Hatila de Aquino – Ascenty

Ascenty is a pivotal force in the global colocation sector, championing the infrastructure supporting some of the world’s most significant cloud providers. As the leader in this segment throughout Latin America, Ascenty’s data centers are the backbone that ensures the seamless operation of essential services such as emails, file sharing, streaming, and other digital content.

Hatila de Aquino | Ascenty | Legal Director Latin America

This extensive network of data centers is responsible for hosting and maintaining the equipment of these major tech giants and for providing a 24/7 operational guarantee, underscoring Ascenty’s commitment to quality and reliability. The company’s reputation for service excellence is a testament to its dedicated team of professionals who work relentlessly to keep these critical systems online and functional.

In this high-stakes environment, Hatila de Aquino plays a crucial role as the legal director for Latin America. His responsibilities span various legal operations essential to the company’s smooth functioning. From overseeing contracts with suppliers and clients to managing corporate governance, debt instruments, litigation, and insurance matters, de Aquino’s role is central to navigating the complex legal landscape that supports Ascenty’s business operations.

“I also oversee the permits and licenses team, ensuring that Ascenty’s extensive network of data centers complies with legal and regulatory requirements, managing over 1,500 permits and licenses,” he says.

Cutting-edge solutions

De Aquino’s approach to his role is deeply intertwined with the company’s strategic objectives. He views his team as business enablers rather than mere legal advisors. By integrating legal expertise with business acumen, de Aquino and his team provide tailored solutions that align with Ascenty’s goals. This proactive stance allows the legal department to contribute actively to the company’s strategic decision-making processes rather than being reactive. This shift from traditional legal functions to a more integrated role within the company has positioned the legal department as a guiding force, influencing and supporting the company’s development trajectory.

Among his most notable achievements, de Aquino fosters a high-performance team that thrives on shared goals and mutual trust. The department’s success is attributed to its alignment with the company’s culture, emphasizing ethics, agility, flexibility, commitment and a relentless pursuit of excellence. This collaborative environment drives individual growth and strengthens Ascenty’s overall strategic direction.

Currently, de Aquino is focused on two significant initiatives that are expected to shape the future of Ascenty. The first is developing a new energy model tailored for data centers. Since electricity is a critical resource for data center operations, this project aims to create a sustainable and efficient energy supply model. The second major initiative involves bringing large-scale artificial intelligence (AI) projects to Latin America, a sector currently dominated by North American entities.

“Both projects require intricate legal and regulatory frameworks, and our team is instrumental in designing them,” he says. “These initiatives are poised to maintain Ascenty’s competitive edge and to expand its market opportunities, reinforcing the company’s position as a leader in the industry.”

Leading with vision and balance

De Aquino’s leadership at Ascenty exemplifies a balance between professional prowess and personal integrity. His approach to leadership is marked by his significant contributions to the company’s legal framework and his exceptional ability to manage his work-life balance. His disciplined approach to time management is a key factor in this equilibrium, allowing him to fulfill his professional duties while actively participating in family life.

De Aquino’s leadership is also reflected in his strategic vision for Ascenty’s future. He is dedicated to advancing the company’s goals with a clear focus on innovation and growth. In the coming years, he envisions Ascenty achieving landmark milestones. His goal is to see these initiatives come to fruition, solidifying Ascenty’s position at the forefront of the industry.

De Aquino is committed to ensuring a robust succession plan within the legal department. He recognizes the importance of preparing future leaders and intends to see this plan effectively implemented, securing the department’s continued success and adaptability. His aspirations include expanding his role within the company, reflecting his ambition to contribute even more significantly to Ascenty’s strategic objectives.

To realize these ambitions, de Aquino remains focused on disciplined planning and proactive management. He stays attuned to evolving market dynamics and external risks, allowing him to navigate challenges effectively and keep Ascenty on its growth trajectory. His leadership style characterizes a strategic blend of foresight and meticulous legal management. This holistic approach drives the company’s success and fosters a positive and supportive work environment, underscoring de Aquino’s commitment to excellence in every aspect of his role.

Building a legal career

De Aquino’s path to becoming the legal director for Latin America at Ascenty reflects a blend of dedication, strategic planning, and passion. He began with a Bachelor of Law from Universidade de Fortaleza, pursued specialized studies in Tax Law at Uniderp, and completed an MBA in Business Law from Fundação Getulio Vargas.

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His career progression has been marked by natural and spontaneous growth. Early on, de Aquino envisioned a legal executive role, guiding his career choices across various sectors, investment funds in infrastructure, pioneering wind projects in Brazil, and longstanding energy companies.

Inspiring mentors, a solid academic foundation and strategic career decisions have greatly influenced de Aquino’s success. He understands stakeholder needs and aligns his team’s efforts with the company’s goals.

Balancing his professional achievements with a fulfilling personal life, de Aquino prioritizes family time. His commitment to his role at Ascenty and his family highlights his ability to achieve harmony between personal and professional fulfillment.