Overview

Giulio Fazio is a Partner at LEXIA. He is a globally recognized legal leader with extensive experience in managing large-scale legal operations and complex regulatory challenges. As the former Group General Counsel of Enel, he led a team of over 700 professionals across 32 countries, playing a pivotal role in the group’s transformation from a domestic utility into a leading multinational energy giant.

Giulio’s expertise spans M&A, Structured Finance, International Litigation (ICSID), and Corporate Governance. A pioneer in ESG and climate change governance, he led the UN Global Compact Think Lab until June 2023. With a Ph.D. in Company Law and a background in academia, he has navigated diverse regulatory frameworks across the US, EU, UK, Latin America, and beyond. He is a strong advocate for the integration of legal innovation and digitalization into business strategy to drive sustainable growth and profitability.

Experience

Global Legal Leadership and Multinational Transformation
Directed the legal strategy and integration for Enel Group during its expansion into a global multinational, managing legal teams and operations across 32 jurisdictions.

ESG and Climate Change Governance
Led the UN Global Compact Think Lab (2021–2023) and implemented “transformational” ESG governance frameworks, aligning corporate strategy with global sustainability goals.

Cross-Border M&A and Structured Finance
Managed high-value international M&A transactions and complex corporate finance operations within highly regulated markets.

International and ICSID Litigation
Strategic management of high-stakes international disputes and investment treaty arbitrations (ICSID) involving multi-jurisdictional legal frameworks.

Corporate Governance of Listed Groups
Led the governance integration process for a group comprising 14 listed companies, ensuring compliance with diverse stock exchange regulations and global best practices.

Digitalization of Legal Functions
Championed the innovation and digitalization of legal departments to improve efficiency, risk management, and business-oriented legal support.

Board Advisory and Academic Expertise
Served on the boards of international listed companies and contributed to legal theory as a lecturer and author with a Ph.D. in Company Law.

 

Selected Transactions


Acquisition of Endesa S.A. (approx. €59 billion)

Legal support to Enel in the landmark acquisition of the Spanish utility Endesa, one of the largest cross-border transactions in the European energy sector.

IPO of Enel Green Power (2010)

Assistance in the initial public offering of Enel Green Power on the Italian and Spanish stock exchanges, one of the largest renewable energy IPOs globally at the time.

Delisting and reverse merger of Enel Green Power (2016)

Legal coordination of the delisting of Enel Green Power and its reintegration into Enel through a reverse merger.

Creation of Open Fiber and subsequent strategic transactions

Legal support in the corporate structuring and M&A operations that led to the creation of Open Fiber as a national wholesale fiber network operator.

Joint venture leading to the creation of Wind Telecom

Assistance in the joint venture transaction that led to the establishment of Wind Telecom and its subsequent ownership restructuring.

Sale of Terna stake and listing of Terna

Legal assistance in the separation, listing and subsequent strategic stake transfer of the Italian electricity transmission operator Terna to Cassa Depositi e Prestiti.

Acquisition of the São Paulo electricity distribution network

Legal coordination of the acquisition of electricity distribution assets in the State of São Paulo as part of Enel’s expansion in Brazil.

Acquisition of renewable energy portfolios in the United States

Assistance in multiple acquisitions of development and operating companies in the renewable sector in the U.S. market.

Renewable energy acquisitions across Latin America

Legal support in numerous acquisitions of renewable energy assets in Chile, Mexico and other Latin American jurisdictions.

Disposal of generation and distribution assets in Peru

Assistance in the sale of strategic electricity assets in Peru as part of portfolio optimization initiatives.

Disposal of distribution assets in Romania

Legal assistance in the divestment of electricity distribution operations in Romania.

Nuclear power development project in Slovakia (Mochovce)

Legal support in the development, financing and corporate structuring of the Mochovce nuclear power plant project.

Strategic joint ventures for renewable energy development

Assistance in the structuring of several international joint ventures aimed at accelerating renewable energy development.

International M&A transactions in France, Greece and Germany

Legal coordination of acquisitions and disposals of energy assets and companies across major European markets.

Acquisition of development companies in the renewable sector

Legal support in dozens of transactions involving renewable development platforms.

Strategic partnerships in the energy transition sector

Assistance in structuring industrial alliances supporting Enel’s international growth strategy.

International energy arbitration proceedings

Representation and management of numerous international arbitrations concerning energy contracts and infrastructure investments.

Commodity repricing disputes

Legal coordination of arbitration and dispute resolution proceedings concerning commodity pricing mechanisms.

Energy trading disputes

Management of complex disputes related to cross-border electricity and commodity trading.

International project development transaction

Legal support for large-scale energy infrastructure projects across multiple jurisdictions.

Bars and Courts

Court of Cassation attorney

Education

Ph.D. in Company Law

Languages

English
French
Spanish
Italian

Awards

Inhouse Community – Best General Counsel 2019 & 2021

News

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