Valentina Moreno – Uber 

As the legal director for Central America, Panama, the Caribbean and the Andean Region at Uber, Valentina Moreno is important in addressing the complex legal landscape spanning 12 unique countries.  

Valentina Moreno | Legal Director Central America, Andean and Caribbean | Uber

In this diverse and dynamic region, where regulatory frameworks can be outdated and inconsistent, Moreno’s expertise serves as a guiding light for navigating legal complexities. Beyond offering legal guidance, Moreno is strategically evaluating risks and opportunities, ensuring that Uber’s business strategies comply with legal requirements and advance the company’s sustainability objectives. 

As a seasoned legal professional, Moreno brings a wealth of experience to her role, having honed her skills in various legal domains and jurisdictions. Her comprehensive understanding of regional nuances enables her to anticipate legal challenges and formulate proactive strategies to mitigate risks effectively.  

“By providing invaluable insights and assessments, I empower Uber to make informed decisions that foster legal compliance and support the company’s broader sustainability mission,” Moreno tells Vanguard during an interview in April. 

Moreno’s role transcends traditional legal counsel, as she actively shapes Uber’s strategic direction in the region. Through her leadership, she fosters collaboration between legal and business teams, fostering a culture of compliance and innovation.  

By aligning legal strategies with business objectives, Moreno ensures that Uber operates ethically, responsibly, and in alignment with its commitment to sustainability. 

Legal strategies for regional success 

With a forward-looking approach, Moreno embraces technology, recognizing its potential to revolutionize legal practices. Artificial intelligence (AI), in particular, holds promise for enhancing efficiency and accuracy, allowing legal professionals to focus on high-value tasks. Through tools like contract management platforms and AI-powered research, Moreno’s legal team stays at the forefront of innovation, driving operational excellence and delivering superior client service. 

Looking ahead to 2024, Moreno spearheads transformative initiatives to advance Uber’s sustainability agenda. The Electromobility Fund, launched in Costa Rica, underscores Uber’s commitment to reducing emissions and promoting eco-friendly transportation solutions. By forging strategic partnerships and leveraging cross-functional collaboration, Moreno drives the adoption of electric vehicles, setting the stage for sustainable mobility across the region. 

In addition to sustainability efforts, Moreno led the implementation of Uber Taxi in Colombia and Jamaica, bridging traditional taxi services with Uber’s innovative technology. Moreno ensures integration and compliance with local regulations through strategic alliances and meticulous legal negotiations, expanding Uber’s market presence and enhancing accessibility to safe and reliable transportation options. 

Moreno’s multifaceted contributions align with Uber’s business objectives, fostering growth and profitability while advancing social and environmental responsibility. As Uber strives to achieve its vision of emission-free transportation by 2040, Moreno’s leadership and legal acumen play a pivotal role in driving transformative change. 

Leading a legal team 

Moreno is a collaborative and empowering leader leading a team of five lawyers. She fosters an environment where each team member’s unique skills and perspectives are valued, contributing to a cohesive and efficient work dynamic. By promoting open communication and embracing diversity, Moreno ensures that her team is well-equipped to handle the legal challenges that arise within their respective jurisdictions. 

Recruiting and retaining top talent is a cornerstone of Moreno’s leadership philosophy. Beyond seeking individuals with exceptional legal acumen, she prioritizes candidates who resonate with Uber’s mission and values.  

“A shared sense of purpose fosters a deeper commitment and engagement among employees, driving the team toward collective success,” she says. “By nurturing a culture of growth and collaboration, I ensure my team members have the support and resources they need to excel in their roles.” 

Despite the inherent challenges of balancing personal and professional life, Moreno approaches this aspect of her role with resilience and empathy. She understands the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance and encourages her team members to prioritize their well-being. Moreno leads by example, demonstrating that success can be achieved without sacrificing one’s personal life. 

At the core of Moreno’s leadership philosophy lies a genuine desire to help others succeed. Whether guiding her team through complex legal matters or supporting their professional development, she finds fulfillment in empowering others to reach their full potential. Moreno’s dedication to serving her team and fostering a culture of collaboration underscores her commitment to excellence and innovation in the legal profession. 

Passion for law 

Moreno’s legal journey was ignited by a spark of interest from her early experiences. From the outset, her fascination with the intricacies of law led her to pursue a law degree from Universidad Católica Andrés Bello, laying the groundwork for her future endeavors. 

With her legal education as a solid foundation, Moreno began her professional career at a law firm, where she had the opportunity to learn from seasoned experts in a structured environment. 

During her transition to an in-house counsel role, particularly as a junior counsel at a prominent international consumer protection company, Moreno discovered her true calling. She found immense satisfaction and fulfillment in providing legal counsel within corporations, where she could directly contribute to the organization’s success and make a tangible impact. 

In December 2016, Moreno seized a new opportunity and joined Uber, a company renowned for its innovation and transformative impact on industries. This career move marked the beginning of a new chapter for Moreno, where she would leverage her expertise and leadership skills to navigate the legal complexities of a rapidly evolving tech landscape. 

Fast forward to February 2021, Moreno’s dedication and legal acumen have propelled her to the position of legal director for a much larger region, a testament to her unwavering commitment to excellence and her ability to thrive in dynamic environments—she started her career with Uber with responsibility for two countries and now oversees legal matters in 12 countries.

Beyond her professional achievements, Moreno finds fulfillment as a mother to her two sons and a devoted spouse of almost two decades. Her immigrant background and disciplined approach to life have instilled in her a sense of resilience and perseverance, which continue to shape her journey of success and impact those around her. 

“The professional career can be quite long, so I recommend seeking opportunities that not only help you grow but also bring you joy,” Moreno says.  

View this feature in the Vanguard Spring IV 2024 Edition here.