We are a multidisciplinary group of professionals who believe in developing long-term professional relationships based on transparency and trust.
Berg Associates is a company of experienced professionals, originally founded under the name “Business Exposure Reduction Group” and initially oriented to provide services for financial entities in the area of compliance.
We have evolved and expanded our consultancy efforts beyond the usual corporate territory to governmental sectors, autonomous entities, educational institutions, international organizations and civil society.
We are convinced that a large part of the success of our consulting services’ rests on the talent of our partners, advisors and associates.
Canada
United States
Mexico
Bolivia
Argentina
Guatemala
Honduras
Costa Rica
Panama
Dominican Rep.
Puerto Rico
Barbados
British
Virgin Islands
Denmark
Spain
United Kingdom
South Korea
Japan
Calle 45 Este
PH Vista del Este
Bella Vista
Panama City, Republic of Panama
–
PO Box 0831-0651
Phone: +507 209-8065
Cell phone: +507 6618-7266 / +507 6612-1248
E-mail: info@berglatam.com
2025 © Berg Associates (Latin America) Inc. – All rights reserved.
Holds a Master’s Degree in Economics from the International University of Business and Economics in Beijing, China.
As a senior economist at the Panamanian Association of Business Executives (APEDE), Gina Román applied her expertise in sectoral analysis to support Panama’s national strategy towards the World Trade Organization (WTO), playing a pivotal role in its consolidation. She later served as Head of Investment Project Formulation at the Ministry of Health, contributing to strategic health initiatives across the country. From 2005 to 2016, she worked at the University of Panama as Deputy Director of planning and then as Director of International Cooperation. From 2019 to 2024, she served as National Director of Planning at Panama’s Social Security Fund (CSS), overseeing critical planning and development efforts.
In addition to her professional achievements, Gina has a deep passion for volunteering. She has twice served as president of the Kiwanis Club “Las Gardenias” and continues to be an active member, particularly focusing on education and leadership programs.
At Berg Associates, Gina Román serves as an Associate Consultant specializing in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), Strategic Management, Corporate Governance, and Environmental Analysis.
Languages: Spanish and English
Paul ‘t Hoen brings more than 40 years of brand strategy and marketing communications experience throughout the Latin America/Caribbean region, including 5 years based in Panama City as Managing Director of McCann-Erickson.
Paul ‘t Hoen brings know-how and expertise in consumer insight and dynamics, positioning and brand purpose, communication technologies (digital, social, mass media and direct), consumer journey and an array of industries throughout Latin America.
His passion for marketing communications goes back to his days as an undergraduate at Stanford University where he researched imagery-mediated learning while majoring in Psychology and Economics.
A citizen of The Netherlands, Paul ‘t Hoen presently resides in Mexico City after 40 years with McCann-Erickson in 6 countries and covering 2 regions.
Marjorie Chanis began her career with Dell in 2003, as Sales Manager for Small and Medium Business in Latin America. Currently, she leads the Latin American business transformation and sales operations team for Dell EMC.
With more than 20 years of experience in the technology industry, obtained from various leadership positions, Marjorie Chanis brings to Berg Associates in depth knowledge in strategy, organization, business development, sales and marketing.
Marjorie Chanis holds a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from the Latin American University of Science and Technology (ULACIT) in Panama, a Public Relations Postgraduate from Florida International and a B.Sc. in Mass Communication from the Santa Maria La Antigua Catholic University (USMA) in Panama.
Languages: English and Spanish
She holds a Master’s Degree in Business Administration (MBA) with emphasis in Marketing, graduated from the Universidad Latinoamericana de Ciencias y Tecnología in Panama.
Melissa Valderrábano Díaz has experience implementing marketing strategies, new product launches and corporate image for the financial and consumer products sectors. She has extensive knowledge of banking processes, both front-end and back-end operations and their functioning at a local and international level.
Melissa Valderrábano Díaz has successfully led the implementation of the following projects: Launching of the new corporate image of Multi Credit Bank to Multibank, Launching of the Plan Futura Savings Account and ATRÉVETE Motivational Program for Banco Uno, Re-branding strategy from Corporate Banking to Consumer Banking for Banco Continental, Design and launching of the Gallito candy brand for Philip Morris Panama among others.
In recent years, she ventured into the reinsurance market enhancing the international projection of the Active Re brand in different traditional and digital media.
