Currently a Managing Director for Sapient, Marcelo Ballona oversees company operations in Latin America and Brazil. Marcelo Ballona brings a wealth of experience in e-commerce and business development to his position at Sapient, a web-based firm providing information technology and services. With an extensive background in the telecom industry, Marcelo Ballona possesses an encyclopedic understanding of SMS technologies, mobile commerce, mobile banking, wireless technology, and online marketing. Additionally, Marcelo Ballona displays in-depth understanding of business finance, broadcast and cable television marketing, and IPTV. Prior to joining Sapient, Marcelo Ballona accepted the position of CEO at Groove Partners, Inc., a think tank offering consultation services in new media, wireless and mobile technology, and broadband. Still presiding as CEO today, Marcelo Ballona directs Groove Partners’ dealings in Latin American and the United States. In the past, Marcelo Ballona acted as CEO at a host of other widely recognized global companies including Diarios Associados, a privately held marketing and advertising agency, and Investnews, a financial services firm. As CEO of Diarios Associados, Marcelo Ballona prospected and organized all group properties in print media, television, and over the Internet. Utilizing his unparalleled grasp of web-based technologies, Marcelo Ballona improved the functioning of all Internet service providers, establishing joint ventures with telecom companies. The partnerships that Marcelo Ballona created as CEO of Diarios Associados resulted in increased use of media properties as well as revenue sharing, both of which assisted the business in its development. Marcelo Ballona left Diarios Associados in 2002 in order to join Investnews. Marcelo Ballona directed Investnews with skill and savvy, choosing to sell the company upon his departure. Owned by Portugal Telecom, Investnews is a leading online financial news broadcast. Marcelo Ballona has accomplished a great deal at this point in his career, Mr. Ballona’s involvement with Submarino being particularly of note. As Founder and SVP of Marketing, Marcelo Ballona created Submarino’s company identity and unique business model. Under Marcelo Ballona’s direction, Submarino became a leader in e-commerce, growing into the largest company of its kind in Latin America.