RICARDO GOMEZ CARDENAS

LinkedIn ad3njb@r.postjobfree.com Tampa, FL Phone: 251-***-****

SUMMARY

With a robust and impactful track record in banking, I have consistently led initiatives spanning various dimensions of the business strategy. My expertise extends to overseeing projects involving diverse assets, including loans, mortgages, business credits, and credit cards, as well as managing liabilities products like current and savings accounts. I have also successfully navigated projects related to investments, treasury products, and Foreign Trade, demonstrating versatility in project leadership and business operations.

In my role as a project leader, I bring a deep understanding of the intricacies of day-to-day banking operations. This includes steering projects related to customer engagement, risk management, harvest analysis, provisions and write-offs, commercial sales dynamics, and budget monitoring. My contributions have been pivotal in achieving successful project outcomes, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives, and enhancing operational efficiency within the dynamic banking environment.

As a Bilingual Industrial Engineering Master's degree holder from Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, I have underscored my successful financial sector career with an EB2 - National Interest Waiver Visa. A seasoned Project Manager, my focus on transformative initiatives is evident in my 6-year leadership role at Aval Digital Labs. My expertise spans Corporate Strategy, Digital Transformation, PMO leadership, HR Management, Change Management, Risk Management, Decision Making, and Innovation. I am dedicated to giving back to the community through volunteer mentoring at the John P. Lowth Entrepreneurship Center of The University of Tampa and SCORE.org, where I provide industry knowledge and entrepreneurial insights.

SKILLS & COMPETENCES

Corporate Strategy: Proficient in formulating and implementing strategic plans to drive organizational growth.

Digital Transformation: Experienced in leading digital initiatives to drive innovation and efficiency in the financial sector.

Project Management: Skilled in managing large-scale projects using PM methodologies to ensure successful execution in Waterfall and Agile projects.

Change Management: Competent in implementing organizational changes to enhance performance and adapt.

HR Management: Guide the development of culture and HR processes to effectively oversee and empower talent.

Innovation: Strong background in fostering a culture of innovation and driving disruptive strategies.

Leadership: Proven ability to lead teams effectively in driving organizational change and achieving strategic objectives.

Presentation and Communication Skills: Proven track record of exceptional presentation and communication skills.

Microsoft Office Suite: Proficient in PowerPoint, Excel, and Word.

Meeting Tools: Proficient in using Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and Google Meet for effective communication and collaboration.

Bilingual: Fluent in Spanish, with the ability to communicate and work seamlessly in both English and Spanish.

RELATED EXPERIENCE

Digital Bank LATAM - Digital Leader and Project Manager (2023 - currently)

●Oversee consulting services within the dynamic Latin American financial sector, with a focus on prominent operations in Colombia and Chile, extending services to South and Central America.

●Lead digital transformation initiatives across the LATAM region, managing strategic projects with major banks in Colombia, Chile, Ecuador, Argentina, Peru, and Guatemala.

●Spearheaded three significant initiatives in Colombia with Banco Agrario de Colombia, ACH (Colombia's interbank payments network), and Comfandi, demonstrating expertise in navigating complex environments and delivering tangible results.

●Head the digital transformation of 5B, Guatemala's largest ATM network, emphasizing enhanced operational efficiency, security, and overall digital capabilities through effective project management and strategic leadership.

Banco de Occidente - ADL Digital LABs - Grupo AVAL - Digital Leader (2017 - 2022):

●Led the Digital Transformation of the Bank in collaboration with Grupo AVAL and McKinsey, culminating in the successful implementation of ADL (Aval Digital Labs), the largest Digital Laboratory in LATAM. ADL serves the four banks of the Grupo AVAL and the entities of the Luis Carlos Sarmiento Angulo organization. During this transformative journey, acquired proficiency in agile methodologies, orchestrating the successful launch of over 10 digital products, and overseeing the renewal of both the portal and the APP for personal clients. Played a key role in implementing the company's data and digital marketing strategy. Defined and updated the digitalization roadmap to align with the bank's strategy and the Aval Group, prioritizing efficiency and profitability.

●Managed day-to-day operations of digital labs (ADL and Bank) by providing coaching, allocating resources, and fostering an agile work environment. Incubated cultural transformation towards digitization through an internal startup model, consistently updating leadership, monitoring digital trends, and promoting innovative methods aligned with the bank's digital strategy.

●Conducted monthly presentations to the Bank and AVAL CEO, engaged with internal committees such as Financial Risks and Demand Management, and delivered quarterly presentations to the Bank's Board of Directors. Demonstrates the ability to effectively communicate complex topics to diverse audiences and tailor communication for different stakeholder levels.

●Spearheaded significant digital strategy results, including generating over USD 400 million in digital sales and selling 70,000 digital products in 2020.

●Achieved a 40% reduction in physical documentation usage, streamlining processes and enhancing operational efficiency.

●Strengthened customer relationships through effective information management and inter-institutional partnerships, contributing to enhanced customer satisfaction and loyalty.