At Berg, Melissa Valderrábano Días is an Associate Consultant in the development, marketing and sales of e-learning products.
Languages: Spanish and English
Industrial Engineer with a Master’s Degree in Supply Chain Administration. She has studied in Canada, Puerto Rico and Panama.
At Berg Associates, Michelle Williams is a certified translator in Spanish / English and vice versa.
José Abbo is a financial strategist and author with over 40 years of experience in capital markets and financial strategy. He has held influential roles in financial and governmental institutions, including serving as Chairman of the Board of Directors of Panama’s Sovereign Wealth Fund (Fondo de Ahorro de Panamá) from 2016 to 2020. In this position, he led reforms that increased contributions to the fund, strengthening Panama’s financial resilience.
He has also worked as an investment advisor with J. Safra Sarasin Panama and Credit Suisse, where he spearheaded strategic initiatives and facilitated sovereign bond issuances. In the corporate sector, José Abbo was Vice President of Financial Projects at Cable & Wireless for the Americas and the Caribbean, optimizing working capital and repatriation strategies. As the founder of FX & Valores, he specialized in financial analysis, consultancy, and training in capital markets. He also played a pivotal role at the Panama Stock Exchange, where he championed the democratization of capital access.
As an author, José Abbo has written three books on financial markets: Divisando Wall Street Desde el Sur de América(2000), The Big Gamble: Are You Investing or Speculating? (2008), and From Asteroids to Pandemics, Living in a World of Spontaneous Risks (2023). He has contributed to prominent publications like The Economist Intelligence Unitand Oxford Analytica.
José Abbo is also a sought-after international speaker, sharing insights on global finance and economics at renowned forums and institutions. His expertise in financial strategy and capital markets positions him as a respected voice in Latin American finance.
Languages: Spanish and English
Has a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from INCAE Business School in Costa Rica, as well as a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics and Geography from Clark University in Worcester, Massachusetts in the United States.
She is experienced in project management and human resources management.
At Berg Associates, Gisela Figge de Iturbide is a certified translator in Spanish / English and vice versa.
Lawyer with a recognized career in the Panamanian financial sector. Specialist in the security market sector. She worked for 16 years in the Panamanian securities regulator, holding various management positions, interim commissioner in various periods, until she was appointed as Superintendent of the Securities Market for the period 2015 -2019. Being the first woman to hold this important position.
In the banking sector, she worked at MMG Bank Corporation, in addition to supporting other companies in the Morgan & Morgan Group Financial Unit, such as MMG Asset Management, Casa de Valores.
Currently partner at Virtu Atelier Legal.
She was recognized internationally while occupying important positions at IOSCO, International Organization of Securities Market Regulators. She was in two terms as Vice-President of the Inter-American Committee; and was also part of the IOSCO Board of Directors. It was the first time that Panama participated in the governing body in charge of setting standards worldwide.
She has been invited as a speaker and panelist at numerous national and international conferences on the securities market, compliance, corporate governance, gender parity, sustainable finance and issues related to financial markets in general.
Actively participates in organizations such as the Institute of Corporate Governance of Panama (IGCP), Women in Profession (WIP), Association of Directors of Panama (ADP). Proniñez Association of Panama. She is also an instructor at the Securities Education Program of Latin-American Securities Stock Exchange (LATINEX).
Activist in gender equality, she was a member of the National Council for Gender Parity.
She is also an independent director. She holds a Master of Business and International Law, LLM from Stetson University College of Law, Florida U.S.
At Berg Associates, she is a consultant in the areas of compliance, corporate governance for the financial sector.
Master of Laws from the University of London, King’s College.
With more than 30 years of experience, at Berg Associates, Eduardo Gonzalez Garay is a Consultant advising financial and fiduciary institutions, HNW individuals and families, on all aspects of asset planning, structuring and administration, including cross border corporate solutions, trusts, and Foundations. Other areas of expertise include regulatory compliance and corporate governance for companies and complex corporate vehicles.
Languages: Spanish, English, Italian and French
Holds a Doctorate in Microbiology from the University of Notre Dame in the United States. She is an academic, diplomat, and an excellent professional with a background in development and public policies.
As National Human Development Report Coordinator for the UN Development Programme (UNDP) in Panama, Paulina Franceschi led the elaboration of three National Human Development Reports: Poverty (2002), Youth (2004), and Institutionality (2007-2008).
