Mattos Filho announces next managing partner, effective early 2024

Mattos Filho has announced that Pedro Whitaker de Souza Dias has been elected to lead the firm as its next managing partner, a role he will occupy from April 2024. A member of the firm’s executive committee for seven years, Dias will now serve together with current managing partner Roberto Quiroga, whose term is set to end in March 2024.

The transition will be facilitated by Mattos Filho’s governance model, which has gone from strength to strength in the 14 years since it was first implemented. This model prioritizes transparency and attaining broad consensus on strategic matters concerning the firm, reflecting its maturity.

“It makes me proud to see how the firm has matured to a point where it is able to develop new, outstanding leaders who can ensure the firm keeps its prominent position within the market with the highest standards of client service, while innovating and taking care of our professionals,” declared Quiroga.

Developing new leaders is an integral part of Mattos Filho’s culture. Partners are prepared to carry out management activities, such as running committees and programs focused on the firm’s business strategy.

“For me, it is an honor and privilege to have been elected,” explained Dias. “Together with all the firm’s partners, I look forward to continuing a project that has been a fundamental part of my career and professional development for almost 25 years. It brings me great joy to take on this opportunity.”

Mattos Filho’s governance model was institutionalized in 2009, and consists of an executive committee made up of the managing partner and ten other partners elected for three-year terms by the partnership. Such a structure serves to enhance the firm’s long-term strategy, ensuring it can remain strong and grow sustainably into the future. It is also reflected in Mattos Filho’s consistent results for its professionals and Brazilian and foreign clients.

Get to know Mattos Filho’s next managing partner

Pedro Whitaker de Souza Dias has already played a significant institutional role at the firm. A member of Mattos Filho’s executive committee since 2016, Dias has also been involved in several other important institutional and management initiatives, such as the firm’s finance and strategic planning committees.

A law graduate of the Pontifical Catholic University in São Paulo, Dias went on to obtain a Master of Laws (LL.M.) from the University of Pennsylvania. First joining the firm as an associate in 1999, he has been a partner within the firm’s Corporate/M&A practice for 16 years.  Dias, 48, has focused his legal practice on representing Brazilian and foreign clients in the healthcare, agribusiness, private equity and inbound investment sectors, as well as on advising publicly-held companies on regulatory issues.

He has received a number of recognitions from important legal market institutions for his Corporate/M&A work, including Chambers Global, Chambers Brazil, Latin Lawyer 250 and The Legal 500.