Avianca Holdings Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

Avianca Holdings has 10 executives leading key functions including institutional relations, financial strategy, information technology, commercial support, and administrative operations.

Focused on connecting Latin American markets, Avianca Holdings maintains a commitment to operational excellence and regional connectivity through a diverse portfolio of airline brands and loyalty programs.

Leadership Roles at Avianca Holdings

  • Chief Financial Officer - Gerardo Grajales
  • Gerente De Desempeño De Negocio Chief Information Officer - Michelle Velasquez
  • Manager, Cco Support & Chief of Staff - Giancarlo Hurtado
  • Chief Legal Officer & General Counsel - Richard Galindo
  • Directora Global De Relaciones Institucionales De Avianca. Presidenta Y Gerente Gl De Avianca CR - Viviana Martín
  • Jefe De Personal - Claudia Zarama Stein
  • Gcia. Administrativa - Rex Pepe Sierra
  • Jefe De Personal - Heidy Rojas
  • Jefe De Personal - Mateo Junco
  • Gcia. Administrativa - Rex Olaya Herrera
  • Gerardo Grajales - Chief Financial Officer

    Gerardo Grajales, the Chief Financial Officer at Avianca Holdings, directs the fiscal strategy and capital allocation for the entire airline group. Overseeing the financial health of the organization, the Chief Financial Officer monitors cash flow, debt management, and investment returns across all subsidiaries. This leadership role requires constant collaboration with the board to optimize the balance sheet and support long-term profitability. Gerardo Grajales also manages the financial integration of acquired entities, ensuring that the cost structure aligns with the broader mission of the company. By implementing rigorous financial controls, the Chief Financial Officer mitigates risks associated with volatile fuel prices and currency fluctuations in the Latin American market. Through precise fiscal planning, the executive supports the expansion of the fleet and the enhancement of the LifeMiles loyalty program, ultimately driving sustainable value for shareholders and maintaining the competitive edge of the airline in a demanding global industry.

    Michelle Velasquez - Gerente De Desempeño De Negocio Chief Information Officer

    Michelle Velasquez, the Gerente De Desempeño De Negocio Chief Information Officer at Avianca Holdings, architects the digital infrastructure and data analytics frameworks that power the airline group. By modernizing legacy systems, the Gerente De Desempeño De Negocio Chief Information Officer improves operational efficiency and customer experience across all digital touchpoints. This role involves leading the transformation of IT platforms to support real-time decision-making and predictive maintenance for the fleet. Michelle Velasquez also collaborates with commercial teams to leverage data insights for revenue management and personalized service delivery. Through the implementation of scalable cloud solutions, the executive ensures that the technology stack remains resilient against cyber threats and capable of handling high-volume traffic during peak travel seasons. By aligning technical capabilities with business goals, the Gerente De Desempeño De Negocio Chief Information Officer drives the digital evolution of the company, ensuring that the airline remains at the forefront of technological innovation within the aviation sector.

    Giancarlo Hurtado - Manager, Cco Support & Chief of Staff

    Giancarlo Hurtado, the Manager, Cco Support & Chief of Staff at Avianca Holdings, coordinates the strategic initiatives and daily operations of the commercial division. By facilitating communication between the Chief Commercial Officer and various departments, the Manager, Cco Support & Chief of Staff ensures that revenue-generating projects receive the necessary resources and executive oversight. This role involves managing complex cross-functional workflows that support the expansion of the route network and the optimization of ticket pricing strategies. Giancarlo Hurtado also monitors the execution of commercial goals, providing the leadership team with actionable data to adjust tactics in response to market shifts. Through the management of internal processes, the executive streamlines the decision-making cycle, allowing the commercial division to react quickly to competitive pressures. By maintaining alignment across the organization, the Manager, Cco Support & Chief of Staff supports the overall growth trajectory of the airline, ensuring that commercial objectives remain central to the corporate strategy.
    Richard Galindo, the Chief Legal Officer & General Counsel at Avianca Holdings, manages the legal affairs and regulatory compliance for the entire airline group. By providing counsel on international aviation law, the Chief Legal Officer & General Counsel protects the company from litigation risks and ensures that all operations meet the stringent requirements of global aviation authorities. This role involves overseeing complex contract negotiations, mergers, and acquisitions that define the growth strategy of the organization. Richard Galindo also leads the legal team in addressing labor disputes and environmental regulations across the various countries where the airline operates. Through the proactive management of legal risks, the executive safeguards the reputation and financial assets of the company. By maintaining a deep understanding of the regulatory environment in Latin America, the Chief Legal Officer & General Counsel enables the business to navigate legal challenges effectively, ensuring that the airline remains compliant while pursuing its strategic objectives in a highly regulated industry.
    Richard Galindo

    Viviana Martín - Directora Global De Relaciones Institucionales De Avianca. Presidenta Y Gerente Gl De Avianca CR

    Viviana Martín, the Directora Global De Relaciones Institucionales De Avianca. Presidenta Y Gerente Gl De Avianca CR at Avianca Holdings, manages high-level government and industry partnerships across the Latin American aviation sector. By navigating complex regulatory landscapes, the Directora Global De Relaciones Institucionales De Avianca. Presidenta Y Gerente Gl De Avianca CR secures the operational freedom necessary for regional expansion. This role involves constant engagement with international aviation authorities to ensure compliance and promote favorable policy frameworks. Viviana Martín also oversees the strategic positioning of the brand within the competitive landscape of Central American markets. Through these efforts, the executive maintains the stability of the corporate footprint while fostering growth in key territories. The leadership provided by this executive ensures that the airline remains a primary player in the regional transport ecosystem, effectively balancing public sector expectations with the commercial objectives of the broader group.

