Hi, I’m
Rodrigo Cavaleiro
Director / Sr. Manager
São Paulo
Summary
Focused on aligning Technology, AI/ML Strategy, and Product vision to deliver measurable business outcomes. Hands-on experience leading ML platform engineering and Generative AI programs – from MLOps infrastructure (SageMaker, Feature Store, Model Monitor) to enterprise GenAI platforms (RAG, Agents, LLM orchestration). Trusted advisor to C-suite executives, bridging technical complexity and business strategy in high-stakes, fast-paced environments. Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary teams (ML Engineers, Data Architects, Data Scientists, DevOps) in critical, high-availability products with full accountability for technical quality and delivery. Advanced knowledge in technical, business, and organizational domains – materialized through managing large-scale AI transformation programs, governance frameworks, and customer relationship management across Latin America.
Overview
26
years of professional experience
10
Certificates
3
Languages
Work History
Amazon Web Services (AWS)
Delivery Executive, Sr. Engagement Manager
04.2021 - Current
Job overview
- Strategic technology leader driving AI/ML, cloud transformation, and enterprise programs for major financial institutions across Latin America, with a strong track record in ML platform engineering, Generation AI, and high-performance team leadership.
- ML Platform Engineering & Generative AILed the MLOps workstream (Itaú Data&AI Program) as AWS Lead, delivering ML Reproducibility and Feature Quality & Drift Detection solutions on a critical, high-availability platform – leveraging SageMaker ML Lineage Tracking, Model Monitor, and multi-account AWS architecture (Consumer, Producer, Governance).
- Oversaw the IARA GenAI Platform initiative, architecting Itaú's enterprise Generative AI platform encompassing RAG, AI Gateway, LLM Universal Interface, Agents, Knowledge Bases, Prompt Flow, and MLOps integration – enabling teams to build, deploy, and govern conversational AI applications at scale.
- Served as ML SPOC between Itaú engineering teams and AWS ML specialists, providing architectural guidance on MLOps best practices, model evaluation, and scalable AI system design.
- Enterprise Transformation & Stakeholder LeadershipSpearheaded multi-million-dollar cloud transformation programs for leading financial institutions including Itaú Brazil, Itaú Colombia, Pismo (a Visa Company), Riachuelo, and Coopeuch Chile.
- Appointed as leader of the Itaú Data Cluster (Q4-2025), accountable for a USD 7.5M AI-first transformation portfolio, rebuilding strategic customer trust and driving adoption of cloud and AI operating models.
- Delivered training and workshops for 400+ professionals across multiple seniority levels; recognized as LATAM Leader for Product Management Operating Model (POM STL).
- Secured and delivered BRL 9.5M+ in strategic engagements in 2025, including a Product Management Transformation program impacting 260+ executives with C-level visibility.
- Cross-functional Leadership & Agile DeliveryLed multidisciplinary teams (ML Engineers, Data Architects, Security Consultants, DevOps) using LRP-Scrum methodology with structured backlogs and agile ceremonies.
- Partnered directly with C-suite executives (CTO/CDO) and product, engineering, data science, and risk/compliance teams to align ML and AI strategy with business outcomes.
- Managed complex multi-vendor delivery models requiring sophisticated stakeholder management and technical oversight.
Diebold Nixdorf
Head of R&D, Product and Project Portfolio
03.2019 - 03.2021
Job overview
- Led the R&D Project Department for the Brazilian market, reporting to the Engineering R&D Director.
- Managed a team of 54 engineers across Software, Electronics, Mechanical, Chemistry, and Plastics disciplines, with full accountability for the product portfolio pipeline.
- Key AchievementsEstablished cross-functional synergy between Sales, Product, and Engineering to define a market-driven Product Portfolio Pipeline, reducing time-to-market for new product launches.
- Structured and implemented the Project Management Office (PMO) in Brazil, enabling data-driven business decisions and portfolio prioritization.
- Designed and deployed governance processes to standardize project execution across 54 engineers, improving delivery predictability and quality.
