Arminio Borjas – AES

As the LATAM Regional General Counsel for AES, Arminio Borjas stands at the intersection of law, energy, and sustainability, orchestrating a complex legal landscape to ensure the company’s ambitious renewable energy goals are met. AES, a global energy leader, specializes in energy generation and distribution and strongly focuses on renewables and energy storage. For Borjas, the work is not just a job—it’s a mission to impact the world positively, tackle climate change, and support communities.

Arminio Borjas | AES | LATAM Regional General Counsel

Borjas, who is Venezuelan but lives in Vienna, Virginia, comes from a storied lineage of lawyers. His great-grandfather, grandfather, and father were prominent figures in the Venezuelan legal system, serving as Supreme Court justices and the country’s president.

“Being a lawyer was in my blood,” Borjas reflects. “It’s about understanding the rule of law and the relationships between human beings.”

This foundation laid the groundwork for a career that seamlessly blends legal expertise with a passion for global affairs.

Borjas’ legal career began in Venezuela, where he worked as a corporate lawyer. When the government acquired his then-employer, Borjas transitioned to the United States, eventually taking on his current role in 2007. He resides in the U.S. today but maintains deep ties to the LATAM region, where his leadership is instrumental in driving AES’s renewable energy initiatives.

Navigating a complex legal terrain

Managing AES’s diverse legal teams across LATAM—Mexico, El Salvador, Panama, the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Colombia, Argentina, and Chile—is no small feat. Each country operates its own legal framework and faces unique regulatory challenges. Borjas relies on regular meetings with local general counsels to stay abreast of the political environment, arbitration, court cases, and regulatory changes.

“My role is to supervise the legal work, advise corporate leadership, and ensure that our teams are equipped to tackle the legal and regulatory hurdles we face,” Borjas explains.

His background in international relations has proven invaluable, enabling him to navigate geopolitical complexities and provide strategic counsel on investments and growth.

Borjas’ work frequently involves regulatory and geopolitical challenges. My day begins with reading news and reports, as gathering and processing information is key in our sector.

“Sometimes there are no regulations for the innovative products we want to bring to market,” he says.

To address this, Borjas, among other actions, will host a groundbreaking meeting early in 2025, bringing regulatory specialists across the region to exchange best practices.

“By sharing experiences, we can help regulators issue better policies, creating a win-win for all parties involved.”

Empowering teams for renewable success

A cornerstone of Borjas’ strategy is training the legal teams to excel in the unique demands of renewable energy projects. In 2023, for example, the legal group led a successful training program for AES’s U.S. legal teams, equipping them with the tools to negotiate contracts effectively. The LATAM legal teams will undergo similar training in 2025, focusing on the intricacies of renewable energy contracts.

“Our goal is to sign around 5,000 megawatts in PPAs (Power Purchase Agreements) by 2025,” Borjas notes. “To achieve this, we must be efficient and precise in preparing contracts, enabling projects to start faster.”

Training sessions will include mock negotiations, real-time problem-solving, and insights into stakeholder management, ensuring that AES’s legal professionals are ready to support the company’s ambitious goals.

For Borjas, the success of AES’s legal teams lies in their strong camaraderie.

“We are like a family,” he says.

Annual global legal and compliance meetings at the AES headquarters in Arlington foster relationships across teams, while monthly virtual meetings led by its general counsel, Paul Freedman, ensure ongoing collaboration. Borjas also visits each country annually, strengthening ties with local teams and external counsel.

A culture of mutual respect and shared purpose marks Borjas’ leadership.

“We don’t place blame—we encourage everyone to succeed,” he says.

This philosophy aligns with AES’s values, emphasizing community impact and sustainable growth.

A vision for the future

As AES continues to expand its renewable energy footprint, Borjas remains committed to his dual role as a lawyer and a manager.

“I will always be a lawyer first,” he says.

Yet, his managerial acumen and strategic foresight are critical to AES’s success in a rapidly evolving industry.

Beyond his professional achievements, Borjas finds joy in skiing, a hobby he’s pursued for over 40 years, boating and working out.

“Skiing in Colorado is a way to connect with the mountains and recharge,” he shares.

This balance between professional rigor and personal fulfillment mirrors his broader philosophy: that excellence in work and life stems from dedication, connection, and a commitment to making a difference.

Under Borjas’ leadership, AES is not just navigating the legal challenges of renewable energy—it’s shaping the future of sustainable development in LATAM and beyond. With a steadfast commitment to innovation, community, and environmental stewardship, Borjas exemplifies the transformative power of legal expertise in driving meaningful change.