Raúl Rolo

Source: MPA

Raúl Rolo

Motion Picture Association (MPA) is stepping up its anti-piracy and government relations strategy in Latin America with the hire of IP and regulatory veteran Raúl Rolo.

Based in Mexico City, Rolo joins as VP and regional legal counsel for the region and will guide the MPA on engagement with policymakers and authorities. He reports to Carla Sánchez-Armas, the MPA’s managing director of Latin America, and Jesse Martin, who serves as SVP and associate general counsel (global litigation and intermediaries).

Prior to joining the MPA, Rolo led anti-counterfeiting and litigation in nine countries as the head of legal, IP, compliance and corporate affairs for Latin America at the European phone, tablet, and accessories manufacturer HMD Global. He also held senior regional regulatory and legal roles at the likes of Microsoft, Nokia, and Asurion.

“Raúl’s career achievements in the public policy and legal arenas align with the MPA’s work in Latin America,” Sánchez-Armas said. “His experience in regulatory environments, combined with his leadership in co-drafting broadcasting and film industry laws will be invaluable in upholding IP rights throughout the region.” Martin added, “Raúl joins the MPA to further advance our regional strategies to protect creators and viewing audiences from the many harms of piracy.”

Earlier in his career, Rolo co-founded and served as lead political advisor at Poder Ciudadano MXxMX , a civil group in Mexico of more than 180 members including elected officials and trade association leaders.

“Film and storytelling have been a defining part of my life since childhood and I have always believed that protecting creative work is essential to sustaining culture and innovation,” Rolo said.

Separately, the MPA announced several promotions within the global policy team. Trevor Fernandes will take on an expanded role as deputy managing director and head of policy & government affairs, APAC, and lead the Singapore office. He will continue as SVP, reporting to Urmila Venugopalan, president and managing director, APAC.

Sunniva Hansson has been promoted to SVP after joining the MPA in 2025 as VP head of policy, EMEA; and Julia Jenks, the MPA’s VP of worldwide research and information analysis, has been promoted to SVP and continues reporting to John Mercurio, EVP global communications, and Greg Saphier, SVP public affairs.

 

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