LEYLA ALVAREZ

Currently, I lead the Payments division at Cencosud and serve as CEO & Co-founder of Cencopay, the group's digital wallet. From its inception to its consolidation in Chile, Argentina, and Brazil, I designed and implemented its business strategy, organizational structure, and technological roadmap. I led the integration of Cencopay into Cencosud’s digital ecosystem, driving the sustained growth of its active user base and developing key capabilities such as digital onboarding, payment method enrollment, remittances, insurance products, cashback programs, and real-time refunds. My focus has been on generating economic value, delivering superior customer experience, creating synergies across the group’s businesses, and positioning and scaling Cencopay at the regional level.

IASA en Español is an initiative of IASA Global focused on the Hispanic-Latin American community, connecting professionals and promoting best practices and education specifically for Spanish-speaking IT architects. I am proud to be a co-founder and to actively contribute as an ambassador for the organization. More information: https://es.iasaglobal.org/

I led the development of the strategic digital transformation plan for Toyota Chile, including the assessment of technological capabilities, architecture, cybersecurity, and processes, with a scalable vision for regional expansion. I implemented a new vision for the IT area, redesigning its service model, incorporating business value KPIs, and leading key projects in automation, innovation, and information security. One of my key achievements was the implementation of the Information Security Master Plan and the design of a new change management model that enabled the widespread adoption of digital tools across the organization.

During the pandemic, I co-founded a 100% digital business specializing in gourmet products such as French-style sourdough bread and artisanal delicatessen. I designed the business plan, selected strategic suppliers, and developed the e-commerce platform, integrating payment systems and delivery services. The brand was successfully positioned with a reputation for excellence across social media and local media outlets. We achieved a 400% increase in sales within the first few months and implemented an additional sales channel through WhatsApp Business, resulting in a further 60% growth. The business also served corporate clients, offering personalized gourmet gifts with a strong focus on customer experience.

I was responsible for leading the company's digital transformation during a strategic period for the payments market in Chile, anticipating the transition from a closed model to a four-party scheme with increased competition. I redesigned the customer service and product distribution models, achieving significant operational efficiencies and cost reductions. I developed solutions such as international payments via blockchain, digital onboarding for clients, self-service channels, and the creation of the advanced analytics (Big Data) function, fostering a Data-Driven culture across the organization. I also promoted open innovation and bottom-up innovation programs, connecting the company with startups, universities, and entrepreneurial communities.

I was responsible for the strategic management of key products (consumer loans, mortgages, and credit cards) and for the commercial control of the bank’s most significant division, which included Banco de Chile, Banchile Inversiones, and Banchile Seguros. I led multidisciplinary teams (product, budgeting, technology, and marketing campaigns) and implemented the automation of commercial and planning processes, improving operational efficiency by up to 50%.

I was responsible for managing the product and investment portfolio for private banking clients with offshore operations. I coordinated strategies with Citibank USA and designed investment recommendations in fixed income and equities for executives and brokers. I promoted commercial initiatives with high-net-worth clients, connecting them with global opportunities and managing the visibility of products such as the Banamex card. I also led the launch of the Franchise Office in Chile, aligning Citi’s global model with the local market.

I implemented the Activity-Based Costing (ABC) model to measure efficiency and profitability by business unit, and developed an automated model based on the Balanced Scorecard to evaluate commercial performance across the organization. In the commercial area, I led the growth of the mortgage portfolio through strategic alliances with real estate developers and coordinated sales teams. During the early years, I participated in organizational redesign and merger processes, integrating the operations of AXA’s insurance company with the bank.