Winners of Iberian Lawyer 2023 Gold Awards announced
The winners of the Iberian Lawyer 2023 Gold Awards were announced during the gala ceremony held at the Wellington hotel.
In their seventh Edition, the Gold Awards recognized, once again, the excellence amongst in-house professionals in Spain and Portugal. On this occasion, the Gold Awards were celebrated after the Legalday.
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 INHOUSECOMMUNITY
HP
The In-House team is widely acknowledged as exceptionally qualified within the industry, with its lawyers having successfully managed numerous high-profile international corporate operations, consistently delivering outstanding results.
IN-HOUSE COUNSEL OF THE YEAR – In collaboration with INHOUSECOMMUNITY
Pablo de Carvajal González – Telefónica
Over the past twelve months, the general counsel has steered their team through numerous significant deals, earning recognition as an industry leader in a highly regulated field with substantial legal ramifications.
THOUGHT LEADERSHIP – In collaboration with INHOUSECOMMUNITY
Teresa Minguez Diaz – Porsche Ibérica
She is the chief legal, compliance and data protection officer of the well-known automotive brand. She’s ACC’s representative in Spain and a member of the Legal Committee of the World Compliance Association. She has written numerous articles and lectured on legal topics mainly related to Corporate Governance, Compliance and Innovation in the legal area.
IN-HOUSE TEAM OF THE YEAR AUTOMOTIVE & TRANSPORT – In collaboration with INHOUSECOMMUNITY
Aena
The legal team exemplified seamless integration between legal expertise and business imperatives in a heavily regulated market. They adeptly handled a wide range of issues, with one of the most notable being the allocation of security services for over fifty airports.
IN-HOUSE COUNSEL OF THE YEAR AUTOMOTIVE & TRANSPORT – In collaboration with INHOUSECOMMUNITY
Carlos Menor Gomez – Renault
The legal director and compliance officer of the French multinational in the Iberian market is a highly respected figure within the In-house community, consistently earning accolades from colleagues for his professionalism and exceptional expertise.
IN-HOUSE TEAM OF THE YEAR BANKS & FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS – In collaboration with EQS
Visa
The team was very active in the last year, managing several matters on the most various topics. One of the most important projects, both on the economic and on the legal side, was the agreement between the multinational and an important public transportation company to permit contactless payments for the users.
IN-HOUSE COUNSEL OF THE YEAR BANKS & FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS – In collaboration with EQS
Noelia Palacios Melle – Intrum
The young general counsel, leading her team, managed multitude of legal matters in the past year. These included significant acquisitions in the Spanish market and a successful exit from a Latin American country. The most economically significant transaction involved the acquisition of non-performing loans valued at several billion euros.
IN-HOUSE TEAM OF THE YEAR CHEMICAL & PHARMACEUTICAL – In collaboration with CECA MAGÁN ABOGADOS
Novartis
The team has demonstrated remarkable capability through their exceptional performance in the recent period, playing a pivotal role in the company’s success within a well-structured market.
IN-HOUSE COUNSEL OF THE YEAR CHEMICAL & PHARMACEUTICAL – In collaboration with CECA MAGÁN ABOGADOS
Ana Bayó Busta – Bayer Hispania
She is a cornerstone of the In-house community, boasting a strong reputation and extensive experience in the pharmaceutical industry. Her peers have expressed enthusiastic praise for her work over the past year.
IN-HOUSE TEAM OF THE YEAR CONSUMER GOODS MANUFACTURING – In collaboration with INHOUSECOMMUNITY
Fluidra
The team skillfully oversaw multiple acquisitions, enabling the group’s expansion into various European countries. Additionally, they adeptly managed the corporate restructuring resulting from some of these acquisitions, achieving success through their in-house efforts.
IN-HOUSE COUNSEL OF THE YEAR CONSUMER GOODS & MANUFACTURING – In collaboration with INHOUSECOMMUNITY
Alexandra Reis – Tabaqueira
She possesses extensive expertise in litigation matters, honed through her involvement in numerous disputes. Under her leadership, the legal department provided exemplary guidance to the company in navigating a highly regulated market.
IN-HOUSE TEAM OF THE YEAR E-COMMERCE & RETAIL – In collaboration with INHOUSECOMMUNITY
Grupo Dia
The In-house team spearheaded a multitude of transactions, with one of the most pivotal ones significantly shaping the group’s strategic direction. The department played a central role in structuring the transaction and skillfully coordinated all teams involved.
