Luiz Ricardo de Medeiros Santiago

Board Member | C-Level | Global Corporate Affairs - Institutional and Government Relations | Crisis Management | Award-Winning Leader | Harvard Mentor | Book Author

Brasília, Federal District, Brazil

About

With more than 28 years of professional experience in corporate public affairs, my unwavering passion lies in championing sustainable businesses that drive positive impact on the environment, communities, and society. Throughout my career in highly regulated and capital-intensive industries, I have excelled advancing public policies, forging partnerships with stakeholders, and shaping strategic agendas by engaging with a diverse array of key players, including government officials, policymakers, regulators, unions, decision makers, NGOs, trade associations, and the media. My ability to navigate corporate crises, mitigate political risks, crisis management and stay attuned to civil society trends has earned me a reputation for safeguarding and enhancing the positive reputation, representation and business development for Fortune 500 companies. My educational background includes an MBA in State, Government, and Public Policy, complemented by several certifications in lobbying, leadership, and negotiations from Ivy League schools. My professional accomplishments have been honored with several distinguished recognitions, including being featured in the 2009 Miami-Dade College "Opportunity Changes Everything" campaign, receiving the Maua Merit Medal, and being elected four times as one of the Most Admired Institutional Relations Professionals in Latin America (2020, 2021, 2022, and 2024). In 2025, I was further recognized by being inducted into the lifelong Hall of Fame. Through my expert leadership and relentless commitment to sustainability and positive social impact, I aim to continue fostering partnerships between businesses and governments to bring about meaningful change on a global scale.

Experience

  • Chief Political Officer (CPO), Board Member - Institutional and Government Relations at Volkswagen do Brasil
    Oct 2023 - Present · 2 yrs 10 mos

  • Vice President at Anfavea
    Dec 2023 - Present · 2 yrs 8 mos

  • Member, Board of Trustees at Fundação Grupo Volkswagen
    Apr 2024 - Present · 2 yrs 4 mos

  • Mentor, HKS Alumni Career Connections Program at Harvard University
    Dec 2023 - Present · 2 yrs 8 mos

  • Member, B20 Energy Transition and Climate Task Force at B20 Brasil
    Mar 2024 - Nov 2024 · 9 mos