Telecom Veteran Taps Legal Tech Expertise for Data-Driven Future at Somos

NEW YORK, NY – November 20, 2025

Somos Appoints Legal Tech Leader as Deputy General Counsel

Somos, Inc., a leading provider of phone number administration and data solutions, announced today the appointment of Adrienne Valencia Garcia as Vice President, Deputy General Counsel – Corporate & Legal Affairs. The move underscores a growing trend within the telecommunications industry – a heightened focus on robust legal frameworks to navigate an increasingly complex regulatory environment and safeguard sensitive data. Garcia will be responsible for overseeing legal support for commercial businesses, enterprise risk management, and compliance programs at the company.

Garcia arrives at Somos with over two decades of legal and regulatory experience, most recently serving as Senior Vice President and Deputy General Counsel at Cengage Group. Her career has been marked by a consistent focus on emerging technologies and data privacy, positioning her as a valuable asset as Somos expands its role in the digital communications ecosystem. This appointment signals a commitment to proactive risk management and a future-forward legal strategy.

The Rise of Legal Tech in Telecom

The telecommunications industry is facing unprecedented challenges related to data security, privacy regulations, and the proliferation of fraud. This has led to a surge in demand for legal professionals with expertise in areas such as data governance, cybersecurity, and compliance. “The legal function is no longer just about mitigating risk,” explains a source familiar with the industry. “It’s about enabling innovation and building trust with customers.”

Historically, legal departments within telecom companies were often viewed as cost centers. Now, they are increasingly recognized as strategic partners that can help drive revenue growth and protect brand reputation. Companies are investing heavily in legal tech solutions to automate compliance processes, monitor data breaches, and improve risk management. This shift is driven by a combination of factors, including stricter regulations, growing cyber threats, and increasing consumer awareness of privacy issues.

“The regulatory landscape is constantly evolving,” another source adds. “Telecom companies need legal experts who can stay ahead of the curve and provide proactive guidance.” The appointment of Garcia, with her demonstrated experience in navigating complex regulatory frameworks, reflects this growing demand for specialized legal expertise.

Garcia’s Blockchain Background: A Unique Asset

What sets Garcia apart is her pioneering work in blockchain technology. During her tenure at IBM, she served as the company's first Global Division General Counsel for its Blockchain business unit. In this role, she oversaw IBM’s blockchain offerings and associated intellectual property, helping to scale the company’s blockchain operations and facilitate numerous projects across various industries. Her deep understanding of distributed ledger technology is particularly relevant as companies explore new applications of blockchain in areas such as identity verification, fraud prevention, and supply chain management.

“Blockchain has the potential to revolutionize many aspects of the telecom industry,” says a technology analyst. “But it also raises new legal and regulatory challenges. Garcia’s expertise in this area will be invaluable.” While Somos has not publicly announced any specific blockchain initiatives, Garcia’s background suggests that the company is exploring the possibilities of this technology. Her experience in navigating the legal complexities of blockchain – including smart contracts, data privacy, and regulatory compliance – positions her as a key asset in this area.

“The intersection of blockchain and telecom is ripe for innovation,” adds an industry insider. “We’re likely to see more companies leveraging this technology to improve security, transparency, and efficiency.” Her experience in scaling IBM’s blockchain initiatives demonstrates a knack for turning emerging technologies into viable business solutions. She oversaw more than 500 blockchain projects and 1,000 global client engagements, highlighting a track record of successful innovation.

Building Trust in a Data-Driven World

For Somos, a company at the heart of the telecommunications infrastructure, trust is paramount. The company administers critical numbering resources, including the North American Numbering Plan (NANPA) and the Reassigned Numbers Database (RND). Ensuring the security and integrity of this data is essential to maintaining the reliability of the telecom network. Garcia’s appointment underscores Somos’ commitment to building a robust legal and compliance framework that can protect sensitive data and foster trust with customers.

“Consumers are increasingly concerned about data privacy,” says a privacy advocate. “Companies need to demonstrate that they are taking proactive steps to protect personal information.” The focus on compliance and risk management will also help Somos navigate the evolving regulatory landscape, ensuring that it remains in compliance with data privacy laws and regulations. Garcia's extensive experience in data governance will be instrumental in this effort. Her background showcases a proven ability to build and maintain robust compliance programs, as evidenced by her leadership roles at Cengage and IBM.