Marina Zago’s journey as a legal professional and corporate leader exemplifies resilience, adaptability, and strategic vision. From her early days as a legal intern to her current role as Legal Director at JTI Brazil, she has navigated complex regulatory environments and contributed to shaping industry standards. Her expertise spans corporate law, regulatory compliance, and public advocacy, positioning her as a formidable leader in the legal field.

Her career trajectory underscores the importance of building trust, fostering team collaboration, and maintaining a forward-thinking approach to legal challenges. Through her extensive experience in both private practice and corporate law, she has developed a leadership style that emphasizes ethics, innovation, and inclusivity. Marina’s role at JTI Brazil goes beyond legal counsel—she plays a pivotal role in shaping the company’s market strategies and regulatory positioning.

Marina Zago shares insights into her professional journey, leadership philosophy, and the evolving legal landscape in Brazil. She also reflects on the challenges and triumphs of being a female leader in the legal industry, offering valuable perspectives on navigating corporate leadership with integrity and vision.

Professional Journey

Zago’s legal career began in 2009 as an intern at a medium-sized law firm in São Paulo, Brazil. “Initially I focused on labor law, then soon took on greater responsibilities, managing legal matters for the Pharmaceutical Association (Sindusfarma), representing major pharmaceutical companies in Brazil. This role was a defining moment, igniting my passion for the life sciences sector and regulatory law.”

Over time, Marina honed her expertise in Anvisa regulations, which govern highly regulated sectors such as pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and healthcare services in Brazil. Her ability to navigate complex regulatory frameworks and engage in effective legal advocacy became a key asset in her career.

Between 2014 and 2015, and later from 2019 to 2021, she worked as a Senior Associate at Demarest Law Firm, where she expanded her proficiency in corporate law, contract negotiation, and regulatory compliance. During this period, she began working with JTI, establishing a foundation of trust that would later shape her future with the company.

Marina’s career also included pivotal experiences in boutique law firms specializing in life sciences and regulated sectors. These roles refined her ability to engage with public authorities, participate in strategic regulatory discussions, and advocate for policy changes. Her experience in legal strategy, advocacy, and stakeholder collaboration laid the groundwork for her leadership at JTI Brazil.

In 2021, Marina joined JTI Brazil as Legal and Risk Manager, overseeing legal market strategies, risk mitigation, and regulatory challenges. Her leadership emphasized collaboration, open communication, and excellence in compliance. Her ability to navigate the intricate legal landscape of Brazil led to her promotion as Legal Director, where she continues to drive strategic initiatives and talent development within her team.

Pivotal Career Moments

Marina’s career has been shaped by several key moments that influenced her approach to leadership and decision-making. “One of the earliest defining experiences was managing significant legal responsibilities early in my career. Being entrusted with overseeing legal matters for pharmaceutical companies as an intern accelerated my learning curve and deepened my understanding of regulatory law.” Says Marina.

Another critical moment was during the COVID-19 pandemic, when she worked closely with public authorities and multidisciplinary teams to advocate for regulatory changes in vaccine distribution and medical device approvals. This experience underscored the importance of strategic communication, prioritization, and negotiation—key elements of effective leadership.

Her transition to JTI as Legal and Risk Manager marked a shift towards strategic leadership. Developing local market strategies, streamlining product marketing authorizations, and aligning diverse stakeholder interests with organizational goals refined her leadership abilities. Her promotion to Legal Director reinforced her commitment to talent development, transparent communication, and fostering a collaborative team culture.

Evolving Legal Landscape in Brazil

During Marina’s tenure as Legal Director, Brazil’s legal landscape has undergone significant transformations. Legal uncertainty, unpredictable regulatory interpretations, and shifting compliance requirements have required companies to be agile and proactive. JTI Brazil has played a crucial role in navigating these challenges by integrating adaptability into its business strategies.

“JTI actively participates in regulatory discussions, collaborates with authorities, and develops robust internal compliance frameworks. I have been instrumental in ensuring that JTI not only meets immediate legal requirements but also aligns with long-term strategic objectives.” By fostering open communication with regulatory bodies and investing in legal talent development, JTI contributes to a more stable and predictable legal environment in Brazil.

Leadership Philosophy

Marina’s leadership philosophy is centered on fostering a cohesive, supportive, and inclusive team culture. She believes in the power of collaboration and ensures that her team members are aligned towards common goals. By maintaining a positive work environment, she minimizes stress and encourages innovation.

“Diversity is a cornerstone of my leadership approach. My team comprises individuals of various backgrounds, ages, and experiences, bringing together different perspectives that drive creativity and problem-solving. Regular meetings and team discussions go beyond work-related topics, strengthening team cohesion and trust.” States Marina.

She also champions shared leadership, empowering team members to take ownership of their responsibilities. By fostering a culture of accountability and open communication, she enhances team motivation and effectiveness.

Balancing Business Goals with Ethics and Compliance

Marina prioritizes legal ethics and compliance while ensuring that business objectives are met. She believes that integrity is non-negotiable and integrates legal considerations into business strategies to create a harmonious balance between compliance and corporate goals.

JTI’s strong ethical foundation, rooted in its Japanese corporate culture, facilitates this balance. She works closely with the company’s leadership to ensure that compliance and ethics remain at the forefront of decision-making. Through proactive compliance monitoring and risk management strategies, she ensures that legal integrity is upheld without compromising business growth.

Challenges as a Female Leader in the Legal Field

Marina acknowledges the unique challenges faced by women in leadership roles, particularly in traditionally male-dominated industries. Throughout her career, she has encountered biases and cultural barriers that required resilience and determination to overcome.

She emphasizes the importance of mentorship, advocacy, and self-confidence in navigating these challenges. “By leading with integrity, fostering an inclusive team culture, and championing diversity, I strive to create opportunities for other women in the legal profession. My leadership serves as an inspiration for aspiring female legal professionals seeking to break barriers and thrive in corporate law.”

Marina’s journey from legal intern to Legal Director at JTI Brazil is a testament to strategic vision, adaptability, and commitment to excellence. Her leadership philosophy, focus on regulatory advocacy, and dedication to fostering a collaborative team culture have positioned her as a key influencer in Brazil’s legal and corporate landscape.

Through proactive legal strategies, ethical leadership, and a passion for team development, Marina continues to drive JTI Brazil’s success in an evolving regulatory environment. Her story serves as an inspiring example of how resilience, collaboration, and strategic foresight can shape a successful career in legal leadership.

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