Arrested Individual: Cesar Fernandez
César Fernández: A Prominent Figure in Mexico's Energy Sector
César Fernández, a seasoned lawyer with a diverse background, has made significant contributions to Mexico's energy sector. He spent a considerable part of his career at the state-owned oil company, Pemex, where he held the position of Legal Vice President for Projects and Business.
Fernández played a pivotal role in negotiating alliances with Pemex for the National Refinery System. His expertise was also sought in the renegotiations of the model of transboundary unit agreement with the US Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement. He was part of the Pemex negotiating teams for NAFTA renegotiation, the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement, and the Free Trade Agreement with the European Union.
In addition to his negotiating duties, Fernández oversaw the legal team that provided guidance for implementing comprehensive energy reforms in Mexico in 2014. He structured the legal bidding framework for Pemex farmouts and led the drafting of their corresponding joint operating agreements.
Fernández also structured the open seasons for Pemex Logística pipelines and terminals and participated in the first projects for refinery auxiliary services for Pemex Transformación Industrial. One of his notable achievements was the drafting and negotiation of the first preliminary unit agreement (PUA) in Mexico and new integrated services contracts (CSIEE).
He drafted and negotiated the first area of mutual interest (AMI), joint study and bidding (JSBA), and joint operating (JOA) agreements related to the first Pemex alliances in deepwater, shallow water, and onshore. Furthermore, he led the migration of four blocks in connection with contratos de obra publica financiada (COPF) and contratos integrales para exploración y extracción (CIEP) into E&P contracts.
Before joining Pemex, Fernández served as head of legal and compliance officer at Petrofac in Mexico. His legal career extends beyond the energy sector, as he has represented multinationals, Mexican companies, and lenders in various industries.
In 2014, Fernández took a brief hiatus from Pemex to serve as Legal Vice President for Projects and Business at the National Basketball Association (NBA). He returned to Pemex in 2019.
Fernández is a corporate, M&A, energy, and project finance lawyer. He has been a Director of the Association of International Energy Negotiators and was a former member of the Legal Task Force for the Oil and Gas Climate Initiative.
With his extensive experience and expertise, César Fernández continues to be a significant figure in Mexico's energy sector.
