ICC Institute of World Business adds new Council members to increase scope and diversity

Comprising 40 eminent lawyers, the governing body shapes the Institute’s strategy, policy and programme of activities in line with ICC’s mission to make business work for everyone, every day, everywhere.

Boosting diversity efforts within the global think-tank’s Council was identified as one of the three key priorities identified by Mr Silva Romero, when he became Chair of the ICC Institute in January.

He said: “As a global think-tank, it is critical that representation from all backgrounds and practice areas be present in our leadership. I am confident that our new members will champion our activities in developing innovative professional development, conducting fundamental research, and offering support to those involved in the area of international business law worldwide.”

The new members are:

Mauricio Almeida Prado

An independent arbitrator based in Brazil, Mr Almeida Prado has a proven track record of more than 380 domestic and international arbitration cases within a broad range of domains. He is also the author of several leading publications on international contracts and speaks English, French, Portuguese and Spanish.

Cristina Martinetti

A partner at Elexi in Italy, Ms Martinetti specialises in international trade law, mergers and acquisitions, and distribution contracts. She has been appointed Chair of the IBA International Sales Committee and also acts as an arbitrator and counsel in domestic and international disputes. She speaks English, French, and Italian.

Cecilia Misu

An electrical engineer by trade and Founder of CMSQUARE in Germany, Ms Misu specialises in process automation. With more than 35 years of experience in high-profile and complex engineering projects, as well as in claims and contract management, project management, and international dispute avoidance.

Matthias Scherer

A partner at LALIVE in Switzerland, Mr Scherer specialises in commercial and investment arbitration. He has acted as counsel in more than 200 arbitration and ADR proceedings under various rules, include those of ICC.

Maria Ines Sola

A legal counsel at Pan American Energy in Argentina, Ms Sola specialises in both domestic and international dispute resolution with cases regarding the oil and gas industry, regulatory matters, and commercial law.

Habibatou Touré

A senior legal counsel at Habibatou Touré in Senegal, Ms Touré specialises in international business law and African law relating to investments. She has experience in projects involving banking, corporate law, international contracts, financing laws of West African Economic and the Monetary Union States, security, and OHADA – Organisation for the Harmonisation of Corporate Law in Africa legislation and speaks English and French.

Galina Zukova

Dually qualified in Paris and Latvia, Ms Zukova specialises in commercial and investment arbitration. She is an Associate Professor at the University of Versailles Saint-Quentin (Paris-Saclay) and the Riga Graduate School of Law. Ms Zukova is fluent in English, French, Italian, Latvian, Russian and Spanish.

Commenting on the line-up of experts, Director of the ICC Institute of World Business Law Sybille de Rosny-Schwebel said: “As a leading think-tank, we are pleased to welcome these seven legal experts, from across the world, to the ICC Institute. The new members, with their diverse backgrounds and extensive experiences, will be instrumental in driving the growth of the ICC Institute and the promotion of international business law.”

Learn more about the Institute of World Business Law, and how to how to join the membership-based think-tank.