Universal Assistance Executive and Leadership Team

May, 2026

Leadership Overview

Universal Assistance has 8 executives leading key functions including strategy, finance, operations, technology, marketing, and regional management.

Driven by a commitment to traveler well-being, Universal Assistance provides comprehensive travel assistance and insurance services across Latin America, ensuring travelers receive reliable support and protection throughout their journeys.

Leadership Roles at Universal Assistance

  • Chief Executive Officer - Sandra Yachelini
  • Chief Financial Officer - Diego Fernández Celada
  • Chief Financial Officer, LATAM - Leandro Conde
  • Chief Operating Officer - Fernando Somoza
  • President - Leo Picaso
  • Regional Director, Technology & Chief Information Officer, Information Systems - Raffaele Loiacono
  • Chief Marketing Officer & Regional Director, DE Marketing - Diego Baron
  • Chief Operations Officer - Ignacio Marquez
  • Sandra Yachelini - Chief Executive Officer

    Sandra Yachelini, the Chief Executive Officer at Universal Assistance, directs the overarching strategy and vision for the company's travel assistance and insurance services. Yachelini guides the organization's expansion across various Latin American countries, including Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, and Colombia. This leadership role involves ensuring the company's offerings align with market demands and traveler needs for protection and support. Yachelini oversees the integration of operational efficiencies with strategic growth initiatives, fostering a culture of reliability and customer-centricity. The Chief Executive Officer's focus remains on strengthening Universal Assistance's market position by delivering unparalleled peace of mind to travelers. Sandra Yachelini drives the company's commitment to excellence in service delivery and continuous improvement across all operational facets.

    Diego Fernández Celada - Chief Financial Officer

    Diego Fernández Celada, the Chief Financial Officer at Universal Assistance, manages the company's financial health and strategic fiscal planning. Celada oversees all financial operations, including budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting, ensuring robust fiscal discipline across the organization. This role is critical in supporting Universal Assistance's expansion into key Latin American markets such as Argentina, Brazil, and Chile. Diego Fernández Celada works closely with other executive leaders to optimize resource allocation and drive profitability. The Chief Financial Officer's responsibilities extend to managing financial risks and identifying investment opportunities that align with the company's growth objectives. Celada ensures compliance with all financial regulations and standards across the regions served.

    Leandro Conde - Chief Financial Officer, LATAM

    Leandro Conde, the Chief Financial Officer, LATAM at Universal Assistance, oversees the financial operations and strategic fiscal planning specifically for the Latin American region. Conde manages financial reporting, budgeting, and compliance for Universal Assistance's operations across countries such as Argentina, Brazil, and Colombia. This role is integral to supporting regional growth and ensuring financial stability within diverse market conditions. Leandro Conde works closely with the global CFO and regional leadership to optimize financial performance and manage fiscal risks. The Chief Financial Officer, LATAM's focus is on driving financial efficiency and supporting strategic investment decisions that enhance the company's market presence. Conde ensures adherence to local financial regulations and best practices.

    Fernando Somoza - Chief Operating Officer

    Fernando Somoza, the Chief Operating Officer at Universal Assistance, directs the day-to-day operational execution of the company's travel assistance and insurance services. Somoza oversees the operational infrastructure supporting clients in countries like Colombia, Peru, and Ecuador, ensuring seamless service delivery. This leadership position involves optimizing operational workflows, enhancing service efficiency, and maintaining high standards of customer support. Fernando Somoza collaborates with technology and finance departments to implement scalable solutions that meet the evolving needs of travelers. The Chief Operating Officer's mandate includes driving operational excellence and ensuring the reliability of assistance provided across all Latin American markets. Somoza focuses on streamlining processes to enhance the overall customer experience.

    Leo Picaso - President

    Leo Picaso, the President at Universal Assistance, provides high-level strategic direction and leadership for the company's overall business objectives. Picaso guides the executive team in navigating the complexities of the travel assistance and insurance market across Latin America, including key regions like Argentina and Brazil. This executive role involves fostering strong relationships with stakeholders and ensuring the company's mission of providing reliable traveler support is consistently met. Leo Picaso oversees the strategic planning process, focusing on sustainable growth and market leadership. The President's responsibilities include championing innovation and ensuring the company adapts to evolving market dynamics. Picaso drives the vision for enhancing Universal Assistance's impact and reach.

    Raffaele Loiacono - Regional Director, Technology & Chief Information Officer, Information Systems

    Raffaele Loiacono, the Regional Director, Technology & Chief Information Officer, Information Systems at Universal Assistance, leads the technological strategy and information systems across the company's operational regions. Loiacono is responsible for developing and implementing robust IT infrastructure that supports Universal Assistance's travel assistance and insurance services in markets like Brazil and Argentina. This critical role involves overseeing all aspects of information technology, including cybersecurity, data management, and system integration. Raffaele Loiacono ensures that technology solutions enhance operational efficiency and provide secure, reliable support for travelers. The Chief Information Officer's focus is on leveraging technology to drive innovation and maintain a competitive edge in the Latin American travel sector. Loiacono guides the digital transformation initiatives for the organization.

    Diego Baron - Chief Marketing Officer & Regional Director, DE Marketing

    Diego Baron, the Chief Marketing Officer & Regional Director, DE Marketing at Universal Assistance, spearheads the marketing strategies and regional market development initiatives. Baron directs all marketing efforts aimed at promoting Universal Assistance's travel insurance and assistance services across Latin America, including key markets like Chile and Mexico. This executive role involves defining brand positioning, executing integrated marketing campaigns, and driving customer acquisition. Diego Baron collaborates with sales and operations teams to ensure marketing strategies are aligned with business objectives and customer needs. The Chief Marketing Officer's objective is to enhance brand visibility and market penetration. Baron oversees market research and analysis to identify new growth opportunities and refine customer engagement strategies.

    Ignacio Marquez - Chief Operations Officer

    Ignacio Marquez, the Chief Operations Officer at Universal Assistance, directs the execution of operational strategies and service delivery across the company's Latin American footprint. Marquez oversees the operational teams responsible for providing travel assistance and insurance services in markets including Chile, Peru, and Venezuela. This leadership position focuses on enhancing operational efficiency, ensuring service quality, and managing the logistical complexities of supporting travelers. Ignacio Marquez collaborates with technology and marketing departments to implement improvements that streamline operations and elevate the customer experience. The Chief Operations Officer's mandate is to drive operational excellence and maintain the reliability of services offered. Marquez is committed to optimizing resource utilization and fostering a high-performance operational culture.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Universal Assistance Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Universal Assistance?
    Universal Assistance is led by Sandra Yachelini (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Diego Fernández Celada (Chief Financial Officer) and Leandro Conde (Chief Financial Officer, LATAM).
    Who is part of Universal Assistance’s executive team?
    The executive team of Universal Assistance includes leaders such as Sandra Yachelini (Chief Executive Officer), Diego Fernández Celada (Chief Financial Officer), Leandro Conde (Chief Financial Officer, LATAM) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Universal Assistance have?
    Universal Assistance has 8 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Universal Assistance’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Universal Assistance includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Financial Officer, LATAM, Chief Operating Officer, President.