Financial Services

Rafael Sarandeses

Rafael Sarandeses joined Talengo in 2019 as a Principal to lead the financial services practice. In 2021, he is appointed Partner of the firm.

With a combined 20-year multicultural track record as a professional athlete, investment banker and entrepreneur, and a passion for career development, Rafael brings a deep understanding of performance and change management to the firm.

His career began as a professional racing driver (Spanish Formula 3 Champion in 1998). In 2005 Rafael joined the world of financial services in London, first at Goldman Sachs and later at Morgan Stanley, where he was the head of foreign exchange sales for Southern Europe until the end of 2013.

In 2014, he co-founded ThirdWay Africa, a merchant banking services firm focused on impact investment opportunities with offices in London, Maputo (Mozambique) and Harare (Zimbabwe). He served as Managing Partner and Chief Operating Officer from inception, transitioning to an advisory role as an Affiliate Partner in 2019.

Rafael is an executive coach (Columbia Coaching Certification Program) and a certified habits coach (BJ Fogg's Behavioral Model). He is also an Associate Professor at IE Business School, where he collaborates with the IE Talent & Careers division in the development of professional and self-management skills, and as a career coach for students in their Master and MBA programs.

He holds a double master´s degree in law and business management from Universidad Pontificia Comillas (ICADE E-3). In addition to Spanish, his native language, Rafael is fluent in English, Italian and Portuguese, having worked and founded businesses in 5 countries in Europe and Africa.

Jorge Matiz Obregón

Jorge Matiz joined Talengo in 2014 to lead the Colombia office. With a professional track record spanning over 25 years, he specialises in the search for senior management positions for the finance sector.

For over 8 years, he worked for a renowned global executive search firm, where he led the finance practice advising local and international firms. He previously spent 16 years in different executive positions in the finance industry, in the corporate banking segments for entities such as Bancolombia, Leasing Sudameris and Banco GNB Sudameris. He spent his recent years working as a Private Banker, supporting the Banco General de Panamá in strengthening, developing and consolidating the business in Colombia.

Jorge holds a Business degree from the Colegio de Estudios Superiores de Administración CESA and studied Investment Banking at Universidad Jorge Tadeo Lozano and Top Management at the Universidad de los Andes.

Álvaro Arce

Álvaro Arce joined Talengo in 2021 as Director of Executive Search for the Financial Services, Private Equity, Real Estate and Energy practices.

He started his career in investment banking, initially at JP Morgan and after 2 years he joined Deutsche Bank where he held various positions of responsibility for Ibex 35 clients within Corporate and Investment Banking. In 2013 he moved to Switzerland to join a special situations fund (SGI) covering Southern Europe.

In 2017 he started his career in the field of executive search in a well-known multinational firm, where he reached the position of Head of Banking & Financial Services. Prior to joining Talengo he was a Principal at an international headhunting firm where he worked in the search for Banking, Private Equity and Real Estate positions.

During the last 5 years Alvaro has been involved in executive search projects in Spain, Portugal and UK, offering his knowledge as an expert advisor for the Financial Services and Investment Funds sector both nationally and internationally, with a special focus on the European market, and covering in particular positions for investment, financial and management teams.

In 2018 and 2019 he was chosen as one of the Choiseul Institute's 100 Economic Leaders of Tomorrow. Alvaro holds a degree in business administration and management from CUNEF.

In addition to Spanish, his native language, he is fluent in English having worked in different countries.