    Claudia Zarama Stein - Jefe De Personal

    Claudia Zarama Stein, the Jefe De Personal at Avianca Holdings, directs the human capital strategy and organizational development for the corporate headquarters. By focusing on talent acquisition and employee retention, the Jefe De Personal ensures that the company maintains a high-performing workforce capable of supporting the complex needs of a multinational airline. This role involves designing training programs that align with the safety and service standards required in the aviation industry. Claudia Zarama Stein also manages internal communications and labor relations, fostering a culture of accountability and professional growth. Through the implementation of performance management systems, the executive ensures that individual contributions directly support the broader mission of the group. By optimizing the organizational structure, the Jefe De Personal enhances operational agility, allowing the company to adapt to changing market conditions while maintaining a consistent focus on employee engagement and the long-term development of the internal talent pipeline.

    Rex Pepe Sierra - Gcia. Administrativa

    Rex Pepe Sierra, the Gcia. Administrativa at Avianca Holdings, oversees the administrative infrastructure and facility management required to support the global operations of the airline. By managing corporate assets and procurement processes, the Gcia. Administrativa ensures that the organization operates with maximum efficiency and minimal overhead. This role involves coordinating the logistics of office environments and support services that enable the various departments to function without interruption. Rex Pepe Sierra also monitors compliance with internal policies and external regulations, ensuring that all administrative activities adhere to the highest standards of corporate governance. Through the optimization of supply chain and vendor relationships, the executive reduces operational costs and improves the reliability of support services. By maintaining a robust administrative framework, the Gcia. Administrativa provides the foundation for the airline to scale its operations across the region, ensuring that the business remains agile and responsive to the needs of the workforce and the traveling public.

    Heidy Rojas - Jefe De Personal

    Heidy Rojas, the Jefe De Personal at Avianca Holdings, leads the workforce planning and labor relations initiatives for the operational staff. By focusing on the specific needs of ground crews and flight support personnel, the Jefe De Personal ensures that the airline maintains the staffing levels necessary for safe and reliable service. This role involves managing the recruitment and onboarding processes for technical roles, ensuring that all personnel meet the rigorous safety standards of the aviation industry. Heidy Rojas also oversees the implementation of health and safety protocols, fostering a workplace environment that prioritizes the well-being of the staff. Through the development of compensation and benefits structures, the executive improves employee satisfaction and reduces turnover in critical operational areas. By aligning human resource policies with the operational demands of the airline, the Jefe De Personal supports the overall efficiency of the group, ensuring that the workforce remains motivated and capable of delivering high-quality service to passengers.

    Mateo Junco - Jefe De Personal

    Mateo Junco, the Jefe De Personal at Avianca Holdings, manages the organizational culture and leadership development programs for the executive and management teams. By identifying high-potential talent, the Jefe De Personal ensures that the company has a robust pipeline of future leaders capable of navigating the challenges of the aviation sector. This role involves designing mentorship and training initiatives that promote a culture of innovation and strategic thinking. Mateo Junco also oversees the performance evaluation processes for senior management, ensuring that leadership goals remain aligned with the long-term vision of the airline. Through the implementation of diversity and inclusion programs, the executive fosters a collaborative environment that leverages the unique perspectives of a diverse workforce. By focusing on the development of the leadership team, the Jefe De Personal strengthens the organizational capacity of the company, ensuring that the airline remains competitive and resilient in an ever-evolving global market.

    Rex Olaya Herrera - Gcia. Administrativa

    Rex Olaya Herrera, the Gcia. Administrativa at Avianca Holdings, directs the resource allocation and administrative support for the regional hubs and maintenance facilities. By optimizing the use of physical assets and infrastructure, the Gcia. Administrativa ensures that the airline maintains the operational capacity required to support its extensive route network. This role involves managing the procurement of essential supplies and services for the maintenance and ground operations teams, ensuring that all resources are available when needed. Rex Olaya Herrera also oversees the implementation of sustainability initiatives within the administrative functions, reducing the environmental footprint of the company's ground operations. Through the management of facility budgets and maintenance schedules, the executive improves the efficiency of the regional hubs, allowing the airline to maintain high standards of service across its diverse markets. By providing the necessary administrative support, the Gcia. Administrativa enables the operational teams to focus on their core mission of providing safe and reliable air travel.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Avianca Holdings Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Avianca Holdings?
    Avianca Holdings is led by Gerardo Grajales (Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as Michelle Velasquez (Gerente De Desempeño De Negocio Chief Information Officer) and Giancarlo Hurtado (Manager, Cco Support & Chief of Staff).
    Who is part of Avianca Holdings’s executive team?
    The executive team of Avianca Holdings includes leaders such as Gerardo Grajales (Chief Financial Officer), Michelle Velasquez (Gerente De Desempeño De Negocio Chief Information Officer), Giancarlo Hurtado (Manager, Cco Support & Chief of Staff) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Avianca Holdings have?
    Avianca Holdings has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Avianca Holdings’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Avianca Holdings includes roles such as Chief Financial Officer, Gerente De Desempeño De Negocio Chief Information Officer, Manager, Cco Support & Chief of Staff, Chief Legal Officer & General Counsel, Directora Global De Relaciones Institucionales De Avianca. Presidenta Y Gerente Gl De Avianca CR.