Augusto Castellanos

Senior Professional with over 17 years of dynamic experience spanning across diverse cultures and regions, including Latin America, Asia, and the Middle East. Demonstrated passion for driving business transformation and fostering value creation through the strategic implementation of operations excellence initiatives and cutting-edge technologies, coupled with a knack for business model innovation. Known for exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with a proven track record in coaching and mentoring, particularly in cultivating multicultural talent. Recognized as an empathetic leader with an unwavering commitment to executing initiatives that yield tangible results on the ground.
 

Experienced Senior Professional with 16+ years of global expertise spanning Latin America, Asia, and the Middle East. Adept at driving business transformation and fostering value creation through innovative operations excellence initiatives and technology integration. Recognized for outstanding interpersonal skills and mentorship in multicultural environments, with a proven track record of impactful leadership.

Key Highlights:

Senior Advisor to the Board, Quadrian, Abu Dhabi, UAE: Spearheaded international expansion and fundraising strategies for Clean-tech companies, crafting Foreign Direct Investment strategies across Latin America and Africa.

Head of International Operations, Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), Abu Dhabi, UAE: Established and led the International Operations Department, orchestrating the launch of eight global offices within a year, resulting in significant investments in Abu Dhabi. Drove 65% of the entity's pipeline, valued at USD 1.9 billion, across various sectors.

Country Director, PROCOLOMBIA, Seoul, South Korea: Led FDI promotion efforts, securing USD 366 million in investment projects and facilitating USD 60 million in annual sales growth through the introduction of Colombian products. Directed Asia's export strategy while managing seven international offices.

Country & MENA Region Director, PROCOLOMBIA, New Delhi, India: Achieved USD 160 million in FDI attraction from the MENA region, including a prominent Indian motorcycle manufacturer's inaugural Latin American manufacturing plant. Ensured global service standards through rigorous site visits.

Deputy Director, Intelligence & Marketing Unit, PROCOLOMBIA, Bogota, Colombia: Developed data-driven FDI attraction strategies, spearheaded award-winning investment portals, and produced timely intelligence products.

Skills:

• Leadership: Talent development, empathy & influence, team management.
• Business Development: Strategic planning, business intelligence, negotiation, global business acumen.
• Operations: Resourcefulness, operations excellence, problem-solving.

• MBA, Universitat de Barcelona, 2017
• Global MBA, EAE Business School, 2016
• BS, Economics, La Universidad de los Andes, 2006
• Corporate Sustainability, Universita Bocconi, Milan, Italy, 2024: Specialized training in corporate sustainability, expanding expertise in driving environmentally and socially responsible business practices.
• Leadership, Amrop Top Management, Bogota, Colombia, 2018: Developed advanced leadership skills and strategies for effective management in dynamic corporate environments.
• Negotiation, Universidad de los Andes, Bogota, Colombia, 2015: Enhanced negotiation skills essential for securing favorable outcomes in complex business transactions.
• Innovation, Universidad de los Andes, Bogota, Colombia, 2015: Explored innovative approaches to problem-solving and business model development, fostering a culture of creativity and adaptability.
• Policies and Tools to Promote FDI, Invest in Spain, CEDDET Foundation, Madrid, Spain, 2010: Deepened understanding of foreign direct investment policies and tools, facilitating strategic investment attraction initiatives.
• Informal Land Markets and Settlement Regularization in Latin America, Lincoln Institute, Lima, Peru & Washington D.C. USA, 2007: Explored the dynamics of informal land markets and settlement regularization, contributing to informed decision-making in urban development projects.