Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Affiliations
Languages
References
Timeline
Generic
María Noel Hernández

María Noel Hernández

Montevideo,MO

Summary

Managing Partner with proven expertise in strategic planning, business development, and stakeholder engagement. Established a Wealth Management division, driving growth through diverse initiatives in Latin America. Strong background in regulatory compliance and cross-functional collaboration, consistently delivering exceptional results in competitive markets.

Overview

18
18
years of professional experience

Work History

Managing Partner

Zest
05.2024 - 08.2025
  • Established Wealth Management division within XP alliance to drive strategic growth.
  • Managed RIA (USA) and secured Portfolio Manager (Uruguay) licenses for compliance assurance.
  • Conducted M&A searches across Latin America, identifying key growth opportunities.
  • Led cross-functional teams to improve collaboration and project deliverables.

Executive Director

Criteria
Montevideo
11.2021 - 04.2024
  • Identified and developed business opportunities to drive growth.
  • Led offshore business development efforts for Criteria.
  • Managed licenses for Uruguay, Colombia, and Bahamas.
  • Served as Director responsible for offshore operations on Criteria's Board.
  • Established offices in Chile, Colombia, and Bahamas to expand market presence.
  • Cultivated relationships with key stakeholders to enhance collaboration.

Country Manager – Uruguay

Criteria
Montevideo
03.2020 - 06.2023
  • Directed offshore business operations for Criteria, managing licensed entities per Central Bank of Uruguay regulations.
  • Led a team of 15 professionals servicing over 60 financial advisors.
  • Identified and developed new business opportunities to enhance growth potential.
  • Served as Director of offshore business on Criteria's Board, influencing strategic decisions.
  • Participated as a member of Technology Committee, driving innovation initiatives.
  • Cultivated strategic relationships with customers, providers, and government officials to strengthen partnerships.

Head of Sales – Uruguay

Criteria
10.2017 - 02.2020
  • Developed business opportunities across Argentina, Brazil, Chile, and Uruguay.
  • Advised over 10 companies on fundraising strategies.
  • Contributed as a member of the Commercial Committee of Criteria.
  • Executed sales of alternative products and financial services.

Wholesaler – Latam

Criteria
09.2015 - 10.2017
  • Distributed real estate investments among wealth managers, family offices, UHNW individuals, and institutional investors in the region.
  • Generated over USD 100 million in investment capital.
  • Cultivated a network of more than 500 contacts across Latin America.
  • Developed Brazilian market from inception to operational status.
  • Established comprehensive processes for product reporting and monitoring.

Sales Leader

IBM
08.2014 - 08.2015
  • Developed nontraditional business for TSS division, leading team of 6.
  • Achieved sales goals every six months.
  • Created new line of smart, eco-friendly services to address market demand.

Ssr. Financial Advisor

Puente
04.2012 - 09.2013
  • Managed wealth management services for over 60 customers from Argentina.
  • Consistently exceeded annual AUM and ROA targets.
  • Advised on platform enhancements that increased net revenue.

Relationship Manager / Trader

Criteria
Montevideo
10.2009 - 04.2012

Established and designed middle and back office processes to enhance operational efficiency.

  • Led onboarding for six independent groups of financial advisors, ensuring seamless integration.
  • Supervised trading desk activities to maintain compliance and operational integrity.
  • Managed and trained middle office and back office staff to optimize overall performance.

Junior Financial Advisor

Montaldo
Montevideo
04.2007 - 05.2009

Wealth management services tailored for high-net-worth clientele in Uruguay.

Education

SPF Neuroleadership - Montevideo

Universidad De Montevideo
Montevideo
12.2021

CFA Level I - Approved - Investments and financial analysis.

CFA Institute
USA
12.2012

Executive Program on Financial Investments - Approved by Central Bank of Uruguay

Universidad ORT
Uruguay
12.2011

Economist - Uruguay

Universidad De Montevideo
Uruguay
03-2008

Some College (No Degree) - Marketing And Strategy

ORT University
Uruguay

Some College (No Degree) - Competitive strategies; management creativity, innovation and change; leading.

Esade Business School
Montevideo

Some College (No Degree) - Financial Analysis, Corporate Valuation and Financial Decisions

Columbia Business School Online
Online

Skills

  • Strategic planning and analysis
  • Stakeholder engagement
  • Business development and leadership
  • Sales strategy
  • Regulatory compliance
  • Wealth management
  • Cross-functional collaboration
  • Negotiation skills

Affiliations

  • Director Inspiring Girls Uruguay Chapter
  • We are Women in Finance Ambassador

Languages

Spanish
First Language
English
Proficient (C2)
C2
Portuguese
Intermediate (B1)
B1

References

References available upon request.

Timeline

Managing Partner

Zest
05.2024 - 08.2025

Executive Director

Criteria
11.2021 - 04.2024

Country Manager – Uruguay

Criteria
03.2020 - 06.2023

Head of Sales – Uruguay

Criteria
10.2017 - 02.2020

Wholesaler – Latam

Criteria
09.2015 - 10.2017

Sales Leader

IBM
08.2014 - 08.2015

Ssr. Financial Advisor

Puente
04.2012 - 09.2013

Relationship Manager / Trader

Criteria
10.2009 - 04.2012

Junior Financial Advisor

Montaldo
04.2007 - 05.2009

SPF Neuroleadership - Montevideo

Universidad De Montevideo

CFA Level I - Approved - Investments and financial analysis.

CFA Institute

Executive Program on Financial Investments - Approved by Central Bank of Uruguay

Universidad ORT

Economist - Uruguay

Universidad De Montevideo

Some College (No Degree) - Marketing And Strategy

ORT University

Some College (No Degree) - Competitive strategies; management creativity, innovation and change; leading.

Esade Business School

Some College (No Degree) - Financial Analysis, Corporate Valuation and Financial Decisions

Columbia Business School Online
María Noel Hernández