Success in the high-stakes and rapidly evolving oil and gas industry hinges on strategy, foresight, and navigating complex negotiations. Only a few embody these qualities, and one name consistently rises above the rest: Rodrigo Rivera del Valle.
“One thing I love,” he shares, “is the direct impact of energy projects on people’s daily lives.” Unlike some industries solely driven by profit, Rodrigo’s work focuses on delivering tangible results to communities, such as reliable power.
As a distinguished executive known for his expertise in regulatory compliance, stakeholder engagement, and complex contract negotiations, Rodrigo has mastered crafting oil and gas contracts that check legal boxes and drive innovation and long-term growth.
With over 20 years of experience, he grounds his decisions on mutual trust and respect: “I thrive on creating win-win scenarios where everyone gains something valuable,” he explains. This guiding principle is what separates Rodrigo from the other experts.
Regarding credentials, Rodrigo is a certified lawyer, earning his law degree from the Instituto Tecnológico Autónomo de México (ITAM). He also completed advanced negotiation programs and specialized diplomas in petroleum fundamentals, labor politics, and conflict mediation. At present, Rodrigo is pursuing an LLM in Administrative and Regulatory Law.
Rodrigo has managed oil and gas contracts that shape energy markets and drive innovation. He is the Senior Director of Policy and Regulatory Affairs for Latin America at Equinor, leading initiatives in the renewable energy sector. Such a role allows him to apply his knowledge in policy development and negotiations.
“Contracts are more than just legal documents—they’re the backbone of operational success,” Rodrigo explains.
“A well-negotiated contract anticipates challenges, protects all parties, and aligns with the project’s broader goals.”
Building Trust at the Negotiating Table
Rodrigo’s ability to build stakeholder trust is at the heart of his success. His time as Country Manager for Mexico at Equinor demonstrated his knack for balancing corporate objectives with local realities.
In this role, Rodrigo oversaw operations for exploratory licenses and navigated regulatory requirements to ensure compliance and operational efficiency.
“Negotiating oil and gas contracts requires transparency and a willingness to find common ground,” Rodrigo shares.
“In one instance, we negotiated operational readiness agreements with multiple stakeholders, including government agencies, joint venture partners, and local communities. Creating a shared purpose was essential while addressing each party’s specific concerns.”
His streak of successful and impactful projects is also evident during his time with AXTEL, a Mexican telecommunications company offering cloud and cybersecurity services. Ermilio Vazquez, Rodrigo’s Regulatory Director in AXTEL recalls that Rodrigo became AXTEL’s official Representative to the Telecommunications Regulator (IFT).
“He played a pivotal role in negotiating multiple interconnection agreements and representing AXTEL within the Industry Association CANIETI and IFT,” Emilio recalls.
Rodrigo’s most significant achievement was his contribution to the Special Committees that sought to secure Mexico’s largest telecom company designation as “preponderante” (dominant).
Such designation allowed regulators to apply special rules that prevented monopolistic practice. Thanks to his leadership, the entire telecommunications sector benefited from a level playing field.
Amanda Duhon is the VP and Regional Director at the Energy Industries Council (EIC), overseeing the organization’s operations in North and Central America. She has worked closely with Rodrigo, who served as a valued member of the region’s EIC Advisory Board.
“Rodrigo’s deep understanding of regulatory frameworks and strategic vision have been invaluable to EIC’s mission. His contributions to our Advisory Board have enhanced our regional initiatives and helped guide the energy industry toward more effective and sustainable solutions. His expertise and leadership have been key in driving our goals forward.”
The Art of Navigating Complexity
Oil and gas contracts often involve layers of complexity, from regulatory compliance to operational logistics. Rodrigo’s legal background has been instrumental in managing these intricacies. His tenure as Head of Public and Regulatory Affairs at Equinor saw him leading regulatory teams in interactions with authorities such as CNH, ASEA, and SENER in Mexico.
Ermilo continues: “Rodrigo’s expertise in regulatory affairs and legislative analysis was invaluable to AXTEL. His ability to navigate complex legislative changes and his strategic insight into regulatory reforms allowed us to effectively influence key decisions and ensure our position in the telecommunications market was always well-represented.
“His leadership and understanding of government affairs were critical in shaping AXTEL’s successful approach to industry changes.”
Rodrigo recalls: “Every step of that process was a test of patience and precision. But by maintaining open lines of communication and presenting a clear, well-documented case, we secured the necessary permits and moved the project forward.”
With these achievements, Rodrigo’s philosophy is simple: transparency fosters trust, and trust leads to better outcomes: “You can’t go into a negotiation with a ‘win-lose’ mindset. Successful contracts are built on mutual respect and understanding.
