Dentons appoints Paloma Gomez as new CEO for Latin America
Global law firm Dentons has announced the appointment of Paloma Gomez as the new CEO for the Latin America and Caribbean region, replacing Jorge Alers
Dentons has announced Paloma Gomez (pictured) as the new CEO for its Latin America and Caribbean Region. The LAC Region announced a leadership transition a year ago and that a formal process would be initiated, which has now resulted in the appointment of a new Regional CEO.
As part of the previously announced transition, Jorge Alers, former CEO of the region, will play an important role in leading key initiatives within the global firm. Commenting on the new appointment, he said: “From the outset, Paloma has been a fundamental part of the strategic planning in the LAC Region […] Her appointment as LAC Region CEO is a testament to her tremendous contributions to date and to her ability to position the region for even greater success as we continue to drive a client-driven offering.”
For his part, Elliott Portnoy, Global CEO of Dentons, declared: “I thank Jorge for his unwavering dedication which has seen our Latin America and the Caribbean Region grow from 0 to 28 countries since we entered the region in 2016. I am thrilled that Jorge will continue to play a leadership role within the global Firm […] This transition has long been planned and I have confidence in Paloma whose understanding of the dynamic needs of our clients, coupled with her experience as both lawyer and leader, position the Firm well as we continue to build an even more integrated region that will drive benefits for every other region of the Firm.”
“When we set out our strategy to become the only pan-Latin American and the Caribbean law firm, we made the decision to hire the CEO first and in doing so we found Jorge Alers – the perfect person to lead our efforts. On May 1, 2016, Dentons had no offices anywhere in Latin America or the Caribbean and today we are the only pan-Latin American and Caribbean law firm with 34 offices in 28 countries. This is a historic accomplishment that would not have happened but for Jorge Alers,” noted Joe Andrew, Global Chairman of Dentons. “With Paloma now at the helm I look forward to continuing to enhance the region’s place within our global Firm which will enable us to bring the very best service to our clients – both within and outside of Latin America and the Caribbean.”
Paloma, the first woman to serve as CEO of the LAC region, joined Dentons in 2018, following a career as a lawyer and leader of the firm in Spain, the United States and Latin America. She started practicing law in 1996, and focused on international transactions, including Mergers and Acquisitions, Private Equity and Joint Ventures, and International Arbitration. Ten years ago she shifted her focus to helping top law firms position themselves for success, with an emphasis on client focus and talent development. She was named partner in Dentons’ Bogotá office and head of Business Development for the LAC Region. She was subsequently promoted to the position of Director of Clients and Markets for Latin America and the Caribbean.
“I am honored and grateful to be appointed as the new CEO for Dentons Latin America and the Caribbean Region,” said Paloma Gomez. “Clients seek the unique value that Dentons provides: a single law firm, wherever they are, to help them grow, protect, operate and finance their businesses. I see us becoming the leading law firm in Latin America and the Caribbean, and leader in each of our markets. With our unmatched coverage, local expertise, and exceptional talent, I look forward to building a more integrated Region that is more than the sum of its jurisdictions and one that continues to put its clients first.”
