Gabriel Rodriguez
Hi there!
I was born and grew up in the Venezuelan capital, Caracas. I speak English and Spanish fluently and have basic proficiency in Arabic and French.
Throughout my primary and secondary education at Instituto Cumbres de Caracas in my hometown, I was not only dedicated to my studies but also excelled as part of the school’s swimming team. As an outstanding swimmer, I had the opportunity to compete nationally and internationally for over 15 years.
In 2005, I embarked on my undergraduate education journey at the Universidad Metropolitana in Caracas. Over the course of five years, I pursued a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, graduating in the top 10% of my class. During my studies, I specialized in Management and pursued Graduate Diplomas in Marketing and Financial Engineering. To gain practical experience, I took part in internships in the energy and financial services sectors, working at multinational company Technip and La Primera Casa de Bolsa, a brokerage firm. Following my internships, I gained valuable insights as a Business Analyst at Andritz Hydro, one of the leaders in hydraulic power generation.
Driven by a desire for further learning and exploration, I decided to broaden my horizons by studying abroad. In 2011, I traveled to Paris and enrolled in the Université Paris-Sorbonne, where I immersed myself in a Cours de Civilisation Française program for nearly a year before returning to Venezuela. Eager to apply my knowledge and skills, I joined Novartis, a top multinational pharmaceutical company, as a Product Marketing and Sales Assistant, where I gained valuable experience in the industry.
In 2012, I embarked on a new chapter in my academic journey by pursuing a Master’s Degree in Market Research and Consumer Behavior at IE University. Graduating at the top of my class in 2013, I had the privilege of joining the prestigious academic institution as an Associate Manager of Business and Product Development. After two years, I transitioned to IE University’s Marketing Department as a Marketing Manager, where I have been leading international marketing efforts for the university’s undergraduate programs. I currently hold the position of Head of Product Marketing – Global Portfolio.
Recognizing the importance of staying ahead in the ever-evolving digital landscape, I returned to education in 2019 to pursue my second Master’s Degree at IE University in Digital Transformation and Innovation Leadership. Graduating fourth in my class in July 2020, I have also pursued further specialization in Digital Product Management at Darden Business School.
I am deeply passionate about leveraging my expertise to drive innovation and transform businesses in the digital age. With a strong background in business administration, market research, and consumer behavior, I am committed to delivering impactful marketing strategies and fostering growth.
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My Professional Life Story in a
Timeline
2005 – Graduated from High School
Completed my high school education at the Instituto Cumbres de Caracas.
2005 – Started College
Enrolled in a Bachelor’s Degree program in Business Administration at Universidad Metropolitana.
2006 – Entrepreneurial Venture “PinoExpress”
Established PinoExpress, a business importing natural pine Christmas trees from Canada. Provided delivery and pick-up services, and sold the wood after the holidays. Operated the venture for four years.
2007 – Qué Arepazo – Second Entrepreneurial Venture
Founded Qué Arepazo, a catering startup specializing in arepas for events and parties. Sold the business after two years of operation.
2009 – First Internship
Completed an internship in management control at Technip, a French multinational energy company.
2009 – Second Internship
Engaged in an internship in finance at La Primera Casa de Bolsa, a prominent local brokerage firm.
2009 – First Job
Commenced employment as a Business Analyst at Andritz, a global leader in hydraulic power generation.
2010 – Graduated from College
Graduated with top honors from college, ranking in the top 10% of my class. Also obtained graduate diplomas in marketing and financial engineering.
2010 – Studied Abroad in France
Spent one year living in Paris, studying a Cour de Civilisation Française program at Université Paris-Sorbonne.
2010 – Joined Novartis
Joined Novartis, a multinational pharmaceutical company, as a Product Marketing and Sales Assistant.
2012 – Pursued First Master’s Degree
Studied abroad in Madrid at IE University, earning a Master’s Degree in Market Research and Consumer Behavior. Graduated first in my class.
2013 – Joined IE University
Joined IE University in roles related to business/product development and marketing. Collaborated closely with IE University’s international offices network to lead international marketing strategies for the university’s undergraduate programs.
2017 – Launched Pizzeria Rurale
Established Pizzeria Rurale, a fast-casual Italian restaurant and traditional pizzeria startup as a side project.
2017 – Started Katako Sushi Bar
Created Katako Sushi Bar, a fast-casual delivery Japanese restaurant startup as a side project.
2019 – Pursued Second Master’s Degree
Enrolled in a part-time program for a Master’s Degree in Digital Transformation and Innovation Leadership at IE University. Graduated fourth in my class in 2020, earning a full scholarship.
2021 – Started Teaching at IE Business School and IE University
Began teaching courses in Digital Marketing and Digital Transformation at both IE Business School and IE University as an Adjunct Professor.
2022 – Completed Specialization in Digital Product Management
Successfully completed an online specialization program in digital product management at Darden Business School.
2024 – Promoted to Head of Product Marketing
Promoted to Head of Product Marketing at IE University, overseeing all product marketing efforts across master’s and undergraduate programs for all IE University schools.
Gabriel Rodriguez 