IN-HOUSE COUNSEL OF THE YEAR E-COMMERCE & RETAIL – In collaboration with INHOUSECOMMUNITY
Natália Galvão Veiga Rebelo – IKEA
As a key member of a prominent multinational corporation in the consumer market, she played a pivotal role in crafting the international strategies for her group’s operations in Portugal. Her efforts encompassed compliance with both Portuguese law and the group’s ESG objectives.
IN-HOUSE TEAM OF THE YEAR ENERGY – In collaboration with Ambar Partners
Iberdrola
The team supervised the issuance of a half-billion-euro green bond loan designated for the construction and development of an offshore wind farm in a European country. This project is poised to have a substantial impact on the decarbonization of energy production in the region.
IN-HOUSE COUNSEL OF THE YEAR ENERGY – In collaboration with Ambar Partners
Jörg Christian Häring – Cepsa
The general counsel has been the driving force behind the consolidation of Assurance and Legal into a unified entity within the company. This initiative has successfully cultivated synergies between the two functions, resulting in the formation of a cohesive, multi-disciplinary team capable of delivering higher-quality advice to the business.
IN-HOUSE TEAM OF THE YEAR FASHION, LUXURY, DESIGN – In collaboration with INHOUSECOMMUNITY
El Corte Inglés
The In-house legal team oversaw a multitude of strategically significant transactions for the corporation. According to market opinion, the lawyers exhibit a unique blend of technical expertise, business acumen, and a pragmatic approach.
IN-HOUSE COUNSEL OF THE YEAR FASHION, LUXURY, DESIGN – In collaboration with INHOUSECOMMUNITY
Oliver Ribera Gil – Desigual
The general counsel has effectively managed intricate and sophisticated cases, earning the admiration of colleagues. His approach, characterized by responsiveness and a keen business orientation, is highly valued.
IN-HOUSE TEAM OF THE YEAR FOOD & BEVERAGE – In collaboration with Eversheds Sutherland
PepsiCo
The In-house department is formed by a dynamic group of lawyers, capable to manage complex operations. The team has proven a depth knowledge of the business and outstanding technical skills always in the interests of the company needs.
IN-HOUSE COUNSEL OF THE YEAR FOOD & BEVERAGE – In collaboration with Eversheds Sutherland
María Cobián – Grupo Lactalis
Over the past year, the general counsel, at the helm of her team, has overseen a several matters in a highly regulated Spanish market. One of the pivotal tasks they managed was the defense in a proceeding of utmost significance for the group.
IN-HOUSE TEAM OF THE YEAR INFRASTRUCTURE & CONSTRUCTIONS – In collaboration with INHOUSECOMMUNITY
Propav Infraestructuras
The In-house legal team overviewed the establishment of the international Holding Company and structuring of the new EPC / Infrastructure international Business. The issue involved assessing several applicable laws as well as working through corporate registrations in several countries.
IN-HOUSE COUNSEL OF THE YEAR INFRASTRUCTURE & CONSTRUCTIONS – In collaboration with INHOUSECOMMUNITY
Isabel Fernandes – Grupo Visabeira
The professional stands out as one of the most influential figures in the Iberian In-house market, renowned for the demonstrated technical expertise and adept management skills, which have been showcased in numerous intricate operations.
IN-HOUSE COUNSEL OF THE YEAR INSURANCE – In collaboration with INHOUSECOMMUNITY
Isabel Lage – Fidelidade
With her team, she structured an important acquisition of the largest development project in Portugal and supported the definition of the bidding strategy. She has been also engaged in the negotiations and final drafting of all the contracts, some particularly complex due to specific matters.
IN-HOUSE TEAM OF THE YEAR REAL ESTATE – In collaboration with INHOUSECOMMUNITY
AccorInvest
Of the numerous matters overseen by the team, the most economically significant was the acquisition of a hotel in Portugal, with a valuation nearing one hundred million euros.
IN-HOUSE COUNSEL OF THE YEAR REAL ESTATE – In collaboration with INHOUSECOMMUNITY
Andrea Viale – idealista
During the recent period, the professional coordinated the legal team advising the company about complex acquisitions deals. Thanks to the remarkable results as a lawyer and team leader she has become a key figure in the In-house field.
IN-HOUSE TEAM OF THE YEAR SERVICES & CONSULTANCY – In collaboration with INHOUSECOMMUNITY
Accenture
The In-house department operates comprehensively within the company’s activities, adeptly handling a diverse spectrum of legal matters. Their capabilities extend from internal concerns, such as employment and local policies, to the intricate world of IP/TMT operations.
