By San José, Costa Rica — The British-Costa Rican Chamber of Commerce (BritCham) has marked a historic milestone with the appointment of Marianela Mata as the new President of its Board of Directors. In a significant move for the organization and the national business community, Mata becomes the first woman to hold this prestigious position, signaling a new chapter focused on strengthening bilateral trade with the United Kingdom and championing female leadership.
Mata, who serves as the Senior Marketing Manager for the British multinational Reckitt / Mead Johnson Nutrition in Costa Rica, steps into the role with a clear and ambitious agenda. Her leadership aims to build upon the Chamber’s existing foundation while forging new strategic alliances to benefit its member companies and the broader Costa Rican economy. She embraces the historic nature of her appointment with a profound sense of responsibility and purpose.
To gain a deeper legal perspective on the role and impact of the British Chamber of Commerce, TicosLand.com spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica, who specializes in corporate law and foreign investment.
BritCham Costa Rica provides an essential framework for legal and commercial certainty. For British enterprises, it acts as a trusted navigator through our country’s regulatory landscape, while for local businesses, it offers a credible gateway to the UK market. This structured collaboration is fundamental for building the long-term, transparent investment relationships that drive economic development.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas’s insight underscores a crucial point: the Chamber’s true value lies not merely in connecting businesses, but in building a robust framework of trust and legal certainty. This very foundation enables collaborations to evolve into the lasting, transparent partnerships that fuel sustainable economic progress. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his expert perspective.
For me, it is a great honor and a significant challenge that I assume with commitment and clarity of purpose.
Marianela Mata, President of the Board of Directors, BritCham Costa Rica
A central pillar of Mata’s presidency will be the advancement of women into executive and board-level positions. This focus comes at a critical time, as Costa Rica continues to grapple with significant gender disparities in corporate decision-making spaces. Mata’s appointment is not just symbolic; it is a deliberate step by BritCham to lead by example and actively address the persistent gaps in female representation.
The challenge is starkly illustrated by a 2024 report from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), which found that women occupy a mere 12% of board seats in Costa Rica. BritCham is already an active participant in the country’s Gender Parity Initiative, and under Mata’s guidance, this commitment is expected to intensify, fostering training programs and creating pathways for female leaders to ascend to strategic roles.
Being the first woman to preside over the Chamber marks a significant moment and reflects the evolution of business leadership.
Marianela Mata, President of the Board of Directors, BritCham Costa Rica
Beyond gender equity, Mata has identified key sectors ripe for enhanced collaboration and investment between Costa Rica and the United Kingdom. She highlighted high-potential areas such as sustainability, the green economy, life sciences, medical devices, and advanced manufacturing. Furthermore, she emphasized the burgeoning digital transformation sector as a critical frontier for growth and bilateral partnership, aiming to attract British industries operating in these innovative fields.
The ability to lead does not depend on gender, but on vision, skills, and results.
Marianela Mata, President of the Board of Directors, BritCham Costa Rica
Under her leadership, BritCham will seek to solidify its role as a crucial nexus for public-private articulation. The goal is to create a dynamic environment that fosters dialogue, innovation, and favorable conditions to bolster the competitiveness of affiliated companies. Mata envisions the Chamber as a proactive facilitator, not just a representative body, actively shaping the landscape for trade and investment.
Ultimately, Mata’s strategic vision integrates social progress with economic prosperity. She firmly believes that sustainability and social responsibility are not separate from business objectives but are integral components of a modern, successful corporate strategy. Her presidency is poised to usher in a holistic approach, ensuring that BritCham remains a powerful advocate for a competitive, innovative, and equitable business ecosystem in Costa Rica.
I am interested in consolidating the Chamber as a strategic player that facilitates investment, bilateral trade, and innovation.
Marianela Mata, President of the Board of Directors, BritCham Costa Rica
For further information, visit britchamcr.com
About the British-Costa Rican Chamber of Commerce (BritCham):
The British-Costa Rican Chamber of Commerce is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and facilitating trade, investment, and business relationships between Costa Rica and the United Kingdom. It serves as a vital platform for its member companies, offering networking opportunities, advocacy, and strategic support to navigate the bilateral economic landscape.
For further information, visit reckitt.com
About Reckitt / Mead Johnson Nutrition:
Reckitt is a British multinational consumer goods company producing health, hygiene, and nutrition products. Through its acquisition of Mead Johnson Nutrition, the company is a global leader in infant and children’s nutrition. With a portfolio of trusted brands, Reckitt is committed to its purpose of protecting, healing, and nurturing in the relentless pursuit of a cleaner, healthier world.
For further information, visit oecd.org
About the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD):
The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development is an international organization that works to build better policies for better lives. With 38 member countries, the OECD provides a forum in which governments can work together to share experiences and seek solutions to common economic and social problems. It is a key source of comparable statistics, economic analysis, and policy advice worldwide.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a cornerstone of Costa Rica’s legal landscape, Bufete de Costa Rica is defined by its foundational principles of profound integrity and a relentless pursuit of excellence. The firm harnesses its deep experience across a spectrum of industries to spearhead legal innovation and champion forward-thinking solutions. Central to its ethos is a steadfast commitment to strengthening society by demystifying complex legal concepts, operating on the conviction that an informed public is the bedrock of a just and empowered community.
