Draft:Ricardo Leiman

Ricardo Leiman is a highly regarded Brazilian/Dutch commodities executive with a career spanning over 35  years. Known for his strategic expertise and global perspective, he has held numerous senior leadership roles, making significant contributions to the success and growth of several prominent  companies in the commodities trading sector. His deep understanding of market dynamics has established him as a respected figure in the global commodities trading industry. Ricardo's professional journey took him around the world, building a wealth of international  experience across the commodities asset class, and a global network. Beyond his professional accomplishments, Leiman is deeply committed to philanthropy. He is the Chairman and Founder of Tag International, a charity  focused on providing technological aid to developing nations.

Early life and Education

Ricardo was born and raised in Sao Paulo, Brazil, before moving to the United States on a Rotary Club  Scholarship. He then returned to complete a degree in Economics at the University of Sao Paulo.  Ricardo later obtained a Master of Business Administration at Nyenrode Business University in the  Netherlands and the University of Rochester in New York.

Personal life

Ricardo is married and has 4 children. He has lived and worked in Brazil, USA, The Netherlands, Paris, Hong Kong and London.

Louis Dreyfus

As Chief Operating Officer, Ricardo spearheaded a transformational period of success at Dreyfus.  With a responsibility of globally enhancing accountability and efficiency across all divisions, he  contributed to pivotal milestones in company growth globally. Ricardo led transactions across various commodities internationally Examples include the expansion of Dreyfus' operations to Russia  and Ukraine. There, he facilitated the acquisition of the largest network of silo grain warehouses in 2003. Additionally, Ricardo orchestrated the development of Dreyfus' first soybean  crushing facility in the USA, among other notable investments.

Eximcoop

Ricardo, alongside various Brazilian cooperatives, established an enterprise aimed at introducing  Brazil's agricultural goods to the global trading market. He then oversaw the formation of offices in London and Rotterdam. Eximcoop became one of the largest traders of Brazilian commodities during that period, before it was sold to the large Japanese trading conglomerate Itochu in 1999.

Trader Classified Media

In 1999, Mr Leiman joined Trader Classified Media , a market leader in international classified advertising, where he assisted in the building of an online business to business marketplace. Upon being appointed the role of Vice President of Operations in Europe, he was tasked with managing the  organization's extensive online and offline capabilities. Under his leadership, Trader Classified Media strategically positioned itself as a leader in the industry, supporting  the conditions necessary for its IPO.

Noble Group

In 2006 he was appointed COO of Noble Group where he was tasked with building the energy,  base metals and the global  agricultural  business. Subsequently, he was appointed CEO of the Noble Group, where he directed the acquisition and construction of 7 $bn of fixed assets. This transformed the commodity trading firm into a global supply chain management powerhouse and elevated Noble to an investment grade Fortune 500 company. His strategic direction as COO and CEO, was instrumental in driving the company's remarkable growth. Throughout  Ricardos' time the business achieved significant global success. Its market capitalisation skyrocketed  from $2bn at the time of his appointment, to $12bn, upon his departure. Noble became one of the largest diversified, and most profitable, multi commodity companies in the world.

Englehart Commodities Trading Partners

Ricardo raised an equity investment of $1 billion from Brazil's BTG Pactual Group in 2012, to found Engelhart Commodities Trading Partners (ECTP). Ricardo piloted the startup to become a leading force in the global  physical commodities trading sector. During this time, ECTP expanded its operations to include 26  offices across 16 countries, forming a considerable global presence. This ambitious growth strategy led to exceptional financial performance, with the company generating a net income of nearly $1  billion within its first three years.

KLI Asset Management

In 2018, Ricardo Leiman and Pedro Marion, established a diversified multi-commodity hedge fund, leveraging their extensive  experience in both physical and financial commodity markets. The fund quickly gained recognition,  earning the prestigious award for Best Hedge Fund in Europe in 2019. Since its inception, it has  delivered high double-digit  annualized returns, showcasing consistency in performance, and in navigating the complexities of global commodity markets.

Tag International Development

In 2008, Ricardo Leiman, the Chairman of Tag International Development charity, aimed at advancing  technology to foster social development in emerging markets. Supported by prominent organizations such  as the Rotary Club, LFT,l US Aid, and other  charitable donors, the initiative secured  substantial financial backing to implement impactful projects across 14 countries. These programs  delivered significant improvements to underprivileged communities, including water aid initiatives in  Africa, women's health projects in Asia, and agricultural development efforts in Myanmar. The  organization extended its support to six orphanages worldwide, providing essential resources  for vulnerable children.