Giancarlo Alcalai is a seasoned international leadership expert, having led a distinguished 35-year management career including senior executive and board roles in a range of industries spanning durable goods, food & beverage, healthcare, aviation, consulting and education. He has recruited and led global teams, successfully launching new products and services and expanding into new markets.
Professional Focus
- 35 years’ international leadership experience including senior executive roles in strategic management, marketing, product management, sales and business development
- Broad industry background including food & beverage, durable goods, healthcare, aviation, consulting, digital marketing and education
- Board experience in recruitment, consulting, communication and durable goods industries in Brazil, the U.S. and Bolivia; led governance, risk management, business expansion, succession planning, culture change, innovation and DEI projects for startups and family businesses
- Extensive business expertise, particularly talent management and leadership, corporate governance, digital transformation, strategic planning, international expansion, sales and partnership agreements, pricing strategy, growth strategy, and logistics cost reduction
- Dedicated to ESG and DEI initiatives: member of FDC Angels, an investment group focused on startups in the social impact and ESG sectors; member of think tanks focused on governance, social management and innovation
- Fluent in Portuguese, English and Spanish
Business Expertise
- Managing Director - Brazil and Argentina at Amaszonas Airlines (Amaszonas Linhas Aéreas)
- Head of International Markets and Business Development at GOL Airlines (GOL Linhas Aéreas); member of the Revenue, International Expansion and Product Executive Committees; prior roles as Director of Sales and Marketing - Dominican Republic, and General Manager for International Markets
- Head of Sales Division - Latin America at Electrolux; prior roles included General Manager - Mexico, Central America and Caribbean, and Sales Director
- Professor of Brand Management and Trade Marketing, International Sales & Marketing and Multicultural Management - International Relations at the Higher School of Advertising and Marketing (ESPM)
- Sales and Promotion Director at Bayer HealthCare
- Business Manager - International Brands at Pernod Ricard
- National Trade Marketing and Promotions Manager at Unilever, Best Foods division; prior roles as Product Manager - Betty Crocker Candies and Desserts, and Product Manager - Knorr and McCormick Sauces, Spices and Tea
- Sales Manager at Ambev
- Product Manager, Kaiser and Heineken Beers at Coca-Cola
Practice Expertise
- Consumer Products - FMCG and Durable Goods
- Food & Beverage
- Healthcare
- Aviation
- Consulting
- Digital Marketing
- Education
- Social Impact
- Board Services
Education & Certifications
- Post-Graduate degree in business management from Dom Cabral Foundation (FDC)
- MBA from Business School São Paulo and University of Toronto
- Specialization in Marketing Management from Getulio Vargas Foundation
- Bachelor’s degree (BBA) in business administration from Catholic University of Santos
- Certified Board Member, IBGC (Brazilian Institute of Corporate Governance)
- Certifications in Innovation Management and Social Management, Gonew.co
- Certified Executive Coaching, Brazilian Institute of Coaching
Affiliations & Awards
- Board Member, Global Vision Access (GVA)
- Board Member, AIESEC
- Board Member, Elettromec
- Board Member, Sugar SRL Advertising and Marketing