Ulbra Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

Ulbra has 5 executives leading key functions including strategy, marketing, operations, institutional governance, and advisory oversight.

Committed to academic excellence and broad educational access, Ulbra delivers comprehensive learning solutions ranging from early childhood development to advanced postgraduate research across diverse Brazilian regions.

Leadership Roles at Ulbra

  • Chief Executive Officer - Marcelo Sander
  • Superintendente De Educação Superior (Chief Operating Officer) - Daniel Tanigushi
  • President - Carlos Melke Filho
  • Chief Marketing Officer - Fred Ribas
  • Presidente Do Conselho Consultivo - Gustavo Ene
  • Marcelo Sander - Chief Executive Officer

    Marcelo Sander, the Chief Executive Officer at Ulbra, directs the overarching strategic vision for this expansive higher education institution. By aligning academic goals with long-term institutional sustainability, the Chief Executive Officer ensures consistent growth across all undergraduate and postgraduate programs. Marcelo Sander manages high-level relationships with stakeholders while overseeing the integration of in-person and distance learning modalities throughout Brazil. This leadership role involves optimizing resource allocation to support the university's mission of providing accessible, high-quality education. Through rigorous oversight of administrative functions, the Chief Executive Officer maintains operational efficiency across the entire network of campuses and schools. By fostering innovation in curriculum development and delivery, the Chief Executive Officer strengthens the market position of the institution. Ultimately, the Chief Executive Officer drives the long-term success of the university by balancing academic integrity with fiscal responsibility in a competitive educational landscape.

    Daniel Tanigushi - Superintendente De Educação Superior (Chief Operating Officer)

    Daniel Tanigushi, the Superintendente De Educação Superior (Chief Operating Officer) at Ulbra, manages the daily operational execution of all higher education programs. Overseeing the academic infrastructure, the Superintendente De Educação Superior (Chief Operating Officer) ensures that faculty resources and classroom facilities meet rigorous quality standards across all Brazilian campuses. Daniel Tanigushi coordinates the delivery of specialized courses and extension programs, maintaining alignment with institutional academic policies. This leadership role involves streamlining administrative processes to enhance the student experience in both in-person and remote learning environments. By monitoring operational performance metrics, the Superintendente De Educação Superior (Chief Operating Officer) identifies opportunities for efficiency improvements within the university system. The Superintendente De Educação Superior (Chief Operating Officer) facilitates cross-departmental collaboration to support faculty development and student success initiatives. Through meticulous management of academic operations, the Superintendente De Educação Superior (Chief Operating Officer) upholds the reputation of the institution as a premier provider of higher education.

    Carlos Melke Filho - President

    Carlos Melke Filho, the President at Ulbra, provides institutional leadership and represents the university in high-level academic and public forums. Overseeing the governance of the entire educational network, the President ensures that all activities remain consistent with the core mission of providing comprehensive education from early childhood to postgraduate levels. Carlos Melke Filho engages with external partners and regulatory bodies to advance the interests of the institution on a national scale. This leadership role involves setting the tone for organizational culture and academic excellence. By guiding the executive team, the President fosters an environment conducive to research, teaching, and community service. The President monitors the long-term impact of university initiatives on the Brazilian educational landscape. Through strategic decision-making, the President secures the stability and future growth of the institution, ensuring that the university remains a cornerstone of academic development for students seeking vocational and higher education opportunities.
    Carlos Melke Filho

    Fred Ribas - Chief Marketing Officer

    Fred Ribas, the Chief Marketing Officer at Ulbra, architects the brand strategy and student recruitment initiatives for the entire university network. Overseeing national outreach campaigns, the Chief Marketing Officer ensures that the diverse portfolio of undergraduate, postgraduate, and vocational programs reaches target demographics effectively. Fred Ribas analyzes market trends to refine communication channels, thereby increasing enrollment across both physical campuses and distance learning platforms. This leadership role involves collaborating with academic departments to highlight unique program value propositions. By leveraging data-driven insights, the Chief Marketing Officer optimizes digital presence and community engagement efforts. The Chief Marketing Officer maintains a focus on expanding the reach of basic education schools, ensuring consistent messaging from early childhood through high school levels. Through strategic brand positioning, the Chief Marketing Officer secures a competitive advantage for the institution within the Brazilian education sector, ultimately driving sustainable growth in student populations.

    Gustavo Ene - Presidente Do Conselho Consultivo

    Gustavo Ene, the Presidente Do Conselho Consultivo at Ulbra, leads the advisory board in providing strategic guidance and oversight for the university's long-term development. Overseeing the evaluation of institutional policies, the Presidente Do Conselho Consultivo ensures that the university remains responsive to evolving market demands and educational trends. Gustavo Ene facilitates high-level discussions regarding the expansion of distance learning and the integration of new vocational training programs. This leadership role involves providing critical feedback to the executive team to enhance governance and operational transparency. By leveraging extensive industry expertise, the Presidente Do Conselho Consultivo supports the university in navigating complex challenges within the Brazilian education sector. The Presidente Do Conselho Consultivo maintains a focus on sustainable growth and the preservation of academic standards across all campuses. Through rigorous advisory oversight, the Presidente Do Conselho Consultivo strengthens the strategic foundation of the institution, ensuring alignment between institutional goals and the needs of the broader student community.
    Gustavo Ene

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Ulbra Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Ulbra?
    Ulbra is led by Marcelo Sander (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Daniel Tanigushi (Superintendente De Educação Superior (Chief Operating Officer)) and Carlos Melke Filho (President).
    Who is part of Ulbra’s executive team?
    The executive team of Ulbra includes leaders such as Marcelo Sander (Chief Executive Officer), Daniel Tanigushi (Superintendente De Educação Superior (Chief Operating Officer)), Carlos Melke Filho (President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Ulbra have?
    Ulbra has 5 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Ulbra’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Ulbra includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Superintendente De Educação Superior (Chief Operating Officer), President, Chief Marketing Officer, Presidente Do Conselho Consultivo.