Ariel Szarfsztejn

CEO at Mercado Libre

Argentina

About

🇦🇷 Como CEO de Mercado Libre (Nasdaq: MELI) desde 2026, lidero la compañía dedicada a democratizar el comercio y los servicios financieros en América Latina a través de una de las plataformas tecnológicas más dinámicas y de mayor crecimiento del mundo. Me sumé a Mercado Libre en 2017 como vicepresidente de Estrategia y Desarrollo Corporativo, enfocado en crecimiento a largo plazo, M&A y planificación estratégica. Luego lideré Mercado Envíos durante cuatro años, a cargo de operaciones logísticas y fulfillment. En ese período, la red logística pasó de no intervenir en el proceso a operar una infraestructura que hoy procesa millones de paquetes con tecnología propia. Más tarde fui presidente de Commerce, liderando operaciones regionales, fortaleciendo la propuesta de valor e impulsando innovación en el ecosistema. Creo en el trabajo en equipo, la disciplina operativa y el aprendizaje constante como motores del crecimiento sostenible. Como CEO, mi compromiso es fortalecer la cultura de Mercado Libre, impulsar innovación con impacto concreto y ampliar el acceso a oportunidades en comercio y servicios financieros en la región. Antes de sumarme a Mercado Libre trabajé en Despegar y Boston Consulting Group. Soy Licenciado en Economía por la Universidad de Buenos Aires y tengo un MBA de Stanford GSB. - 🇺🇸 As CEO of Mercado Libre (Nasdaq: MELI) since 2026, I lead the company dedicated to democratizing commerce and financial services in Latin America through one of the world’s fastest-growing technology platforms. I joined Mercado Libre in 2017 as Vice President of Strategy and Corporate Development, focused on long-term growth, M&A and strategic planning. I later led Mercado Envíos for four years, overseeing logistics and fulfillment operations. During that period, the logistics network evolved from no direct involvement in the process to operating infrastructure that now processes millions of packages with proprietary technology. I later served as President of Commerce, leading regional operations, strengthening value proposition and driving innovation across the ecosystem. I believe in teamwork, operational discipline and continuous learning as drivers of sustainable growth. As CEO, my commitment is to strengthen Mercado Libre’s culture, drive innovation with tangible impact and expand access to opportunities in commerce and financial services across the region. Before joining Mercado Libre, I worked at Despegar and Boston Consulting Group. I hold a degree in Economics from the University of Buenos Aires and an MBA from Stanford GSB.

Experience

  • Mercado Libre (9 yrs 3 mos)
    • CEO
      Jan 2026 - Present · 7 mos

      Founded in 1999, Mercado Libre, Inc (NASDAQ: MELI) is the leading company in e-commerce and financial technology in Latin America. It offers a complete ecosystem of solutions for individuals and businesses to buy, sell, advertise, obtain credit and insurance, collect, send money, save, and pay for goods and services both online and offline. Mercado Libre strives to facilitate access to commerce and financial services in Latin America, a market that offers great opportunities and high growth potential. It uses world-class technology to create intuitive solutions tailored to the local culture to transform the lives of millions of people in the region. More information at http://investor.mercadolibre.com/

    • Transitioning to CEO
      Jun 2025 - Dec 2025 · 7 mos

    • President of Commerce
      Apr 2024 - Dec 2025 · 1 yr 9 mos

  • Despegar (3 yrs 2 mos)
    • VP Hotels
      Apr 2016 - Apr 2017 · 1 yr 1 mo

      Responsible for managing the Hotels Business Unit: Defining strategy and guidelines, and ensuring the alignment of the company to the unit strategy. Main responsibilities include overseeing commercial, sourcing, operational, financial and IT decisions, with full PL responsibility. Direct report to the CEO.

    • General Manager Hotels for LatAm Hispanic Markets
      Mar 2014 - Apr 2016 · 2 yrs 2 mos

      Responsible for the LatAm Spanish speaking points of sale with P&L responsibility. Worked closely with BU Head to define strategy and ensure implementation across different areas of the company.

  • Project Leader at The Boston Consulting Group
    Sep 2012 - Mar 2014 · 1 yr 7 mos

    Performed quantitative and qualitative analyses, prepared presentations for client meetings, and engaged senior members of client teams in strategy-related projects for major companies and subsidiaries in Latin America. Experienced in: Financial Services, Oil & Gas & Consumer Goods. Project Leader: Sep 2013 - March 2014 Consultant: Sep 2012 - Aug 2013

  • Summer Associate, Investment Management Division at Goldman Sachs
    Jun 2011 - Aug 2011 · 3 mos

  • Consultant at The Boston Consulting Group
    Sep 2006 - Jun 2010 · 3 yrs 10 mos

    Consultant: Feb 2009 - Jun 2010 Associate: Mar 2007 - Jan 2009 Summer Associate: Sep 2006 - Feb 2007