Juan Pedro Quagliata – Megalabs

At Megalabs, a leading pharmaceutical company in Latin America with a footprint across more than 18 countries, the mission is clear: expand ethically, grow responsibly, and never lose sight of integrity. As General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer, Juan Pedro Quagliata is at the forefront of that mission, guiding the company’s Legal and Compliance frameworks with precision and purpose.

Juan Pedro Quagliata | Megalabs | General Counsel & Chief Compliance Officer

From managing the intricacies of high-profile acquisitions to embedding a company-wide culture of ethics, Quagliata’s role touches nearly every part of the business. And in a complex, highly regulated industry like pharmaceuticals, leadership is more than essential—it’s transformative.

Law is a family tradition for Quagliata. His father and two grandparents were notaries, and two of his siblings are legal professionals.

“My interest started back in high school,” he recalls. “It felt like a natural fit.”

But when he earned his law degree in Uruguay, in-house counsel roles were virtually unheard of in the region. Private practice seemed like the obvious path—until it wasn’t.

“Switching from independent practice to corporate law, with no prior experience, was the biggest challenge of my career,” he says. “But I knew it was where I wanted to be.”

That leap of faith paid off. Eight years ago, Quagliata joined Megalabs and now oversees the Legal and Compliance function of a company that leads the Latin American pharmaceutical market.

His role extends far beyond contracts and regulations.

“I don’t see Legal and Compliance as the ‘No Department,’” he explains. “Our job is to be a creative and trustworthy ally—guiding the business with strategic, responsible advice.”

Strengthening culture through action

One of the defining challenges for Megalabs—and the entire pharmaceutical industry in Latin America—is establishing and maintaining a strong, ethical corporate culture. For Quagliata, this doesn’t start with thick policy binders; it begins with people.

“Tone at the top matters, but it’s not enough,” he says. “An ethical culture has to be transversal. It must live in every employee, every process, and every decision.”

To that end, Quagliata and his team prioritize accessible leadership, ongoing communication, and continuous employee training. He believes ethics should be communicated in plain language: “Ethics is doing what is right. Integrity is doing what is right, even when no one is watching.”

He’s also focused on ensuring compliance policies aren’t just theoretical.

“What’s more important than the document is the proof that the controls in it are actually being carried out,” he says.

That emphasis on integrity has a real business impact. Compliance often becomes a competitive advantage in high-stakes negotiations, especially when exploring new partnerships.

“When a potential partner sees how strong your governance is, it can tip the scale in your favor,” Quagliata notes.

Big moves and global impact

One of the most significant projects Quagliata has been involved in recently is acquiring marketing and distribution rights for several world-leading innovative pharmaceutical companies’ products. With agreements now in place in countries like Bolivia, Uruguay, Brazil, Mexico, Chile, and Argentina, the move has been a strategic game-changer.

“Being associated with such companies is huge for us,” he says. “Their reputation enhances our own and supports the growth of our brand.”

Quagliata’s role in the deal was multifaceted—ensuring alignment across teams, analyzing potential risks, and helping structure a balanced agreement.

“No transaction is ever zero risk,” he says. “Our job is to understand the risks, explain them clearly, and provide advice that helps the business move forward safely.”

In parallel, he oversees the continued rollout of Megalabs’ global anti-corruption program. For Quagliata, this isn’t just about checking boxes but building a culture that partners can trust. “We’ve been able to lead on compliance even in regions where that expertise is still developing,” he says, referencing the unique challenges and opportunities of working in Uruguay and other parts of Latin America.

Looking ahead to 2025 and beyond, his department is focused on further strengthening data privacy policies, enhancing corporate governance, and supporting Megalabs’ new ventures with proactive legal guidance.

Building the right team

Quagliata is part of a small but strategic legal department. At Megalabs’ headquarters, he works with two legal colleagues and is a central resource for regional subsidiaries. Globally, the company has eight legal professionals and 22 associates in compliance roles.

Attracting top talent is a priority—and a challenge. But Quagliata rejects the idea that “good candidates are hard to find.” He believes the key lies in understanding what today’s professionals really want.

“It’s not just about money or titles,” he explains. “People want to grow. They want a purpose.”

That mindset shapes how he hires and how he manages his team. And while the work is demanding, particularly when it comes to understanding the evolving needs of internal stakeholders, Quagliata finds fulfillment in being part of the company’s larger mission.

“There’s no greater satisfaction than seeing how our work helps the business meet its goals,” he says.

That satisfaction is magnified when he reflects on the team´s growth, rooted in trust, integrity, and innovation.

Beyond the boardroom

Away from the legal complexities of global pharmaceutical operations, Quagliata’s life is anchored by family and sport. He has been married for eight years and has a three-year-old daughter whom he describes as the joy of their lives and the most significant challenge he faces daily.”

Family ties remain strong; he frequently spends time with his mother, siblings, nieces, nephews, and extended family. Sports provide another outlet—he still plays football with a veteran’s team and recently took up coaching at his longtime club, Elbio Fernández, in the Liga Universitaria.

Even on the pitch, the same qualities that define his legal work—strategic thinking, team leadership, and commitment—shine through.