Early Life
Ricardo Villela Marino, a member of a prominent Brazilian banking dynasty, was born into a legacy of financial leadership. His grandfather, Eudoro Libânio Villela, co-founded Banco Itaú in 1945, laying the foundation for what would become Latin America's largest bank. Growing up, Marino was immersed in the world of finance, setting the stage for his future career.
Rise to Success
Marino's career began at Banco Credit Comerciale of France (CCF) and Banco de Investimentos Garantia (CSFB). He later held a position at Goldman Sachs Asset Management as a portfolio manager. His leadership roles at Itaú Unibanco, including Vice Chairman and Chairman of the bank's Latin America Strategic Council, demonstrate his impact in the financial sector. He also served as CEO for Itaú Latam operations (Argentina, Chile, Paraguay and Uruguay).
Key Business Strategies
A key strategy for Marino has been focusing on innovation and growth opportunities within Latin America. His role as Chairman of the bank's Latin America Strategic Council reflects his commitment to leveraging technology to improve client access and services. He also created the Business Intelligence division of Itaucard, running the derivatives desk and managing both Itaú´s multi-billion-dollar middle-market credit portfolio and the bank's domestic mortgage business.
Philanthropy
Ricardo Villela Marino is deeply involved in philanthropy. He is President of Instituto PDR, a Sao Paulo-based non-profit organization. In January 2024, Marino's philanthropic activities, along with his family's, were consolidated under an endowment fund called PDR (Purpose Driven Resources), with investments and donations supported by interest. The fund's mission is to support various causes and institutions that promote human rights and social inclusion.