Luis F. Baron

Senior Financial Director for the North Andean and South Central America Region @ Phoenix Tower International

About

Economist with a Master's in International Business and Emerging Markets, and a postgraduate specialization in International Business and Capital Markets. I bring over 18 years of experience managing financial operations and teams across Latin America, with a strong track record in financial planning, treasury, capital structuring, and investment analysis. My career spans industries including telecommunications, real estate, and finance, with contributions to companies such as Phoenix Tower International, Amber Capital, Millonarios FC, Alpina, Banco de Bogotá, and Expocredit LLC. I’ve led multi-country finance teams, managed regional capitalizations, improved collection and reporting processes, and implemented structural changes to enhance team performance. I’m fluent in Spanish and English, proficient in French, and comfortable navigating multicultural environments. I’m detail-oriented, focused on results, and committed to supporting both internal teams and external stakeholders through clear, reliable financial management. Let’s connect if you'd like to exchange ideas or explore collaboration.

Country

Colombia

City

Bogota

Industry

Telecommunications

Skill

Team Leadership, Previsión financiera, Habilidades sociales, Gestión de cobros, Facturación, Flujo de efectivo, Emerging Markets, Financial Modeling, Corporate Finance, Financial Analysis, Credit Analysis, Valuation, Economics, Portfolio Management, Capital Markets, Fixed Income, Banking, Market Research, Stata, Business Strategy

Experience

Senior Financial Director for the North Andean and South Central America Region

Phoenix Tower International

2019-6 - Present · 7 yrs 4 mos

Bogotá, Capital District, Colombia

Lead financial and administrative oversight across seven countries: Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Panama, Costa Rica, Guatemala, and El Salvador. Manage 4 direct Finance Managers and 3 indirect reports, working closely with Accounting, AP, Legal, and Commercial teams to ensure smooth operations. Successfully managed $256M debt-to-equity capitalizations in Colombia and Ecuador, coordinating with legal, compliance, and external advisors to meet all regulatory requirements and deadlines. Oversee cash flow management, tax compliance, accounts receivable/payable, and regional financial statement consolidation. Implemented restructuring projects in Colombia, Panama, and Costa Rica, improving team effectiveness, accountability, and coordination across countries. Developed enhanced reporting, payment consolidation, and AR reconciliation processes, leading to significant improvements in collections and lower overdue balances. Consistently exceeded collection targets, achieving 109% in 2023 and 102% in 2024; maintained SG&A budget accuracy between 95–97%. Provide monthly reports and AR strategy updates to the Finance Vice President and CFO, delivering insights to support decision-making. Work with Microsoft D365 and have previous experience with Oracle financial systems.

Co-Founder

LaQuince Cervecería Artesanal

2014-1 - 2022-12 · 9 yrs

Cerveceria Artesanal Bogotana

Business Manager

Amber Capital Colombia

2018-5 - 2019-5 · 1 yr 1 mo

Bogotá D.C. Area, Colombia

Directed financial management and control of investment portfolios in Colombia, including Small Hydropower Projects. Led annual financial planning, budgeting, and cash flow management for local investments. Delivered investment performance reports and financial analysis to UK headquarters to inform strategic planning. Conducted due diligence and presented investment opportunities to senior leadership. Supported structuring and execution of new investments, ensuring compliance with local regulations.

Jefe Financiero - Oficial de Cumplimiento

Azul y Blanco Millonarios FC S.A

2014-9 - 2018-5 · 3 yrs 9 mos

Bogota

Directed financial planning, budgeting, treasury operations, and cash flow forecasting to support executive decisions. Managed banking relationships, financing, and liquidity strategy to strengthen club’s financial position. Presented financial statements and management reports to the CFO, Club President, and external auditors, ensuring transparency and compliance with international standards. Coordinated and led the club’s second public share issuance in 2015. Served as Compliance Officer; authored and implemented the club’s first Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Manual (SIPLAFT).