About
In a career that spans over two decades across four continents, Rafael Russo stands as a paragon of digital innovation, strategic foresight, and executive leadership. With an MBA from INSEAD and a multifaceted educational background from Wittenberg University in the USA and ESPM in Brazil, Rafael's academic prowess laid a solid foundation for his illustrious career.
Rafael's professional journey is distinguished by his tenure at Google as Director of Marketing Products in Brazil, where he spearheaded a team of specialists to drive product adoption and deliver groundbreaking results in brand performance, AI-based solutions, and digital marketing technologies. His strategic initiatives at Google propelled the region to a top global ranking in product adoption, a testament to his ability to blend visionary product leadership with tactical market execution.
Prior to Google, Rafael refined his consulting acumen at McKinsey & Company, leading projects that delivered significant consumer value growth and customer lifecycle management improvements. His entrepreneurial spirit shone brightly as he founded TrueBrazilTravel.com, an innovative digital startup that harnessed data strategy and technology to revolutionize the travel industry.
As an independent advisor and investor, Rafael is dedicated to unlocking digital growth and fostering sustainable development for startups and scale-ups. His expertise spans sales model excellence, optimized customer acquisition, product strategy, and cultivating a digital-first culture. Rafael's approach is rooted in a deep understanding of global markets, a commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technology, and an unwavering focus on achieving tangible results.
Fluent in English, Portuguese, Spanish, Dutch, and with basic French proficiency, Rafael's linguistic skills complement his global perspective, enabling effective cross-cultural communication and leadership. His work has not only achieved impressive financial outcomes but also established him as a thought leader in digital transformation and growth strategy.
Rafael's journey is more than just a series of professional achievements; it's a narrative of relentless pursuit of excellence, innovative thinking, and the transformative power of digital technology. As he continues to invest in and advise emerging companies, his story is far from over—it's evolving with every startup he empowers, every strategy he devises, and every goal he surpasses.