Angel García-Lascurain is a distinguished economist and strategic advisor whose career spans over three decades across Mexico and Brazil. As the Managing Partner of Advanced Management Consulting Group (AMCG) and Tantum México, he specializes in strategic planning, strategy execution, and corporate governance. His leadership extends to serving as the President of the National Advisory Council of the Mexican Institute of Finance Executives (IMEF) and as the National Vice President for Economic Development at COPARMEX, Mexico’s leading business confederation.
Angel’s interest in finance was sparked by Mexico’s dynamic business environment, which demands strategic decision-making to drive economic development and social responsibility. Influenced by a diverse array of professionals including business leaders, economists, and sociologists, he has cultivated a philosophy centered on hard work, ethical values, and placing family at the core of his endeavors.
What inspired you to pursue a career in finance or business leadership?
Mexico is the world’s 12th largest economy and has a dynamic business environment that offers numerous opportunities requiring strategic decision-making. Business leaders and financial professionals play a key role in driving economic development, sustainability, and social responsibility across both the private and public sectors.
Who has been your biggest influence or mentor, and what did you learn from them?
I haven’t had one specific mentor, but rather many influences throughout my professional development, including business leaders, economists, sociologists, and individuals who are deeply committed to understanding our country and reality, and who strive to make a positive impact.
What’s one life lesson or philosophy you live by, whether in work or life?
Work hard and live by a set of values, with family at the center.
Outside of finance, what are your hobbies or interests that people might not expect?
I am trained as an economist, with a strong interest in history and political analysis. I also enjoy running daily and have a deep appreciation for classical music.
Please briefly describe your current role and responsibilities in your organisation.
In my professional life, I balance three main roles. I am the Managing Partner of a consulting firm specializing in strategic planning and strategy execution, as well as corporate governance. I also serve as a Board Member of the Mexican Institute of Finance Executives (IMEF), where I had the privilege of leading the organization as National President for two years. Additionally, I currently serve as the National Vice President for Economic Development at COPARMEX, the leading business confederation in Mexico.
What are some milestones or achievements in your career that you’re particularly proud of?
I am very proud to have led Mexico’s CFOs during complex times, including the pandemic and the economic downturn, achieving strong results for our organization. I am also proud to lead a company that has strategically influenced numerous organizations across Mexico’s public and private sectors, and that is recognized for delivering excellent services. Most of all, I am particularly proud to be part of the leadership of Mexico’s leading business organization, which is deeply committed to the country’s economic, political, and social development, and to the promotion of the common good.
What professional designation(s) or qualifications do you hold, and which one challenged you most?
All my current responsibilities are challenging. Being able to balance them and move forward with them makes me feel very satisfied.
If you could give one piece of advice to a young finance professional starting out today, what would it be?
Prepare yourself thoroughly, become familiar with all the professional tools available to you, stay up to date, work hard, and keep your focus on results.
Why did you get involved with ICFOA?
I was invited by dear friends and highly respected financial leaders from various countries, whom I had the privilege of meeting during my time leading IMEF.
What do you hope ICFOA will accomplish in the next five years?
Over the next five years, the ICFOA will establish itself as the most influential global organization impacting the financial management of organizations by sharing cutting-edge and excellent practices, facilitating the exchange of information among countries, and serving as a leading voice in defining the role of CFOs in a rapidly transforming world.
What role do you believe CFOs should play in solving global challenges (e.g. climate, inequality, digitalisation)?
CFOs play a central role in addressing global challenges such as inequality, climate change, and technological transformation, as they not only manage the necessary financial resources but also have a key influence on the strategic direction of organizations and decision-making processes.
How do you see ICFOA bridging the gap between Global North and Global South CFOs?
CFOs from different countries, despite varying circumstances, speak a common language and share similar interests and challenges. Having a communication platform like ICFOA is very important to foster collaboration initiatives and promote the development of our countries.
What is one idea, project, or initiative you’d like to see ICFOA launch?
We must increase the number of countries and organizations participating in ICFOA. We also need to connect our working groups with the technical committees within member organizations to provide greater value to all our members.
Coffee or tea?
Definitely coffee.
Excel or PowerPoint?
Both.
Books or podcasts?
Books.
Early bird or night owl?
Early bird.
If you weren’t in finance, what would you be doing?
Perhaps law.
To learn more about Ángel’s work in strategy and leadership, visit AMCG, where he serves as Managing Partner. He also holds leadership roles at Tantum Group México, COPARMEX, IMEF, and the Colegio Nacional de Consejeros Profesionales, guiding organisations in strategy, governance, and economic development.