Ana Torreblanca – Cargill

Cargill, a global food production and supply chain leader, is vital in nourishing the world. With a mission to ensure food security, Cargill navigates complex markets and challenges, from sustainable agriculture to evolving legislation. In Mexico, one of the company’s critical markets, the company faces unique regulatory hurdles. As the Labor Law Lead and Commercial Legal Counsel for Cargill in Mexico, Ana Torreblanca has guided the company through these challenges, helping Cargill remain compliant while fostering a people-first approach to its workforce.

Ana Torreblanca | Cargill | Labor Law Lead and Commercial Legal Counsel (Mexico)

Cargill’s mission of nourishing the world in a safe, responsible and sustainable way requires a strategic legal partner to navigate the ever-changing political and regulatory landscape. Among a strong team of legal professionals, Torreblanca plays this fundamental role, ensuring Cargill’s operations in Mexico comply with the country’s applicable legal provisions while delivering quality and innovative products to consumers.

“Agriculture isn’t just about feeding people; it’s about cultivating communities, respecting the land, and ensuring the livelihoods of those who work it. At Cargill, we aim to meet these challenges by fostering compliance and innovation, always with a people-first approach,” Torreblanca says.

Guiding workforce transformation through regulatory shifts

The Outsourcing Reform Law, enacted in 2021, marked a pivotal change in the Mexican labor market, aiming to eliminate abusive outsourcing practices. This legislation required businesses to revise their labor and vendor structures and make substantial adjustments. Cargill needed to respond rapidly to ensure compliance. Torreblanca was a crucial multidisciplinary team member, formed by legal, human resources, operations, and finance, who proactively collaborated to meet every reform requirement.

“This effort resulted in a comprehensive overhaul of the company’s labor structure in Mexico. From employees transitioned to different entities, to many documents and processes created or modified, as well as many service providers adjusted to align with the new regulations,” Torreblanca says.

This restructuring extended to Cargill’s suppliers, many of whom also had to amend their labor practices. Torreblanca and her team developed extensive internal guidelines and training to ensure that Cargill and its suppliers understood the changes, effectively minimizing compliance risks while maintaining business continuity.

In 2023, Torreblanca spearheaded the implementation of Mexico’s teleworking Mexican Official Standard, introduced as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic. This regulation mandates businesses to provide equipment, uphold health and safety standards, and establish clear guidelines regarding employee work hours and locations. Given the swift transition to remote work, Cargill must implement this regulation quickly. Torreblanca’s leadership as project manager was critical to the timely and successful rollout of the teleworking policy. The team she led produced and adjusted 18 essential documents while coordinating training programs for employees and managers to ensure compliance.

Looking ahead, Torreblanca faces a new challenge with impending reforms concerning genetically modified organisms in Mexico and their impact on the food industry.

Strengthening teams and shaping future leaders

Beyond her work on key projects, Torreblanca plays a crucial role in leadership development. As part of this, she was honored to be personally invited to be a member of the first generation, within Latin America, of a Leadership Program created by women, addressed to women, to help them develop their leadership style and personal branding, as well as achieving their professional goals.

Recognizing the importance of fostering a strong and supportive legal team, she has focused on mentoring and empowering her colleagues and being an ambassador for other women. Torreblanca believes in continuous learning and self-awareness, which have helped her grow into a business-minded legal strategist. She actively mentors younger lawyers, like Fernanda Lucio, encouraging them to step out of their comfort zones and embrace change as an opportunity for personal and professional growth. Through her leadership, she has cultivated a culture within the legal department that emphasizes teamwork, open communication, and mutual support, ultimately strengthening the company’s overall performance.

Torreblanca’s approach to leadership is shaped by her belief that lawyers should be seen as strategic business partners, not just problem solvers. She aims to be a point of reference and a rising star in the legal field, contributing to the broader success of the company through her understanding of legal and business needs. This mindset has allowed her to effectively influence decision-making at the highest levels, ensuring that operations are compliant and aligned with broader strategic goals.

“True leadership is about empowering others to find their voice and step into their potential. I believe that when we mentor and invest in our teams, especially young women, we create a ripple effect that strengthens our legal department and the entire organization,” Torreblanca says.

A career defined by dedication

Torreblanca earned her law degree with a specialty in commercial law institutions, and a master’s in business law from Universidad Panamericana. She began her career at a law firm more than 17 years ago. A few years later, she transitioned to an in-house role at Cargill, where she spent more than five years navigating complex legal issues in many areas.

Her expertise and leadership skills were soon recognized, leading her to Hasbro Mexico, where she took on the role of head of legal affairs and member of the local leadership team. For over three years, Torreblanca expertly guided the company through legal challenges, establishing herself as a trusted legal authority in the industry.

In December 2019, Torreblanca returned to Cargill in a more senior capacity, bringing her the wealth of experience she gained at Hasbro. Her commitment to excellence has continued to define her role at the company.

Outside of her career, Torreblanca is equally dedicated to her personal growth. She holds two yoga certifications, practices vinyasa yoga and reformer Pilates, and reads a book a month. She recently married and enjoys spending time with her husband, particularly traveling. Her focus on well-being is a cornerstone of her life, as she strives to maintain the perseverance needed to continue her yoga, Pilates and meditation practices alongside her professional success.

“Empowering others is the true essence of leadership, and as we empower other women, we strengthen the female role in transforming the legal practice and pave the way for a more inclusive and innovative future in the corporate world,” she says.