Mercado Libre announces leadership transition: Marcos Galperin will become Executive Chairman and Ariel Szarfsztejn will assume role as Global CEO

Mercado Libre, the leading e-commerce and financial services company in Latin America, today announced a significant leadership transition. Effective January 1, 2026, founder and current CEO Marcos Galperin will step down from his role and assume the newly created position of Executive Chairman. Ariel Szarfsztejn, currently President of Commerce, will succeed Galperin as the company’s new global Chief Executive Officer.

In the months leading up to the transition, Marcos and Ariel will work closely together to ensure a smooth and seamless handover, maintaining leadership continuity and supporting Mercado Libre’s ongoing growth.

As Executive Chairman, Marcos will remain actively engaged in the company, with a strong focus on long-term strategy, product innovation, organizational culture, and advancing AI integration to further drive business transformation.

“Ariel has been part of Mercado Libre’s journey for nearly a decade and is the right person to lead this new phase of growth as our global CEO. He possesses the capability, leadership, and integrity needed to drive the company forward. Along with the talented team that has driven our success over the last 25 years, Ariel has the resources needed to ensure that Mercado Libre continues to scale,” emphasized Marcos Galperin. Marcos founded Mercado Libre in 1999 and, through his visionary leadership, has transformed it into one of the most innovative and valuable technology companies in Latin America.

"Along with the talented team that has driven our success over the last 25 years, Ariel has the resources needed to ensure that Mercado Libre continues to scale."

Marcos Galperin

Ariel Szarfsztejn stated: “It is both an honor and a tremendous responsibility to succeed Marcos in leading Mercado Libre, a company that has profoundly transformed the lives of millions across Latin America. While the shoes are big to fill, I am excited and deeply committed to advancing our shared vision. With the support of Marcos and our exceptional team, I look forward to building on our track record of innovation, operational excellence, and entrepreneurial spirit.”

"With the support of Marcos and our exceptional team, I look forward to building on our track record of innovation, operational excellence, and entrepreneurial spirit.”

 

Ariel Szarfsztejn

This transition marks a generational change in the leadership of Mercado Libre and positions the company for a new phase of innovation and expansion, while maintaining focus on its core mission: to transform the lives of millions of people and democratize access to commerce and finance in Latin America.