- Championed Agile culture adoption within the R&D team, accelerating iteration cycles and team responsiveness to market demands.
Amdocs (Brasil) Ltda.
Senior Program Manager
07.2014 - 02.2019
Job overview
- Directed a USD 300M enterprise transformation program, establishing governance frameworks and leading a global team of 500+ members across multiple geographies and business units.
- Key AchievementsDelivered end-to-end enterprise transformation program on time and within scope, coordinating 500+ global team members across product, engineering, and operations.
- Achieved a 300% increase in product launch rate through strategic catalog implementation and streamlined go-to-market processes.
- Built and led a Program Governance Office that significantly improved project delivery success rates and executive visibility across the portfolio.
Simpress Comércio, Locação e Serviços Ltda (HP Corp)
IT and Operations Project Coordinator
02.2011 - 06.2014
Job overview
- Managed software development and process optimization projects for the Operations Division, reporting to the Director of Operations.
- Led a team of 40 people including coordinators and supervisors.
- Key AchievementsDrove an 80% increase in monitored equipment coverage, enabling operational cost reduction across Billing and Logistics departments.
- Reduced Sales Team operational workload by 70% through process redesign and software adoption, improving customer perception and increasing lead generation.
- Spearheaded the creation of two new departments – Network Operation Center and Customer Care – defining full scope from software and processes to professional profiles.
- Developed an in-house real-time KPI tracking solution, enabling proactive SLA management and cost control across the organization.
- Delivered ERP Microsoft Dynamics AX integrated with a Workforce Management solution (Hitachi).
- Award: "Gestor do Ano" (Manager of the Year) - 2011.
Ericsson Telecomunicações SA
Telecommunication Project Coordinator
07.2006 - 01.2011
Job overview
- Led a global Benchmark Project evaluating network performance for mobile operators worldwide, reporting to the Global Service Delivery Manager.
- Supported pre-sales and network optimization engineering teams.
- Key AchievementsContributed to the "Big-Bang" Project at Vodafone Ireland – a single-night, country-wide network parameter change that improved data and voice quality of service for millions of subscribers.
- Deployed IBM Cognos (BI tool) for benchmarking reports across 2,000+ operators globally, enabling data-driven network optimization at scale.
- Supported Account Managers in growing Network Performance Improvement sales at TIM Brazil.
Pontonet Express
Electronic Technician
08.2000 - 06.2006
Job overview
- Responsible for mobile phone repair and coaching new technicians and internal students.
Education
Universidade de São Paulo (USP)São Paulo
MBA from Software Engineering
03-2026
University Overview
In Progress
Fundação Getúlio Vargas (FGV)
MBA from Information Technology Management
01-2017
University Overview
Public recognition received for achieving the highest grades.
FEI
Bachelor of Science from Electrical Engineering (emphasis in Electronics)
01-2009
University Overview
Sponsored by the Roberto Rocca Program, supporting high-potential engineering students.
Skills
Customer relations
Problem resolution
Strategy development
Strategic planning
Product development
Operations management
Customer-oriented
Project management
Team player
Team leadership
Administrative skills
Certification
AWS Solution Architect Associate
Timeline
Delivery Executive, Sr. Engagement Manager
Amazon Web Services (AWS)
04.2021 - Current
Head of R&D, Product and Project Portfolio
Diebold Nixdorf
03.2019 - 03.2021
Senior Program Manager
Amdocs (Brasil) Ltda.
07.2014 - 02.2019
IT and Operations Project Coordinator
Simpress Comércio, Locação e Serviços Ltda (HP Corp)
02.2011 - 06.2014
Telecommunication Project Coordinator
Ericsson Telecomunicações SA
07.2006 - 01.2011
Electronic Technician
Pontonet Express
08.2000 - 06.2006
Fundação Getúlio Vargas (FGV)
MBA from Information Technology Management
FEI
Bachelor of Science from Electrical Engineering (emphasis in Electronics)
Universidade de São Paulo (USP)
MBA from Software Engineering