Diana Garate – APM Terminals

At the intersection of global commerce, public infrastructure, and international law, few roles demand as much precision, resilience and heart as Diana Garate‘s. As the Legal, Regulatory, and Compliance Manager for APM Terminals in Perú, she is not only navigating one of the most regulated and fast-paced industries in the world but also driving meaningful change in how people are included and empowered at work.

Diana Garate | APM Terminals | Legal, Regulatory and Compliance Manager

APM Terminals, a division of A.P. Moller-Maersk, operates one of the world’s largest and most efficient port and terminal networks. With operations in 64 countries and over 22,000 employees worldwide, the company is at the forefront of transforming port operations and logistics, often in regions where infrastructure is essential for economic development. In this context, Garate leads as a legal expert and a passionate advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Garate’s recent legal challenge—an international arbitration case before the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID)—tested every ounce of her skill, patience, and strategic thinking. The case stretched over four years and was marked by complexity and high stakes, involving intricate environmental, economic, and legal questions.

“It was one of the biggest challenges I’ve ever faced,” Garate recalls. “We had to coordinate a multidisciplinary defense team, manage technical and expert witnesses, and handle eight days of intensive hearings in Washington, D.C. Achieving a favorable outcome after years of work was incredibly rewarding.”

Her legal journey, spanning more than 15 years across Latin America and the United States, equipped her for moments like these. Before joining APM Terminals, Garate worked at prestigious law firms in Peru and New York, including Cleary Gottlieb, and served as a senior manager for Ernst & Young Law. Her international experience, particularly in the demanding legal environment of New York City, built her resilience and adaptability—qualities she draws on daily.

“Working in the U.S. was one of the most challenging periods of my career. It pushed me outside my comfort zone—but it taught me how to adapt quickly, communicate across cultures, and engage confidently with senior stakeholders,” she says. “Those skills have been essential at APM Terminals, where most of my work is in English and I collaborate with people from all over the world.”

Advocacy beyond the legal arena

While legal excellence is a hallmark of Garate’s role, what distinguishes her even more is her passionate commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI)—especially at a time when such values have come under scrutiny in the U.S. and beyond.

“In traditionally male-dominated industries like maritime and port operations, DEI is not just a buzzword—it’s a necessity,” she says. “If we want to innovate and create resilient organizations, we need to make sure every voice is heard, and every person is empowered to contribute.”

Garate serves as a member of the Regional Diversity and Inclusion Committee at Maersk, where she helps implement policies and practices that support a culture of inclusion. Her work spans policy recommendations and cultural training to help elevate underrepresented voices.

“It’s frustrating to see DEI being challenged in some parts of the world, especially when the data is so clear—diverse teams perform better,” Garate says. “

Leading with purpose in a dynamic sector

Garate manages, alongside the legal director, a team of 10 legal professionals and coordinates with over a dozen law firms to keep APM Terminals’ operations compliant, particularly in Peru’s most vital port. Her regulatory department operates at the nexus of regulation, business, and stakeholder engagement—often responding to evolving rules, geopolitical shifts, and unexpected global events.

“It’s a highly regulated sector with many authorities involved. Each one has different requirements and processes,” she explains. “You have to be agile. One day, you’re dealing with regulatory compliance; the next day, it’s trade policy or labor law.”

Despite the complexity, Garate thrives on the sense of purpose that comes with working in public infrastructure. “I love that our work has a tangible, positive impact on society,” she says. “Ports are economic engines. When we operate efficiently and ethically, we help entire communities grow.”

The pandemic further underscored that reality. During the height of COVID-19, the port continued to operate 24/7, and Garate was tasked with managing legal risks while supporting a team reeling from the loss of frontline operators.

“It was a harrowing time. We had to be both practical and compassionate,” she recalls. “Resilience isn’t just about pushing through—it’s about staying grounded and leading with empathy.”

A life of balance and vision

Garate’s professional achievements are mirrored by a deep commitment to her family and personal development. She recently married and is the proud mother of a two-year-old daughter—roles she sees as complementary to her legal career.

“Family is my anchor,” she says. “Balancing personal and professional life isn’t always easy, but it’s essential. I try to be intentional about how I spend my time and energy.”

She continues to be active in the broader legal community, as an arbitrator with the American Chamber of Commerce of Peru and the Lima Chamber of Commerce, and as a delegate to the International Chamber of Commerce Commission on Arbitration and ADR for 2024–2027. These positions, she says, allow her to give back and stay connected to evolving legal frameworks beyond her daily work.

Though she didn’t originally plan for an in-house role, Garate now views her position at APM Terminals as the culmination of years of hard work and a chance to influence the business in a direct and meaningful way.

“Being in-house gives you a front-row seat to how decisions are made and how legal strategy shapes outcomes,” she explains. “It’s where I get to combine all my past experiences—with a team, in an industry I care deeply about, and with values that align with mine.”

In an era of uncertainty and change, Garate represents the kind of leadership that is as principled as it is practical. Whether she’s guiding a team through the maze of international arbitration, advocating for inclusion across borders, or helping shape the infrastructure that powers economies, Garante’s legacy is one of strength, clarity, and compassion.

“The law is about solving problems,” she says. “But real impact comes when you bring your whole self to the work—not just your intellect, but your values too.”