Federico Chapa – TelevisaUnivision

TelevisaUnivision is a leader in content production, transmission, and sales for the Spanish-speaking market, with a dominant presence in Mexico and the U.S. The company’s primary platform, VIX, serves as its main content distribution method, propelling its mission to strengthen its global presence and expand its influence in Spanish-speaking communities worldwide. This strategic mission requires an equally robust compliance framework, and Federico Chapa, the deputy chief compliance officer, is at the helm of this effort.

Federico Chapa | TelevisaUnivision | Global Compliance Counsel & Deputy Chief Compliance Officer

Federico’s role is critical to ensuring that TelevisaUnivision’s ambitious goals are met promptly and ethically. As part of the compliance team, Federico leads the compliance function in Mexico and is a pillar of the company’s growth strategy. His primary objective is to elevate the compliance department’s visibility and demonstrate its crucial role in supporting the company’s long-term success. His team focuses on managing risks, ensuring integrity, and implementing a code of conduct that reflects TelevisaUnivision’s commitment to ethical practices.

“At TelevisaUnivision, compliance isn’t just about following rules but building trust. As we grow and expand our reach in the Spanish-speaking world, my team and I are here to ensure we do it with integrity every step,” Federico says.

Creating a strong compliance program

A key project under Federico’s leadership has been defining and implementing the company’s current compliance program, which started with a comprehensive code of conduct. This project was not without its challenges. Significant hurdles were navigating organizational, cultural and regulatory differences between teams in the U.S. and Mexico and ensuring that the program was practical and relevant. Federico understood that compliance needed to go beyond regulatory checkboxes and integrate seamlessly into the company’s day-to-day operations. Creating policies, processes, and training programs tailored to TelevisaUnivision’s unique business environment, building a framework that addressed regulatory concerns and enhanced the work environment.

One major impact of this program has been the implementation of stronger reporting channels, which have made it easier for employees to communicate concerns and fostering a more humane corporate image. Since the merger two years ago, Federico has seen positive results in employee engagement and overall corporate culture, with improvements reflected in company statistics. Compliance initiatives that focus on ethical conduct have contributed to this success.

Federico is particularly proud of how the compliance program has been embraced across the organization as a core pillar of TelevisaUnivision’s strategy.

“Through continuous updates and training, the program has helped develop an environment where employees feel more connected to the company’s ethical values and better equipped to handle complex regulatory challenges,” Federico explains.

Prioritizing employee growth and retention

Regarding leadership, Federico has built a cohesive team that thrives on collaboration. His leadership style emphasizes teamwork and open communication, ensuring that all members of the compliance department and other key stakeholders contribute meaningfully to the company’s overall goals. Although the team is relatively small, they maintain high efficiency and productivity, largely thanks to Federico’s focus on clear communication and fostering a strong sense of purpose.

Regarding recruitment and retention, TelevisaUnivision offers ongoing development opportunities to ensure employees continue growing within their roles. Federico is dedicated to maintaining a healthy work-life balance for his team, creating a supportive work environment that attracts and retains top talent. The compliance team, which focuses on employee well-being and professional development, is a vital part of TelevisaUnivision’s strategy for future growth.

Federico’s passion for his work is evident. He enjoys the dynamic nature of his role, which includes risk management and investigations, and relishes the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the company and the broader industry. He looks forward to strengthening TelevisaUnivision’s compliance program and growing the team to meet future challenges.

“Leading a dedicated team, I focus on open communication and collaboration. We can achieve incredible results when everyone feels valued and connected to a larger purpose, even with a lean team. It’s about creating a work environment where people can grow, feel supported, and contribute meaningfully to our company’s success,” Federico says.

Early passion for law

Federico’s interest in law began early, driven by his curiosity about rules and fairness. This natural sense of justice made pursuing a legal career easy for him. Federico earned a law degree from Universidad Anáhuac México Norte. He furthered his education with a master’s in business law and a Diploma in Compliance and Risk Management from Universidad Panamericana, followed by an LL.M. and a Compliance Certification from Cornell Law School.

His career began with an internship at a law firm, but Federico soon moved into the corporate sector before briefly but meaningfully passing through the public sector. In 2012, he joined Televisa, where his talent for solving challenges and delivering results stood out. Over the years, he took on increasing responsibilities, eventually playing a key role in the merger with Univision. As global compliance counsel and deputy chief compliance officer, he oversees global legal and compliance risks, directs policy implementation, manages internal investigations, and advises on issues like anti-corruption and financial crimes. Additionally, Federico is Vice-Chair of the Anticorruption Commission of the International Chamber of Commerce Mexico (ICC México). This commission aims, among other objectives, to develop public policy recommendations and practical tools from a global business perspective to combat corruption in México.

Outside of work, Federico is focused on his family. He prioritizes a balanced life with his wife and three young children, maintaining structured schedules to ensure he has time for his professional responsibilities and family.

“Justice is about creating fairness, just as life is about finding balance. Success comes from knowing when to stand firm and when to make time for what matters most,” Federico says.