Currently based in Bogota-Colombia, Ricardo Saldarriaga is a Strategic Consultant and Executive Coach assisting clients in the areas of leadership development, strategic planning, business growth and strategic management with a focus on Human Capital Development and the creation of Economic and Social value.

Ricardo came aboard after a successful career of executive management, including two roles as a turn-around CEO, extensive training in Strategy Consulting and Executive and Business Coaching, membership in prestigious organizations and boards, as well as contributions to the Non-profit and Education sectors.

Prior to joining Global Strategic Advise Services, between 2005 and 2010, Ricardo served as Senior Consultant and Regional Expert (Latin America) for Vital Wave Consulting, a Palo Alto, California boutique consulting firm providing advice in emerging market growth to leading global organizations. Concurrently, he developed a strong practice as Executive and Business Coach with David Lesser & Associates and Shirlaws USA.

Previously, Ricardo was the CEO of TV Cable SA (now Telmex Colombia), a leading broadband Internet and cable provider, and CEO of Computec SA (now a subsidiary of Experian), a leading Data Services company and Credit Reporting Agency. In these roles, he was responsible for redefining the long term strategic position to reinvent these top Latin American organizations while generating double and triple-digit growth, optimizing profitability and introducing a culture of integrity that promotes highest economic and social value principles.

Prior to this, Ricardo was the Executive Vice President of Operations for Grupo Filmtex S.A., a Multi-Latin specialty plastics manufacturer. In this role he was responsible for spearheading the company’s international expansion that resulted in increased revenue contributing to the 100% group’s overall growth in 3 years. Ricardo also held other executive roles at Grupo Filmtex and started his career as financial analyst with Bavaria S.A. (now a subsidiary of Sab Miller) and Exxon Corp.

Ricardo has an undergraduate degree in business administration from Universidad de los Andes in Bogota, Colombia and holds a Master’s degree in International Business Studies (MIBS) from the Moore School of Business at the University of South Carolina, USA. He also attended Harvard University’s extension program and has extensive training in Executive and Business Coaching from The Hay Group of London, Lee Hecht Harrison, OnCourse International, Shirlaws USA Inc and David Lesser & Associates.

Ricardo is a Colombian national, now based in Bogota after 5 years of residency in San Francisco and Miami. He has two college age daughters and is fluent in English and Spanish.