Laureate Education Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

Laureate Education has 4 executives leading key functions including operations, talent acceleration, legal affairs, and human resources.

Focused on expanding access to quality higher education, Laureate Education delivers diverse academic programs across Mexico, Peru, and the United States to empower students through innovative campus-based and online learning models.

Leadership Roles at Laureate Education

  • Executive VP & Chief Operating Officer - Marcelo Cardoso
  • Chief of Staff De Operaciones Y Aceleración De Talento B2B - Andrea Leal
  • Chief Legal Officer Laureate Perú - Rossina Muñiz
  • Chief People Officer & Senior VP - Adam Smith
  • Marcelo Cardoso - Executive VP & Chief Operating Officer

    Marcelo Cardoso, the Executive VP & Chief Operating Officer at Laureate Education, directs the daily operational efficiency of the university network across international markets. Overseeing the integration of campus-based and hybrid learning models, the Executive VP & Chief Operating Officer ensures that academic delivery remains consistent with high-quality standards. This leadership role involves managing complex logistics for undergraduate and graduate degree programs in business, medicine, and engineering. By optimizing resource allocation, Marcelo Cardoso drives significant improvements in student outcomes and institutional performance. The Executive VP & Chief Operating Officer collaborates with regional leadership to scale operations throughout Mexico and Peru, ensuring that technical and vocational training initiatives align with broader corporate objectives. Through rigorous oversight of administrative processes, the Executive VP & Chief Operating Officer maintains the operational integrity required to support thousands of students pursuing professional degrees in competitive global markets.
    Marcelo Cardoso

    Andrea Leal - Chief of Staff De Operaciones Y Aceleración De Talento B2B

    Andrea Leal, the Chief of Staff De Operaciones Y Aceleración De Talento B2B at Laureate Education, architects strategic frameworks for B2B talent development and operational acceleration. Managing the alignment between corporate training services and industry demands, the Chief of Staff De Operaciones Y Aceleración De Talento B2B ensures that vocational programs meet the evolving needs of the modern workforce. This leadership role involves coordinating cross-functional teams to enhance the delivery of specialized courses for technical training. By streamlining internal processes, Andrea Leal accelerates the deployment of educational solutions across the Latin American market. The Chief of Staff De Operaciones Y Aceleración De Talento B2B monitors key performance indicators to verify that talent initiatives drive measurable growth for institutional partners. Through constant evaluation of market trends, the Chief of Staff De Operaciones Y Aceleración De Talento B2B secures a competitive advantage for the company by bridging the gap between academic curriculum and professional application.
    Rossina Muñiz, the Chief Legal Officer Laureate Perú at Laureate Education, directs all regulatory compliance and legal strategy for the Peruvian university network. Overseeing complex legal frameworks, the Chief Legal Officer Laureate Perú ensures that all undergraduate and graduate degree programs adhere to local educational statutes and international standards. This leadership role involves managing institutional risk, drafting corporate agreements, and protecting the intellectual property of the university system. By providing expert counsel on governance, Rossina Muñiz supports the expansion of campus-based and online programs within the region. The Chief Legal Officer Laureate Perú collaborates with executive leadership to navigate the intricacies of the higher education sector, ensuring that all operations remain fully compliant with evolving legislation. Through proactive legal management, the Chief Legal Officer Laureate Perú safeguards the reputation and long-term stability of the institution while facilitating the delivery of high-quality education to students across the Peruvian market.

    Adam Smith - Chief People Officer & Senior VP

    Adam Smith, the Chief People Officer & Senior VP at Laureate Education, architects the human capital strategy to support a global network of higher education institutions. Overseeing talent acquisition, organizational culture, and employee development, the Chief People Officer & Senior VP ensures that the workforce remains aligned with the mission of providing quality education in medicine, engineering, and business. This leadership role involves designing comprehensive programs that foster professional growth for faculty and administrative staff across the United States and international regions. By implementing robust performance management systems, Adam Smith drives organizational excellence and operational efficiency. The Chief People Officer & Senior VP collaborates with the Board and other C-suite leaders to cultivate an inclusive environment that attracts top-tier academic talent. Through strategic workforce planning, the Chief People Officer & Senior VP secures the human resources necessary to sustain the company's growth and maintain high standards of academic service delivery.
    Adam Smith

    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Laureate Education Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Laureate Education?
    Laureate Education is led by Marcelo Cardoso (Executive VP & Chief Operating Officer), along with executives such as Andrea Leal (Chief of Staff De Operaciones Y Aceleración De Talento B2B) and Rossina Muñiz (Chief Legal Officer Laureate Perú).
    Who is part of Laureate Education’s executive team?
    The executive team of Laureate Education includes leaders such as Marcelo Cardoso (Executive VP & Chief Operating Officer), Andrea Leal (Chief of Staff De Operaciones Y Aceleración De Talento B2B), Rossina Muñiz (Chief Legal Officer Laureate Perú) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Laureate Education have?
    Laureate Education has 4 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Laureate Education’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Laureate Education includes roles such as Executive VP & Chief Operating Officer, Chief of Staff De Operaciones Y Aceleración De Talento B2B, Chief Legal Officer Laureate Perú, Chief People Officer & Senior VP.