Rafael Colmenares
About Rafael Colmenares
Rafael Colmenares serves as the EMEA Business Acquisition & Integration Director at IPG, where he has worked since 2013. He has extensive experience in financial leadership roles, including positions at McCann Worldgroup and PwC, and has played a key role in business acquisitions and integration within the EMEA region.
Current Role at IPG
Rafael Colmenares serves as the EMEA Business Acquisition & Integration Director at Interpublic Group (IPG) since 2013. In this role, he provides leadership in financial due diligence and post-acquisition integration across IPG agencies within the EMEA region. His responsibilities include overseeing the strategic planning and execution of business acquisitions, ensuring that integration processes align with organizational goals.
Previous Experience at McCann Worldgroup
Rafael Colmenares held multiple positions at McCann Worldgroup from 2001 to 2004 and from 2004 to 2007. He worked as a Regional Coordinator for Latin America in Sao Paulo, Brazil, for three years, followed by a role as Regional Controller for Latin America in Miami for another three years. Additionally, he served as Financial Director for one year in Miami from 2000 to 2001.
Career at IPG
Before his current position, Rafael Colmenares worked at IPG in various capacities. He served as Director of Internal Audit for Latin America from 2007 to 2010 in Miami and as Director of Forensic Investigations from 2011 to 2013. He also worked as a Corporate Internal Auditor from 1998 to 2000 in New York City.
Education and Professional Qualifications
Rafael Colmenares studied at Andres Bello Catholic University, where he earned a Major in Accounting and obtained his Venezuelan CPA from 1983 to 1988. His educational background supports his extensive experience in finance and auditing.
Early Career Background
Rafael Colmenares began his career as a Senior Supervisor Auditor at PwC, working in Madrid, Spain, and Caracas, Venezuela, from 1985 to 1992. He later served as Controller at Banco Mercantil in Caracas, Venezuela, from 1992 to 1996. These early roles contributed to his expertise in financial management and auditing.