Early Life
Ricardo Villela Marino was born in São Paulo, Brazil, in 1974. He is the grandson of Eudoro Libânio Villela, who played a pivotal role in the founding of Banco Itaú in 1945. Growing up, Marino was influenced by his family's legacy in the banking industry, instilling in him a strong sense of ethics and the importance of community service. He is the son of Milu Villela, a major shareholder of the Itaú group.
Rise to Success
Marino's career began outside Itaú at the Brazilian branch of Crédit Commercial de France (CCF). He later worked at Banco Garantia before joining Goldman Sachs Asset Management, where he managed portfolios for Emerging Markets in New York and London. In 2001, he sent his resume to Itaú, and was called for an interview with the vice-president of the bank. He then joined Itaucard in 2002. His return to Itaú marked the beginning of a successful journey within the family-owned banking empire. He has held key positions such as the head of Business Intelligence and the Chief Human Resources Officer during a merger. Marino also took responsibility for the expansion of Itaú Unibanco in Latin America.
Key Business Strategies
Marino's career at Itau Unibanco has been characterized by strategic vision and innovative leadership. He played a crucial role in the merger between Itaú and Unibanco in 2008, forming the largest bank in Latin America. As CEO of Itaú Latam, he spearheaded the bank’s growth in Argentina, Chile, Paraguay, and Uruguay. Marino's focus on innovation and technology, combined with a deep understanding of market dynamics, has been instrumental in the bank's success. He has been a key figure in the strategic expansion of the bank and the handling of Human Resources during a merger.
Philanthropy
Ricardo Villela Marino is committed to philanthropy, notably as the President of the Instituto PDR, an organization dedicated to fostering social and civic entrepreneurship among young people. This commitment reflects a broader family tradition of giving back to the community and supporting initiatives that drive positive social change.