Marina Zago’s journey from a legal intern to the Legal Director at JTI Brazil exemplifies resilience, strategic vision, and a commitment to excellence. Her career trajectory offers valuable insights into the evolving landscape of legal leadership, particularly for women in the corporate world.

Early Career and Foundations

Marina’s legal career commenced in 2009 as an intern at a mid-sized law firm in São Paulo, Brazil. Initially focusing on labor law, she quickly assumed greater responsibilities, managing legal matters for the Pharmaceutical Association (Sindusfarma). This role ignited her passion for the life sciences sector and regulatory law, setting the stage for her future endeavors.

Her experience with Anvisa regulations, governing sectors like pharmaceuticals and healthcare in Brazil, became a cornerstone of her expertise. Marina’s ability to navigate complex regulatory frameworks and engage in effective legal advocacy distinguished her early in her career.

Advancing Through Legal Ranks

Between 2014 and 2015, and later from 2019 to 2021, Marina served as a Senior Associate at Demarest Law Firm. Here, she expanded her proficiency in corporate law, contract negotiation, and regulatory compliance. Her collaboration with JTI during this period laid the foundation for her future role within the company.

Marina also gained valuable experience in boutique law firms specializing in life sciences and regulated sectors. These roles refined her skills in engaging with public authorities, participating in strategic regulatory discussions, and advocating for policy changes.

Leadership at JTI Brazil

In 2021, Marina joined JTI Brazil as the Legal and Risk Manager, overseeing legal market strategies, risk mitigation, and regulatory challenges. Her leadership emphasized collaboration, open communication, and excellence in compliance. Her adeptness in navigating Brazil’s intricate legal landscape led to her promotion as Legal Director, where she continues to drive strategic initiatives and talent development within her team.

Under her guidance, the legal team at JTI Brazil has become integral in clearing marketing materials, developing engagement strategies, and ensuring product marketing authorization with the regulatory team. Marina’s collaborative approach ensures compliance and supports business objectives.

Pivotal Career Moments

Marina’s career has been shaped by several key moments that influenced her approach to leadership and decision-making. Early in her career, being entrusted with significant legal responsibilities accelerated her learning curve and deepened her understanding of regulatory law.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Marina worked closely with public authorities and multidisciplinary teams to advocate for regulatory changes in vaccine distribution and medical device approvals. This experience underscored the importance of strategic communication, prioritization, and negotiation — key elements of effective leadership.

Her transition to JTI as Legal and Risk Manager marked a shift towards strategic leadership. Developing local market strategies, streamlining product marketing authorizations, and aligning diverse stakeholder interests with organizational goals refined her leadership abilities. Her promotion to Legal Director reinforced her commitment to talent development, transparent communication, and fostering a collaborative team culture.

Recognition and Influence

Marina’s contributions have not gone unnoticed. Her inclusion in Women World Magazine’s feature on “10 Dynamic Women Leading the Charge in Law and Justice, 2025” underscores her influence in the legal sector. Her journey serves as an inspiration for aspiring legal professionals, particularly women seeking to make their mark in traditionally male-dominated fields.

Her leadership style, characterized by ethics, innovation, and inclusivity, aligns with the ethos of Women World Magazine, which envisions a world where women leaders play a pivotal role in shaping the future of businesses and fostering inclusive workplaces.

Commitment to Ethical Leadership

Marina’s leadership is anchored in ethical principles and a commitment to fostering inclusive environments. She champions transparent communication, collaborative team cultures, and continuous professional development. Her approach reflects the values highlighted by Women World Magazine, emphasizing the importance of integrity and purpose in leadership.

Conclusion

Marina Zago’s journey through the legal landscape exemplifies the transformative power of resilience, strategic vision, and ethical leadership. Her story, as chronicled by Women World Magazine, serves as a beacon for aspiring legal professionals and underscores the evolving dynamics of leadership in the legal sector.

Women World Magazine remains dedicated to providing insights into the evolving legal landscape, highlighting the intersection of technology and law, and supporting legal professionals in navigating these changes.