Subsequently, she became Academic Vice Chancellor and Vice Chancellor for Postgraduate and Research at the Santa Maria La Antigua Catholic University (USMA) in Panama.
In 2014, Paulina Franceschi was appointed as Deputy Ambassador to the United Nations at the Panamanian UN Mission in New York. In 2015, she was appointed as Panama´s Ambassador to Austria and Permanent Representative of the International Organizations in Vienna.
At Berg Associates, Paulina Franceschi is an Associate Consultant in the area of CSR and Strategic Political Management.
Languages: Spanish and English
He has held management positions in public institutions of the agricultural sector, in the fields of: Planning, Socioeconomic Studies, Administration and Finance. He is a consultant for international organizations: the Inter-American Institute for Agricultural Cooperation (IICA), the International Service for National Agricultural Research (ISNAR), and the United Nations Food Organization (FAO).
In the social development sector, he was Program Officer for the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in: Health, Education, Local Development, Water and Environmental Sanitation and as the Country Program Coordinator.
He has directed and accompanied the formulation of Strategic Plans for the United Nations (UN) in Panama, the Specialized University of the Americas (UDELAS), the Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF) and the National Secretariat for People with Disabilities (SENADIS).
Miguel Cuéllar, is a teacher of masters and postgraduate courses in: Public Policy, Social Management, Strategic Planning and Formulation and Evaluation of projects.
At Berg, Miguel Cuellar is an Associate Consultant in Corporate Social Responsibility, Strategic Political Management, and Strategic Planning.
Economist with four decades of experience in her professional career, with emphasis in public policies and competitiveness. Proven experience in strategic planning and a working group’s facilitator.
Luisa Turolla has assisted Board of Directors in economic and financial issues. She is a consultant in international commerce, regulation and competition, strategies for development, institutional strengthening, public finances and fiscal policies, both for private and public sector clients, as well international organizations such as the Interamerican Development Bank (IDB), World Bank, UNDP, and the World Trade Organization (WTO), among others.
She actively participates in private sector associations.
In Berg Associates, Luisa Turolla is Associated Consultant in the areas of CSR, Strategic Political Management.
Languages: Spanish, Italian and English.
He is a professional with more than 20 years of experience in the legal and academic field, with experience in the private and public sector in Panama.
He has practiced his profession in different law firms in the areas of business, corporate, tax and commercial law, among others.
In the academic field, he served for 7 years as Dean of the Law School of Universidad Santa María La Antigua. He also managed the Law School of the Interamerican University of Panama.
In the period 2020-2022, he was the first Superintendent of Non-Financial Subjects of Panama, leading the creation and decentralization process of the entity, as well as the management of the areas of regulation and supervision.
He has led projects sponsored by international organizations such as the Inter-American Federation of Lawyers, Development Bank of Latin America CAF, USAID, among others.
He belongs to different organizations such as the Fulbright Scholars Association, the National Bar Association, Fundación Excelencia Educativa; and has participated in programs with the German Agency DAAD, among other organizations.
At Berg Associates, Victor Delgado is an Associate Consultant in the regulatory, compliance and training areas.
Languages: Spanish and English
Amauri Castillo is a lawyer and consultant specializing in legal, banking, regulatory, and strategic matters. From 2020 to 2024, he served as Superintendent of the Panamanian Superintendence of Banks. He has also been an external advisor to the Superintendent of Banks, focusing on promoting Panama as an International Banking Center and defending international financial services. Additionally, he advised the Board of Directors of the Superintendency of the Securities Market and held board positions in banks, trust companies, and brokerage firms.
As Secretary-General from 2004 to 2012 of the Superintence of Banks, Amauri Castillo was frequently appointed Acting Superintendent of Banks and served as a delegate for banking consumer protection matters. He has participated as a delegate, instructor, and speaker in national and international seminars on anti-money laundering, counter-terrorism financing, banking regulation, corporate governance, and financial systems. He has represented Panama at forums like the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF).
Amauri Castillo has been a member of the National Bar Association of Panama since 1992, where he served on the Honor Tribunal (2003-2005). He is also a member of the Panamanian Association of Business Executives (APEDE) and the Corporate Governance Institute – Panama Chapter. His expertise extends to environmental law, having chaired the Ecological Law Commission of the National Bar Association (2001-2003).
Languages: Spanish and English