Gillian Paredes – Luz del Sur

Luz del Sur is a leading energy distribution and generation company committed to expanding electricity access in Lima, particularly in underserved areas. With a strong emphasis on sustainability, the company is also investing in renewable energy initiatives to support a greener future.

Gillian Paredes | Luz del Sur | General Counsel

General Counsel Gillian Paredes is at the heart of these efforts, whose leadership and legal expertise are instrumental in guiding Luz del Sur’s strategic growth while ensuring ethical business practices.

Gillian oversees a legal team dedicated to facilitating the company’s expansion and compliance with international standards.

“We are focused on bringing electricity to Lima’s most economically challenged sectors while also pushing forward with renewable energy projects,” she explains.

Her work helps ensure that Luz del Sur meets its regulatory obligations and contributes to Peru’s broader energy transition goals. The legal department works closely with business units to navigate complex regulatory landscapes, ensuring that every project aligns with the company’s mission and ethical commitments.

“Bringing electricity to these areas is more than just a business initiative; it’s about improving lives and fostering economic growth in underdeveloped communities,” Paredes notes.

Anti-bribery and compliance

One of Gillian’s most significant undertakings at Luz del Sur has been securing the ISO 37001 Certification for anti-bribery management. This certification, which the company’s Chinese parent organization requires, reinforces Luz del Sur’s commitment to ethical and transparent business practices.

“It gives you a different shine,” she says. “When doing business, having an anti-bribery company as a counterpart guarantees that you will not have problems, and this affects the entire business.”

The certification process was extensive, requiring the adaptation of company policies to meet international anti-bribery standards. Gillian played a key role in implementing these changes, conducting approximately 20 training sessions for 850 employees within two weeks.

“Keeping enthusiasm high across multiple lectures was challenging,” she admits. “But my goal was for every participant to understand our anti-bribery system and recognize their role in making it effective.”

To achieve this, she tailored each session to specific audiences, incorporating interactive discussions and real-world examples to make compliance engaging and relatable.

“It’s not just about rules and regulations; it’s about creating a culture where ethical decision-making is second nature.”

Luz del Sur’s commitment to integrity goes beyond compliance—it’s about fostering a workplace where employees feel empowered to uphold the highest ethical standards.

Gillian aims to strengthen the company’s compliance framework by obtaining ISO 37301 certification for regulatory compliance management.

“We are encouraging greater use of whistleblower channels to ensure that any non-compliance issues are promptly reported and addressed,” she adds.

Luz del Sur sets an industry standard for ethical governance and responsible business practices by continuously improving compliance initiatives.

Building trust

With a Chinese majority shareholder, Gillian has also taken on the crucial role of bridging cultural differences between Luz del Sur’s Peruvian operations and its parent company.

“Trust is the foundation of Chinese business culture,” she explains. “Gaining their trust has been one of my biggest challenges but also one of my most valuable achievements.”

She prioritizes transparency, ethical decision-making, and open communication to foster strong relationships. Differences in business etiquette and decision-making processes can create friction, she acknowledges.

“My job is to close these cultural gaps to ensure smooth operations and regulatory compliance. Communication, empathy, and reliability are essential,” she says.

Her leadership extends to her legal team of 27 professionals, whom she describes as a “mini law firm” serving all areas of the business. Recruiting and retaining specialized legal talent in the energy sector presents its own challenges, but Gillian believes in fostering a work environment where employees feel valued and engaged.

“Employees stay when they see a future,” she states. “Providing growth opportunities, mentorship, and recognition is key.”

Gillian emphasizes the importance of strong hiring strategies and internal development programs to retain top talent.

“We need to ensure that we’re hiring individuals who have the right skills but also align with our company’s values and vision,” she explains.

Regular training, mentorship, and leadership opportunities help keep employees motivated and invested in the company’s success.

Championing female leaders

As the only woman at Luz del Sur’s leadership table, Gillian is passionate about inspiring and empowering female lawyers. Representation has a powerful ripple effect. When women see others succeeding in leadership roles, it reinforces the belief that they can, too, she asserts.

Gillian’s career trajectory—from working at top law firms in Peru and the U.S. to becoming a senior partner and transitioning in-house—demonstrates the possibilities available to women in law.

“I was often the only woman in a room full of male attorneys,” she recalls. “Women have had to work harder to prove themselves in male-dominated environments. It’s crucial to dismantle these barriers and foster a culture where talent and ability are the sole criteria for professional growth.”

Beyond her legal career, Gillian is an accomplished Ironman athlete, a testament to her perseverance and discipline.

“Endurance training and legal leadership require similar qualities—focus, resilience, and strategic thinking,” she says. “Whether in sports or law, everything is possible.”

Her commitment to breaking gender barriers extends beyond her company. Gillian actively participates in mentorship programs to support and guide young female lawyers navigating their careers.

“Women need to see that leadership is within their reach. Fear has no place in their journey,” she emphasizes. “I hope my story inspires them and the next generation of women in law.”

As a mother of two young girls, Gillian is dedicated to setting an example of perseverance and success. She wants her daughters to know that they can achieve anything they set their minds to. It’s about hard work, resilience, and the courage to take on challenges head-on.

Through her efforts, Gillian is shaping the future of Luz del Sur and paving the way for more women to rise to leadership positions in the legal and corporate world.

Through her dedication to ethical leadership, cultural bridge-building, and advocacy for women in the legal profession, Gillian Paredes is shaping not only the future of Luz del Sur but also the broader legal and corporate landscape in Peru. Her story is one of perseverance, adaptability, and an unwavering commitment to making a difference, both in her industry and in the lives of those she mentors and inspires.