Background on Marcos Galperin and Mercado Libre
Marcos Galperin, the founder of Mercado Libre—one of Latin America’s leading e-commerce platforms—announced his transition from CEO to Executive Chairman. This change will take effect on January 1, 2026.
In a social media post, Galperin shared his thoughts: “The best is coming,” he wrote. “I want to share with you a news that marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for Mercado Libre. After 26 years leading the company as CEO, I have decided to transition into a new role as Executive Chairman starting January 1, 2026.”
Ariel Szarfsztejn’s Appointment as CEO
Ariel Szarfsztejn, who has been with Mercado Libre since 2017, will assume the role of CEO. Szarfsztejn has a strong educational background, having studied at the University of Buenos Aires and completed postgraduate studies at Stanford. He has held various leadership positions within the company, including leading strategy and new business initiatives, developing logistics across Latin America, and managing the marketplace for the past three years.
Galperin expressed confidence in Szarfsztejn’s abilities, stating, “He possesses the capability, leadership, team confidence, and most importantly, the necessary culture to guide Mercado Libre for many more years.”
Galperin’s Continued Involvement
Although stepping down as CEO, Galperin will remain actively involved with Mercado Libre. His focus will be on strategic planning, product evolution, company culture, capital allocation decisions, specific projects, and the integration of artificial intelligence to transform the business.
Impact on Mercado Libre and its Users
This generational shift signifies a new era for Mercado Libre, with Szarfsztejn at the helm. Galperin believes that Szarfsztejn, along with the talented team he has assembled, is well-positioned to ensure continued growth for Mercado Libre.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who is Marcos Galperin? Marcos Galperin is the founder of Mercado Libre, a prominent e-commerce platform in Latin America.
- What is his new role? Galperin will transition from CEO to Executive Chairman, focusing on strategy, product evolution, culture, capital allocation, and AI integration.
- Who will replace him as CEO? Ariel Szarfsztejn, who has been with Mercado Libre since 2017 and held various leadership positions, will become the new CEO.
- What does this change mean for Mercado Libre? This generational shift signifies a new era for Mercado Libre, with Szarfsztejn leading the company and Galperin providing strategic guidance.
