 20 years of experience in international legal practice, she brings a wealth of expertise to the challenges of the global telecommunications industry. Her strategic approach to complex commercial matters, regulatory compliance, and technology-driven business transformation makes her a trusted legal partner in a rapidly evolving sector.

IN-HOUSE TEAM OF THE YEAR PUBLISHING & MEDIA

Skydance

The legal team is the backbone of the organization’s legal function, guiding the structuring, negotiation, and oversight of its revenue and content activities. The professionals combine legal expertise with commercial acumen and work closely with the content, distribution, streaming, advertising, and production divisions.

IN-HOUSE TEAM OF THE YEAR TRAVEL & TOURISM

Amadeus

The legal team supports a global business operating across an increasingly complex regulatory landscape. Its close collaboration with the Group Data & AI Office highlights its ability to address emerging legal challenges while enabling responsible innovation across the travel ecosystem.

IN-HOUSE COUNSEL OF THE YEAR TRAVEL & TOURISM

Mariana Garcia Fernandez de Mesa – Accor

Combining deep hospitality-sector expertise with forward-thinking legal leadership, the professional is driving innovation at the intersection of travel, tourism, and legal operations. By spearheading the adoption of AI across a global legal team, she is enhancing cross-border collaboration and strengthening legal support for an increasingly international hospitality business.

IN-HOUSE TEAM OF THE YEAR HÔTELLERIE in collaboration with Squire Patton Boggs

Meliá Hotels International

The team is recognised for its strategic contribution to major hotel transactions and complex asset management matters. Its ability to support international operations, negotiate sophisticated agreements and navigate corporate and regulatory challenges makes it a key business partner.

IN-HOUSE COUNSEL OF THE YEAR HÔTELLERIE

Marjorie Colas – Essendi

With more than 20 years of experience in international business law, she brings extensive expertise in hospitality, real estate, compliance and corporate legal strategy. As General Counsel and Compliance Officer for Iberia, she has driven legal transformation and innovation, combining strategic business insight with a forward-looking approach to risk management and governance.

IN-HOUSE COUNSEL OF THE YEAR UNDER 40

Jaime Linaza Giménez-Cassina – Iberdrola

He contributes to the legal challenges surrounding a rapidly transforming international business. His work reflects the importance of agile legal thinking, commercial awareness, and regulatory insight in supporting the energy transition and long-term corporate strategy.

GENDER DIVERSITY

Clara Cerdán Molina – FAMAR

A committed advocate for gender equality and inclusive leadership, she combines an accomplished career in senior corporate legal roles with active involvement in initiatives that advance women’s professional development. She champions mentoring, equal opportunities and the development of future generations of female leaders.

IN-HOUSE TEAM DEFENCE & AEROSPACE TECHNOLOGY in collaboration with Baker McKenzie

Indra Group

At the forefront of Europe’s defence and aerospace industry, the in-house legal team supports complex international programmes, strategic acquisitions and highly regulated operations across multiple jurisdictions. Its work underpins the development of advanced defence capabilities and space technologies, requiring sophisticated expertise in public procurement, regulatory compliance, corporate governance, and international contracting.

IN-HOUSE COUNSEL DEFENCE & AEROSPACE TECHNOLOGY in collaboration with Sérvulo & Associados

Victoria Bujalance Vigara – ALTER TECHNOLOGY TÜV NORD

She brings legal insight to a business where reliability, precision, and compliance are paramount. Her sector’s complex international requirements call for a strategic approach to commercial agreements, intellectual property, and regulatory matters supporting advanced electronic components and space-grade technologies.

BEST PRACTICE ADVOCACY

Javier Ramirez Iglesias

A steadfast advocate for the recognition and protection of in-house counsel, he has dedicated his career to advancing the legal profession’s interests across Europe. Drawing on more than three decades of corporate legal practice, he has championed professional privilege and helped strengthen the voice of in-house lawyers in regulatory and institutional debates.