As we continue to expand our presence in Latin America, we’re delighted to welcome Felipe Bernardo to the team, who has joined us as our new Head of M&A for the region. We sat down with Felipe to learn more about his background, his vision for 2025, and life outside of work.
Tell us a bit about yourself and your background
I was born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, where I earned a degree in Business Administration and an MBA in Financial Management. Over the past 12 years, I have built a career in M&A, corporate finance, valuation, and financial modelling, working in both Brazil and Chile since 2018. Before joining Vesta this year, I led the M&A team at EY Chile as a Senior Manager.
What made you choose Vesta as the next step in your career?
From my very first interaction with Vesta, I was drawn to the group’s vision. As an M&A professional, the opportunity to work in an environment entirely focused on growth through acquisitions was incredibly appealing. Vesta’s commitment to expanding its presence in the LATAM region through recent acquisitions made it clear that this was an exciting moment to be part of the journey. Knowing that my expertise could contribute to this success truly motivated me to join the team.
What are your goals for 2025?
I was already seeking new challenges, and joining Vesta allowed me to accomplish my first goal. Now, I am focused on making a meaningful impact on Vesta’s growth. Closing four to five acquisitions this year would be a strong start, and I’m eager to help drive our expansion in the region.
What are your top three books / podcasts?
I generally enjoy books about entrepreneurship. Some of my favourites include The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg, Tipping Point by Flávio Augusto da Silva, and Dream Big by Cristiane Correa – both of the latter books are written by Brazilian entrepreneurs.
What do you enjoy doing out of work?
In my free time, I love spending time with my girlfriend and friends, dining out, and seeking new experiences. Traveling is another passion of mine – I enjoy discovering new places and visiting my family in Brazil.
I’m also an avid soccer fan, whether playing or supporting my Brazilian team, both on TV and in the stadium. During the winter, I take advantage of the Chilean mountains to go snowboarding.
What is your favourite quote?
I don’t have a specific quote, but I strongly believe that effort, dedication, and caring for others open doors to great opportunities. This philosophy guides me in both my personal and professional life.
