Ana Paula Vitelli Named New Director of Columbia Global Center Rio
Columbia Global Center Rio de Janeiro is excited to announce the appointment of Ana Paula Vitelli as its new director.
A distinguished Brazilian leader with more than 30 years of leadership experience locally and globally, Vitelli brings a strong record of academic and executive experience in building partnerships between global institutions and communities. Before joining Columbia Global Center Rio, she served as managing director of Blue Management Institute, advising senior executives on strategy, leadership, and organizational culture. Previously, Vitelli served as president and chairwoman of the British Chamber of Commerce in Brazil. In 2025, she was awarded an OBE (Order of the British Empire) for her outstanding service on the board of Britcham.
“Ana Paula Vitelli steps into leadership at a pivotal moment, as Brazil is leading on climate, on democratic governance, on social innovations, and on the kind of bold, solutions-oriented thinking the world needs today,” said Wafaa El-Sadr, executive vice president of Columbia Global. “I am confident that under Ana Paula's leadership, the Columbia Global Center in Rio will continue to thrive, serving both Brazil and Columbia with distinction.”
