From São Paulo to Buenos Aires: the journey of an executive in the automotive sector
With experience in Brazil and Argentina, Rodolfo Aragon highlights the role of the FGV EAESP master's program in developing his strategic vision and adaptability.
The professional career of Rodolfo Aragon, now Group Controller South America at Magna Seating, a multinational in the auto parts sector, is marked by versatility, resilience and a solid academic foundation at FGV. With a degree in Business Administration from the institution and CEAG alumni with a focus on corporate finance, Rodolfo combines an excellent education with practical experience across different industries and countries.
Challenges that shaped his career
Rodolfo's career began in the financial sector, but reached a turning point when he took on the responsibility of professionalizing the financial management of the family business. "It was a great learning experience to leave a consolidated structure and experience the pains of being an entrepreneur in Brazil, especially in the industrial sector, which requires a lot of capital," he says. After years of restructuring and challenges, the company closed down and Rodolfo returned to the corporate market, where he specialized in business restructuring consultancies.
His dynamic profile led him to move through different sectors - from industry to real estate - until he reached the competitive automotive market, always applying technical skills and competencies developed along the way. This multifaceted experience, according to him, provides a holistic vision, essential for a modern finance executive.
The transformative role of the master's degree
In 2020, Rodolfo decided it was time to take another career leap. He enrolled in the Professional Master's Degree in Management for Competitiveness (MPGC), in the Finance and Controllership line at FGV EAESP. "It was transformative. I wanted to update my knowledge and take another step up in my professional life," says.
The master's degree provided him with theoretical and practical tools that he immediately applied in the multinational where he works today. "When I took up my position, it was like copying and pasting what I had learned at FGV. The alignment between academic concepts and company practices was essential in overcoming the learning curve," explains.
He also highlights the impact of the networking provided by the institution. "Since graduating, the connections made at FGV have opened doors for my career development. Networking is relevant in all aspects."
International career and challenges in Argentina
Today, Rodolfo lives with his family in Buenos Aires and faces macroeconomic challenges specific to the Argentine market. He explains that his experience in Brazil was fundamental to navigating the scenario of hyperinflation, currency devaluation and economic restrictions that the neighboring country recently went through and is currently recovering from. "The master's degree provided me with the technical capacity, resilience and courage needed to break paradigms and try innovative solutions to mitigate and overcome difficulties and challenges in such a complex environment," he says.
Rodolfo also points out that internationalizing his career requires cultural flexibility. "I'm Brazilian, but the son of Argentinians. This helped me adapt, but the complexity of the Argentine market required creativity and technical preparation. This was an aspect that FGV helped me a lot with".
The future of the financial executive
For Rodolfo, finance is the "brain" of organizations and requires constant updating in the face of technological innovations, such as artificial intelligence and digital transformation. He believes that finance professionals must be transformational leaders, capable of connecting areas, solving complex problems and shaping companies for a prosperous future.
"FGV was fundamental in preparing me not only as a professional, but also as a person. The flexibility and ability to adapt that I developed there were essential to my evolution and got me to where I am today," concludes.
Rodolfo's story is an example of how FGV EAESP's master's degree not only transforms careers, but also prepares executives to lead in challenging and constantly evolving global scenarios.
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