Eduardo Branquinho – Brenntag Group

Eduardo Branquinho knows what it means to work in complexity. As legal manager for Latin America and the Caribbean at Brenntag Group—the largest chemical distributor in the world—he faces a legal landscape as vast and diverse as the geography itself. With each country bringing its own legal frameworks, political realities, and compliance challenges, his role demands adaptability, foresight, and a collaborative spirit.

Eduardo Branquinho | Brenntag Group | Legal Manager, Latin America & Caribe

Founded in 1874 and headquartered in Essen, Germany, Brenntag is a global leader in the distribution of chemicals and ingredients. As a B2B enterprise, the company supplies products to virtually every industry—food and nutrition, pharmaceuticals, oil and gas, water treatment, and countless others. With over 17,500 employees and operations in more than 70 countries, Brenntag is not just a logistics partner but also a provider of value-added services, technical support, and sustainability solutions. Its mission is not only to deliver chemicals safely and efficiently but also to act as a trusted advisor to customers and suppliers worldwide.

For Branquinho, this global reach means aligning corporate standards with local realities.

“Having good communication with our legal colleagues in various countries allows us to understand the country specifics better,” he explains.

That balance—between the big picture and the local detail—sits at the heart of his leadership philosophy.

Managing complexity in a fragmented market

The chemical distribution industry in Latin America and the Caribbean is both promising and fragmented. Thousands of small players compete alongside larger enterprises, and informal markets can complicate compliance. Contracts, Know-Your-Customer policies, and ethical sourcing are not just legal requirements but essential safeguards against risk.

Branquinho sees this fragmentation as one of his greatest challenges. Without the ability to standardize contracts across every customer, his team must find ways to mechanize legal engagement while maintaining thorough oversight.

“It is difficult to have contracts in place with all customers,” he notes, emphasizing the importance of clear procedures. Establishing rigorous KYC (know-your-customer) systems helps prevent exposure to businesses that may not comply with laws or regulations.

Political shifts in the region only add to the complexity. Regulatory environments can change quickly, influenced by elections, trade negotiations, or economic pressures. For Branquinho, anticipating these changes is as important as reacting to them. His approach relies on structured reporting systems and close collaboration with business leaders, enabling proactive risk management while preserving flexibility for local markets.

Building collaboration, not compliance barriers

While legal teams are sometimes perceived as bottlenecks, Branquinho works hard to ensure his department is viewed differently.

“The most important thing is to be close to the business leaders and available for them,” he says. His goal is to position the legal department as a partner—one that helps deliver results sustainably rather than standing in the way of progress.

This approach has redefined how the business interacts with its team. By being approachable and responsive, Branquinho has turned legal into a consultative resource. He takes pride in his biggest accomplishment at Brenntag so far: developing a team that collaborates effectively within itself and with business partners. That collaboration extends beyond Latin America.

“We have mindful collaboration globally by acting ethically,” he reflects, adding that he values the integrity of his colleagues around the world.

This culture of openness supports Brenntag’s growth ambitions. As the company continues to expand in the region, Branquinho ensures that legal support keeps pace without sacrificing quality. Trust within the team and with external advisors is essential, especially when managing limited resources across such a wide geography.

Embedding sustainability & safety into strategy

Brenntag has long recognized that chemical distribution carries significant responsibilities. The company was the first global chemical distributor to sign the United Nations Global Compact, committing to its 10 principles on human rights, labor, environment, and anti-corruption. Since 2014, it has also been a sponsor of the Compact, embedding sustainability into its business model.

For Branquinho, this commitment shapes daily operations.

“Safety is one of the core values for Brenntag, and in our daily activities, we do not deviate from following high standards of it,” he explains. In Latin America and the Caribbean, where enforcement of environmental and safety regulations varies, adhering to global best practices ensures that Brenntag remains a leader in ethical standards within the market.

Beyond compliance, his team plays an active role in advancing ESG (environmental, social, and governance) priorities. Legal frameworks around chemical safety and sustainability are evolving rapidly, and Branquinho sees his role as helping the company stay ahead of expectations. Whether it’s managing hazardous substances, reducing emissions, or ensuring fair labor practices, the legal department provides the guidance necessary to align strategy with both corporate commitments and local regulations.

Preparing for the future of legal ops

The demands on legal teams are only growing, and Branquinho is keenly aware of the opportunities technology presents. He sees innovation in legal operations as a vital area for growth, particularly through the responsible use of artificial intelligence.

“The legal market is evolving together with the IT industry,” he observes.

AI tools offer the potential to monitor, review, and analyze documents and claims, identify trends, and reduce costs. Yet Branquinho is careful to emphasize that such tools must be deployed with caution. Protecting confidential information and complying with data protection laws are non-negotiable, particularly when handling sensitive business data across multiple jurisdictions.

Looking forward, he envisions a hybrid approach that leverages AI for efficiency while maintaining the human judgment necessary for complex, cross-border issues. At the same time, he advises younger legal professionals to embrace uncertainty and stay informed.

“Be prepared to navigate in a constantly changing environment where uncertainty is always present,” he says. “Keep your focus on doing what is right, cultivate ethical relationships and do your best to be a reliable partner for your business colleagues.”

Branquinho’s leadership reflects a blend of pragmatism and principle. He is deeply aware of the challenges posed by fragmented markets, political volatility, and limited resources, but he sees solutions in collaboration, strong corporate policies, and proactive engagement. His ability to balance global standards with local realities has positioned Brenntag’s legal function as both a safeguard and a growth enabler in Latin America and the Caribbean.

At its core, his work demonstrates the role of legal teams as more than compliance enforcers. They are strategic partners, helping businesses grow responsibly, innovate sustainably, and operate with integrity across borders. For Brenntag, a company whose products touch nearly every industry, that partnership is not just an asset—it’s essential.