Rosa Carolina Pereira Sigala – Ingredion

As senior legal manager for Andean and government affairs, Rosa Pereira Sigala is crucial in ensuring Ingredion’s ongoing success in one of its most dynamic regions. Ingredion, a global leader in innovative ingredient solutions, operates in a complex landscape of regulations, market fluctuations, and diverse stakeholder expectations. Pereira’s role is multifaceted, extending beyond standard legal responsibilities to encompass compliance oversight, risk management, and strategic government relations. She is part of the Global Legal Business Integrity and Government Affairs team, reporting directly to the GLBG Latam leader. This cross-functional team is a strategic enabler for business development, ensuring compliance and growth in Colombia, Ecuador and Peru.

Rosa Carolina Pereira Sigala | Ingredion | Senior Legal Manager, Andean & Government Affairs

Rosa Carolina is involved in key initiatives to support Ingredion’s resilience and adaptability to regional challenges. With market pressures such as inflation, fluctuating regulations, and evolving consumer expectations, Pereira’s department ensures that the company navigates these challenges effectively while maintaining a competitive edge.

“At Ingredion, we embrace the complexities of our region as opportunities for growth and innovation. We ensure that we meet regulatory standards and exceed the expectations of our stakeholders,” Rosa Carolina says.

Proactive strategies for business growth

Among the most impactful projects she is spearheading is the development of enhanced compliance frameworks tailored to the region’s unique legal and regulatory environment. These frameworks help Ingredion stay ahead of potential issues by addressing regulatory requirements proactively, ensuring that business practices align with local laws, and safeguarding Ingredion’s reputation. Her efforts also focus on creating clear guidelines for internal teams to follow, simplifying complex regulatory requirements to make them accessible and actionable. This allows Ingredion’s operations to remain efficient and compliant, reducing the risk of penalties or interruptions.

Another significant initiative is Ingredion’s strategy for building and sustaining long-term relationships with government authorities and industry regulators. Recognizing that collaboration is key to navigating regulatory landscapes, so it is implementing a comprehensive government affairs program. This program focuses on engaging with policymakers, understanding upcoming regulatory changes, and advocating for fair practices that support Ingredion’s interests and those of the broader industry.

Rosa Carolina is also vital in advancing technological innovation within the legal department. Her team integrates cutting-edge tools, including artificial intelligence, to streamline operational tasks such as contract management and compliance monitoring. By automating these processes, Pereira’s department has shifted its focus toward more strategic activities, such as identifying new opportunities for business growth and providing actionable insights to leadership.

“This forward-thinking approach enhances the department’s efficiency and aligns it with Ingredion’s broader goals of innovation and excellence,” she says.

Another important project involves supporting business development through legal and regulatory guidance. By working closely with Ingredion’s commercial teams, Rosa Carolina ensures that new initiatives, such as entering new markets or launching innovative products, are built on a solid legal foundation. Her team’s ability to anticipate potential challenges and offer practical solutions enables the business to move forward confidently, turning legal and regulatory hurdles into opportunities for growth.

Shaping the future of legal strategy and team success

Pereira’s team, comprised of three direct reports and a network of external law firms across three countries, is a critical asset in achieving these goals. She emphasizes the importance of developing her team members by exposing them to various challenges and ensuring their continuous growth. By creating an environment where talent can thrive, Rosa Carolina fosters a culture of innovation and collaboration, directly enhancing the team’s ability to address complex issues and deliver results.

A major challenge in her role is staying ahead of the ever-changing regulatory landscape in Latin America. Rosa Carolina is focused on building robust compliance frameworks that protect Ingredion and enable the business to innovate and seize new opportunities. By doing so, she ensures that Ingredion remains a trusted and ethical organization in the eyes of regulators and stakeholders.

Rosa Carolina’s leadership and talent retention approach is a cornerstone of her success. She prioritizes hiring individuals whose values align with Ingredion’s principles and who are adaptable to thrive in a fast-paced, evolving environment. Retaining top talent is equally essential; she achieves this by providing her team with opportunities to grow and excel. By celebrating their achievements and fostering a culture of mutual support, Pereira ensures her department remains a model of excellence and innovation.

A global perspective on justice

Rosa Carolina’s journey began with a passion for fairness and justice. Growing up in Venezuela with values instilled by her Portuguese father, she developed a fascination for finding equitable solutions. This interest guided her toward a legal career. Although initially uncertain about pursuing a private practice or an in-house role, her consultancy experience revealed a desire to implement her recommendations actively. This realization led her to an in-house legal path, where she has thrived for over two decades.

A commitment to creating impactful change has marked her career. As Senior Legal Manager for l Andean and Government Affairs at Ingredion, Rosa Carolina brings her expertise to diverse, multicultural teams, a skill refined through living in countries like Venezuela, France, England, and Colombia. She emphasizes the importance of diversity and inclusion, advocating for women’s empowerment and balanced decision-making.

Outside work, Sigala is involved in initiatives promoting gender equity, including Women in Board Leadership and its different clubs, such as reading and gastronomy. She is a proud wife and mother of two sons, teaching them the importance of diversity and respect by example. A curious lifelong learner, Rosa Carolina is passionate about sharing knowledge and fostering growth in her professional and personal communities.