IN-HOUSE COUNSEL OF THE YEAR SERVICES & CONSULTANCY – In collaboration with INHOUSECOMMUNITY
Rita Branquinho Lobo – Novabase
The general counsel spearheaded an arbitration procedure against the buyer in an M&A transaction. Thanks to her legal acumen and effective relationship management, the arbitration was successfully resolved.
IN-HOUSE TEAM OF THE YEAR TMT – In collaboration with Abreu Advogados
Salesforce
The lawyers have a diverse professional background, ranging from leading international tech companies to the digital law departments of international law firms and of a Big 4 company, allows them to understand the underlying technological issues that are fundamental to provide an effective and practical advice to the stakeholders in this “Big tech” company.
IN-HOUSE COUNSEL OF THE YEAR TMT – In collaboration with Abreu Advogados
Belen Dominguez Domech – Indra Sistemas Tecnologías de la Información
Her work is widely acknowledged as highly innovative in a landscape characterized by constantly evolving legislation. With many different matters she has dealt with, she’s a very strong representation of who an In-house lawyer should be in the TMT.
IN-HOUSE TEAM OF THE YEAR HIGH TECH – In collaboration with Abreu Advogados
Nokia
The Team of the Finnic high-tech multinational led an operation of M&A with another big player on the market that will provide software solutions in a fully integrated range to the customers.
IN-HOUSE COUNSEL OF THE YEAR HIGH TECH – In collaboration with Abreu Advogados
Fátima Correia da Silva – Critical TechWorks
The general counsel handled many matters in the last period proving her capability both on the legal and negotiation side. One of the most important deals concluded was with one of the customers, a well-known automotive multinational, about the IP rights of software developed by the high-tech company.
IN-HOUSE TEAM OF THE YEAR TRAVEL & TOURISM – In collaboration with Cerejeira Namora, Marinho Falcão
Meliá Hotels International
The team was involved in many important transactions, the most valuable was surely the sale of some assets from a Spanish fund to a MENA based fund involving some joint ventures with the company. The advisory given by the team was strategic for the closing of the acquisition.
IN-HOUSE COUNSEL OF THE YEAR TRAVEL & TOURISM – In collaboration with Cerejeira Namora, Marinho Falcão
Mariana García Fernández de Mesa – Accor
With her team, she played a fundamental role in the contract negotiation and celebration for a Hotel Management agreement for a luxury hotel. It has been a collaborative work among different legal departments, from different countries within the company network.
COMPLIANCE TEAM OF THE YEAR – In collaboration with INHOUSECOMMUNITY
Bit2Me
The compliance and legal department is made up of 22 professionals with extensive experience in the blockchain world. During 2022, great milestones and advances have been achieved, such as being the first exchange in the world to be accepted in the Bank of Spain’s registry of crypto asset service providers or the processing of an innovative Electronic Money Institution license.
COMPLIANCE DIRECTOR OF THE YEAR – In collaboration with INHOUSECOMMUNITY
Silvia Madrid – UniCredit
As chief legal officer for the multinational bank, she created and maintained an excellent legal and compliance model, considering the complexity of the bank’s operating model and the enormous amount of regulation that the financial sector is subject to.
WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP AWARD – in memory of Lola Conde
PROFESSIONAL TO WATCH
Gabriela Camuñas Caruana – Atrys
The professional managed with his team crucial operations for their strategic value. She has proven, despite age, leadership attitude and managing skills that are surely precursors of her even brighter future.
Helena Yperlaan Blajé – Statkraft
The professional in the recent past has worked alongside the top players of the Iberian legal market, she was capable to distinguish herself in the deals she faced obtaining, despite the young age, a credibility status and appreciation from the market.
IN-HOUSE TEAM OF THE YEAR SUSTAINABILITY – In collaboration with INHOUSECOMMUNITY
Verallia
The company runs an energy-intensive business, so the path to sustainable production is vital. The team concluded Power Purchase Agreements from renewables for all the production site, LNG for some of it and developed cullet treatment plants.
IN-HOUSE COUNSEL OF THE YEAR UNDER 40 – In collaboration with Ayuela Jimenez
Javier Bermúdez de Castro Berbel – Secuoya Studios
The young lawyer as head of legal of a fast-growing Spanish company, managed a lot of acquisitions strategic to the business with the clear objective of consolidating its position as a global studio.
BEST PRACTICE GAMING & ENTERTAINMENT- in collaboration with INHOUSECOMMUNITY
Solverde Casinos & Hotéis
The in-house department has proven to have an in-depth understanding of the specific sectors in which the company operates, which allows the professionals to provide a tailored legal advice, thanks also to the business-oriented approach of the lawyers.