“Regulatory landscapes are constantly shifting, especially in energy,” he adds.
“You must stay ahead of the curve by anticipating changes and adapting your strategy accordingly.
Lessons in Flexibility and Strategy
Rodrigo’s approach to energy contracts emphasizes flexibility and strategic thinking. He often draws from his experience as a legal advisor and his work in corporate regulatory planning to craft contracts that account for potential risks and changing market conditions.
“One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is to build flexibility into the contract framework,” he says. “Markets fluctuate, regulations evolve, and unforeseen challenges arise. If your contract doesn’t allow for adjustments, you’re setting yourself up for conflict.”
Rodrigo highlights an example from his time at Perseus Energy, an independent Mexican oil and gas exploration and production company where he was the Head of the Regulatory Area.
He led a groundbreaking effort in land acquisition under the Hydrocarbons Law. Rodrigo and his team achieved a historic milestone by securing court approvals for over 22 land parcels, the first time any agreement of this kind had been achieved. It paved the way for smooth onshore operations and gave Perseus Energy access to project sites.
Jesus Antonio Marin Rojas is the Director of Operations at Perseus Energy, a company that delivers sustainable energy solutions. He worked closely with Rodrigo: “His exceptional understanding of regulatory affairs and his ability to navigate complex compliance challenges have been crucial to the success of our operations.
‘Rodrigo’s innovative approach to managing legal frameworks and building strong relationships with government entities has ensured our compliance and positioned us for long-term growth. And his expertise is a key asset in driving the energy sector forward.”
The process involved validating agreements in court while addressing the concerns of local landowners. Such a task involved meeting the legal requirements while ensuring all parties are respective. Thankfully, Rodrigo’s innovative approach showed his skill in solving tough regulatory problems while balancing the needs of communities and stakeholders.
“Working with governments is always challenging”, Rodrigo noted when asked about unique challenges he enjoys overcoming. “It’s challenging due to the mix of agendas, politics, and regulations,” he explained. He added that though it can be challenging, he enjoyed navigating these complexities, whether understanding new regulations or establishing trust with government officials.
Innovating Smarter Solutions for Oil and Gas
Rodrigo’s vision for smarter oil and gas contracts includes leveraging technology and data to streamline the negotiation process: “Technology is transforming how we approach contract management,” he said. “From digital workflows to advanced analytics, there are tools that can help us identify risks, track compliance, and improve efficiency.”
While working at Perseus Energy, Rodrigo achieved a historic milestone by securing Mexico’s first-ever floating pledge from CNH. This groundbreaking move showcased his forward-thinking approach in managing risks and financing projects.
Moreover, in his time with AXTEL, Vazquez commended Rodrigo’s strategic foresight. Rodrigo played a major role in shaping the future of AXTEL as a founding member of the Antitrust Regulation Committee and the Reform Implementation Committee. His leadership and vision were pivotal in implementing the Telecommunications Reform, which helped AXTEL stay ahead in a fast-changing regulatory landscape. Thanks to his deep knowledge of telecommunications policy, Rodrigo helped the company navigate through complex changes.
A Vision for Collaboration
Rodrigo believes that collaboration is key to advancing the oil and gas sector. His work often bridges the gap between corporate priorities and government policies, creating contracts serving business and societal interests.
“Energy projects profoundly impact communities, economies, and the environment,” he said. For Rodrigo, contracts continue beyond simply meeting legal or operational requirements. What matters is crafting agreements that respect local cultures, address environmental concerns, and create long-term economic value.
Rodrigo’s efforts extend beyond individual projects. He has participated in industry panels and conferences, sharing insights on best practices for negotiating oil and gas contracts: “Sharing knowledge is essential for driving progress in our industry,” he added.
“When we collaborate, we all benefit.” With this, he sees every project as an opportunity to build trust and partnerships with stakeholders. “Transparency and honesty are foundational”, Rodrigo says when asked about the values he prioritizes at work.
Leading by Example
Rodrigo is a remarkable leader whose expertise bridges law, regulation, and strategic innovation across multiple industries.
But Rodrigo’s approach isn’t focused on getting deals done. “Every contract is an opportunity to create value, mitigate risks, and build trust,” he said. “That’s what motivates me every day.” Indeed, he values creating contracts that provide value for all stakeholders involved. For him, the goal is sustainability, fairness, and solutions that benefit businesses, communities, and the environment.
“I hope to be remembered as someone who positively impacted the industry and the people I served,” Rodrigo said. Now, that’s leadership worth paying attention to.