Banco de Occidente - Grupo AVAL - Strategy and Innovation Manager (2015 - 2017):

●Led transformative strategic initiatives, shaping the institution's trajectory over the next decade.

●Applied Corporate Strategy principles to identify institutional advantages, refine the value proposition, and focus on key capabilities.

●Uncovered hidden assets and strategically emphasized successful businesses, navigating renunciations for optimal strategic alignment.

●Honed strategic thinking, alignment, and problem-solving skills during this transformative period.

●Successfully redefined Corporate and Competitive Strategy, ensuring its effective implementation across core business segments and subsidiaries.

Banco de Occidente - Grupo AVAL - Innovation and Customer Experience Manager (2011 - 2015):

●Implemented the innovation strategy and elevated the social media strategy, resulting in a more dynamic and customer-centric operational approach.

●Successfully initiated and managed various innovation projects, cultivating a culture of creativity and adaptability in response to market trends.

●Pioneered and directed the Customer Experience area, a transformative initiative for Banco de Occidente. Introduced customer archetype identification within each segment, laying the groundwork for targeted and personalized service strategies.

●Assumed comprehensive responsibilities for Customer Experience, ensuring alignment with customer expectations and elevating overall satisfaction levels.

Banco de Occidente - Grupo AVAL - Human Resource Manager (2010 - 2011):

●Led HR processes, employee relations, and productivity initiatives.

●Received recognition by GPTW as one of the best companies to work for in Latin America.

Banco de Occidente - Grupo AVAL - Process Director (2009 - 2010):

●Designed and improved mission-critical processes.

●Successfully implemented productivity indicators and process simulation tools.

Banco de Occidente - Grupo AVAL - Project Manager (2007 - 2009):

●Aligned corporate projects with strategic objectives and ensured PMI methodology adherence.

●Successfully implemented the Project Management Office (PMO) of the bank.

Banco de Occidente - Grupo AVAL - Customer Service and Quality Director (2004 - 2007):

●Headed the Quality Committee and provided support and training in innovation methodologies for key projects.

●Achieved the incorporation of innovation as a strategic objective of the bank.

Banco de Occidente - Grupo AVAL - HR Coordinator (2003 - 2004) :

●Led a team of over 30 employees and gained insight into the innovative culture of the region.

●Embraced the innovative atmosphere in Medellin, recognized as the World's Most Innovative City in 2013.

Banco de Occidente - Grupo AVAL - HR Analyst (2002 - 2003):

●Administered the company's salary policies and managed personnel data nationwide.

●Championed employee well-being initiatives to ensure physical and mental health within and outside the organization.

Banco de Occidente - Grupo AVAL - Quality and Customer Service Analyst (2001 - 2202):

●Supported the Quality department with data analysis and measurements.

●Developed Customer Service workshops for branch employees and senior management.

SUMMARY OF ACHIEVEMENTS

Digital Transformation: As a Digital Leader at ADL Digital Labs, I spearheaded the digital strategy and execution for Banco de Occidente and other Grupo AVAL entities. My efforts yielded remarkable results, with over USD 400 million in digital sales and the sale of 70,000 digital products in 2020, constituting 40% of the total sales volume.

Innovative Cultural Transformation: I initiated a groundbreaking cultural transformation at Banco de Occidente by sowing the seeds of disruptive innovation. Collaborating with esteemed institutions such as Babson College, University of Stanford, and University of Saint Gallen, we cultivated innovation capabilities within the organization and the wider region.

HR Management: Through my leadership, the Banco de Occidente garnered recognition from GPTW as one of the best companies to work for in LATAM.

Strategic Leadership: I played a pivotal role in reshaping Banco de Occidente's Corporate and Competitive Strategy, marking a transformative milestone in the organization's approach to strategic planning.

EB2 - National Interest Waiver Visa: Recipient from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, highlighting expertise in the financial sector. This visa grants a Green Card without requiring a specific job offer or labor certification.

VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE

Volunteer Mentor at John P. Lowth Entrepreneurship Center (LEC): I actively share my industry knowledge, entrepreneurial insights and professional experience by mentoring students participating in the Spartan Accelerator.

Volunteer Mentor at SCORE: Bringing my extensive industry knowledge and entrepreneurial insights, I actively contribute to SCORE.org, supporting small businesses and entrepreneurs on their journey to success.

EDUCATION

Bachelor's Degree: Industrial Engineering from Pontificia Universidad Javeriana.

Master's Degree: Engineering (MSc) from Pontificia Universidad Javeriana.

Additional Studies and Consulting Projects:

●Innovation Business (Babson College).

●Human Development and Talent Management (University of Michigan, ADEN International Business School, SEMINARIUM, INALDE Business School).

●Corporate Strategy and Strategic Planning (Universidad Autónoma, Universidad Javeriana, Universidad Icesi).

●Digital Transformation and Agile Practices (Franklin Covey, McKinsey and Company, Boston Consulting Group).

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