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Alejandro Barrientos
Country Manager / CFO / Managing Director / Board Member
Professional Background
Alejandro Barrientos is a seasoned executive with an impressive career spanning over 25 years in the realms of Corporate and Investment Banking. He has held pivotal roles as a Director, Country Manager, and Managing Director, leading business relationships with prominent Mexican corporations across various sectors, including food, steel, auto parts, oil and gas, petrochemicals, agriculture, and consumption. His extensive expertise in these industries underscores his adeptness at navigating complex financial landscapes and executing strategic initiatives that bolster corporate profitability and growth.
Notably, Alejandro's experience as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) at a global public company in the Consumer sector significantly adds to his professional stature. In this high-profile role, he was not only responsible for steering Corporate Treasury and Financial Planning but also played a vital part in Investor Relations—managing both debt and equity concerns. Alejandro was instrumental in overseeing Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A) which included evaluating potential investments that aligned with company strategy, negotiating terms that would foster long-term success, and managing Banking Relations that are essential for maintaining liquidity and operational growth. His broad skill set has proven invaluable in sustaining positive momentum for organizations under his purview.
His career has also featured involvement in complex negotiations that required skillful diplomacy, including discussions with representatives of authoritarian governments. This caliber of experience showcases Alejandro's ability to operate effectively in high-stakes environments, further solidifying his reputation as a leader in the financial industry.
Education and Achievements
Alejandro Barrientos possesses a robust educational background that pairs seamlessly with his extensive professional experience. He earned his MBA in Finance and International Business from the esteemed University of Michigan's Stephen M. Ross School of Business. This top-tier institution is known for producing graduates who excel in various global business realms, and Alejandro is no exception. His academic accomplishments provide a strong foundation for his career, allowing him to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world challenges in finance and investment.
Completing his educational credentials, Alejandro also holds a Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, and Audit from Universidad Panamericana. This solid grounding in financial principles has undoubtedly contributed to his adeptness in financial management and strategic planning throughout his career.
Notable Positions
Throughout his career, Alejandro has held several significant positions that highlight his expertise and leadership. As the Country Manager and Senior Vice President at Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior S.A. (Bladex), he has played a key role in enhancing the bank's presence in Latin America while fostering strong relationships with corporate clients. Prior to this, Alejandro served as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) at Gruma, S.A.B. de C.V., a major player in the global food industry. His leadership at Gruma was marked by clear strategic guidance that helped the company navigate market fluctuations while pursuing sustainable growth.
Alejandro's role as Country Head-Representative at Bladex further solidified his understanding of cross-border banking and investments, demonstrating his capability in managing corporate banking operations effectively. His positions as Director and Country Head at Crédit Agricole CIB and VP of Corporate Banking at Banamex also highlight his longstanding commitment to fostering financial results and driving performance improvement across sectors.
Achievements
Alejandro Barrientos' career is marked by numerous achievements that reflect his expertise and contributions to the financial sector. His leadership as CFO at Gruma enabled the company to thrive in competitive markets while pursuing strategic mergers and acquisitions effectively. By cultivating strong relationships with institutional investors and enhancing investor confidence, he played an integral role in securing capital funding necessary for the company’s growth.
Moreover, Alejandro's multifaceted knowledge spanning across various sectors ensures he remains highly regarded as a thought leader in corporate finance. His experience with complex negotiations showcases his strategic thinking ability, coupled with strong interpersonal skills, vital for influencing key stakeholders. Alejandro's ongoing commitment to excellence and strategic vision continues to shape his successful trajectory in corporate finance and banking.
Achievements
- Over 25 years of executive experience in Corporate and Investment Banking.
- Extensive knowledge in sectors such as food, steel, auto parts, oil and gas, petrochemicals, agriculture, and consumption.
- Successful stewardship as CFO at a global public company in the Consumer sector, managing Corporate Treasury, Financial Planning, and Investor Relations.
- Recognized for adept negotiation skills, including with representatives of authoritarian governments.
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