Colleague Spotlight: Juliana Valencia, Vice President of Finance, GA Group Colombia

Growing up as the daughter of a hotel executive, Juliana's childhood was a series of fresh starts. "I think I get my taste for traveling and change from the way I was brought up," she reflects. "Being new in school was common for my siblings and me. We got to know people from different countries and backgrounds - it was exciting."

This early exposure to diverse environments not only built her resilience but also instilled in her a natural ability to connect with others. As the youngest of three, she became the family mediator - a role that evolved into a leadership style centered on empathy, vulnerability, and transparent communication. Today, she balances her high-stakes professional life with a deeply rooted commitment to family, anchored by her husband and their two sons, whom she describes as her "biggest love."

Juliana's professional pedigree is as robust as it is global. A graduate of Universidad de Los Andes, she spent years navigating the complexities of equity research, M&A, and loan capital markets at firms like BNP Paribas in both Colombia and New York. Following a transition into private equity with Patria and, most recently, serving as Strategy Director at Lavoro Colombia, she has honed a sharp focus on profitability, FP&A, and data-driven decision-making.

When the opportunity to join GA Group arose, she saw more than just a job - she saw a mission. "I'm very excited to start my new role," she says. "I'm full of energy for everything that's coming."

Opening an office from scratch is a significant undertaking, one that Juliana approaches with a blend of professional pragmatism and personal humility. While she acknowledges the operational challenges of building a team from zero, her strategy is clear: take it day by day, remain open to learning from everyone, and keep the excitement of the "unknown" at the forefront.

"I think my upbringing taught me to, somehow, like feeling uncomfortable and to be open to change," she notes.

When it comes to building her team, Juliana is looking for specific DNA in every hire: accountability, curiosity, and a genuine passion for a fast-paced environment. She emphasizes that while business demands are immediate, culture remains the priority. Her goal is to cultivate a space where employees feel challenged, supported, and connected to the "bigger picture" of GA Group's success.

Juliana views the new Colombian office as a vital pillar for GA Group's future. Beyond tangible financial performance, she believes this expansion offers a profound cultural bridge.

"I'm positive this office will make a great contribution to GA's financial performance by accessing a world-class talent pool," she explains. "But it also contributes to our culture. Meeting people from different cultures and learning from them is one of the richest experiences any person can have."

GA Group's Colombian office will operate in a hybrid model, beginning with a flexible workspace in a WeWork location. The team is currently expanding rapidly, with immediate openings for:

• 1 Treasury
• 3 Accounting
• 2 Finance

If you are a curious, accountable professional looking to be part of an organization that values growth and diversity, Juliana Valencia wants to hear from you. Please submit your credentials directly to jvalencia@gagroup.com.

Juliana's professional pedigree is as robust as it is global. A graduate of Universidad de Los Andes, she spent years navigating the complexities of equity research, M&A, and loan capital markets at firms like BNP Paribas in both Colombia and New York. Following a transition into private equity with Patria and, most recently, serving as Strategy Director at Lavoro Colombia, she has honed a sharp focus on profitability, FP&A, and data-driven decision-making.

Juliana Valencia

Vice President of Finance, GA Group Colombia

[email protected]