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11 minutes readMeet the team
- Jamil Neto, Regional Director Latam
- Leticia Bodelaci, Area Manager South Cone and Brazil
- Edgar Castillo, Country Head Mexico
- Jose Alfredo Jimenez Chaves, Area Manager Northern South America
- Henrique Patricio, Business Development Manager Brazil
- Ana Karen Magana Olmos, Area Manager Mexico and Carribean
- Juan Manuel Silva, Business Development Manager Northern South America
Jamil Neto,
Regional Director Latam
Jamil Neto, Regional Director Latam
Can you please introduce yourself?
Iām Jamil Neto, Regional Director for Latin America at RateHawk. My journey in tourism spans 17 years, starting in telemarketing at Tam Airlines (now Latam Airlines) and evolving through roles such as Travel Agent, Sales Leader, and Country Manager.
My educational background includes a degree in Events with an emphasis on Tourism, MBAs in Marketing, Sales, and Coolhunting, along with advanced studies in Leadership, Digital Marketing, and Project Management. Currently, Iām pursuing a Doctorate in Business Administration at the Singapore Business School.
Iām deeply passionate about strategy, understanding client behavior, and uncovering trends to create impactful business solutions.
Why is the Latin American market so important to RateHawk?
Ā Beyond its natural beauty and vibrant culture, Latin America is a significant player in the global economy.
Latin America isnāt just my homeāitās a region with immense potential, drawing global attention year after year.
For many major corporations, the region accounts for at least 15% of their annual revenue. In the tourism sector specifically, interest in Latin American destinations has grown by 21% post-COVID, showcasing its increasing appeal for international travelers.
What are the main targets you set to achieve in a three-year timespan?
My goal for RateHawk is clear: within three years, we aim to establish ourselves as a recognized and trusted brand across Latin America. This means reaching peak sales performance and ensuring our success is sustainable in the long term.
Itās not just about getting to the topāitās about staying there through consistent effort and a commitment to excellence.
How do you see your team expanding in the near future?
I envision building a team of top-tier professionalsāthe best in the market. The sales team is the heart of our operations, while team leaders act as the veins, directing the flow of success.
In the near future, I plan to appoint dedicated leaders for Brazil and the South Cone region. Over time, Iām confident weāll see more leaders emerge, driven by their efforts and talents. Itās all about fostering a culture of merit and hard work.
The sales team is the heart of our operations, while team leaders act as the veins, directing the flow of success. Photo: RateHawk. com
Leticia Bodelaci,
Area Manager South Cone and Brazil
Leticia Bodelaci, Area Manager South Cone and Brazil
Can you please introduce yourself and describe the market youāre responsible for?
At RateHawk, I serve as the Area Manager for South Cone and Brazil. My focus spans vibrant markets like Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Paraguay, and Uruguay, as well as the ever-dynamic Brazilian market. These markets are fascinating because Latinos have unique needs and preferences.
Understanding how each customer wishes to be approached is crucial.
Brazil, for instance, has some distinctive bottlenecksāsuch as the need for local currency payment options and the cultural habit of paying in installmentsābut the potential here is immense. Despite these challenges, our team continues to deliver excellent results.
Another key focus is growing the team. With these foundational improvements in place, we can amplify our outreach and strengthen our position as a market leader in the region. Photo: RateHawk. com
What makes RateHawk stand out from other platforms?
Our platform is distinguished by its user-friendly design and intuitive, self-explanatory technology. Features like the ‘Shift-R’ function, which allows clients to hide or reveal commission and discount details during presentations, offer convenience that others lack.
Additionally, we provide a comprehensive dashboard displaying key metrics, making it easy for clients to quickly assess critical data. Our competitive pricing is also a major strengthāespecially when payments are made in strong currencies like USD. Once local payment options are available, Iām confident weāll retain this competitive edge.
What are the key priorities for expanding RateHawk’s presence in your region?
The top priority is establishing local payment systems in Brazil and Argentina. These are pivotal for scaling our operations and supporting aggressive market expansion.
Another key focus is growing the team. With these foundational improvements in place, we can amplify our outreach and strengthen our position as a market leader in the region.
If a candidate asked why they should join your team, what would your answer be?
Hereās what I tell every candidate, whether they ask or not:
- Youāll join a flexible and supportive team always ready to help.
- The company offers attractive benefits and bonuses.
- Our intuitive system makes client engagement easier, thanks to its self-explanatory design.
- Youāll enjoy a hybrid work environment, allowing you to work from anywhere on non-event days.
- There are countless other perksābut youāll discover those once youāre part of our team!
What motivates you and your team most about working at RateHawk?
We thrive in a culture of flexibility and empathy. The ability to work from home when weāre not attending events or client meetings helps us maximize productivity by reclaiming commute time.
The support and camaraderie within our team are unmatched, and Jamil Netoās leadership stands out for its sensitivity and objective-driven approach. He understands individual needs while ensuring results are achieved, which keeps us inspired to do our best.
Edgar Castillo,
Country Head Mexico
Edgar Castillo, Country Head Mexico
Can you please introduce yourself and describe the market youāre responsible for?
Iām Edgar Castillo, the Country Head for Mexico and the Caribbean at RateHawk. My team is composed of highly experienced professionals who bring deep knowledge of these regionsā tourism industries.
Our focus is on providing exceptional support and solutions for travel agents in Mexico and the Caribbean.
These are dynamic and competitive markets, filled with opportunities for growth. Our emphasis on teamwork and constant communication has been crucial to both our organic expansion and professional recognition in the tourism sector.
A strong team is the foundation of our success. Photo: RateHawk. com
What are your impressions about RateHawk as a product?
RateHawk is a powerful platform, designed with the needs of travel professionals in mind. It combines an intuitive, user-friendly interface with an extensive inventory of luxury hotels, ranging from 4-star to 5-star properties.
Additionally, our customizable tools make the booking process seamless, empowering agents to enhance the travel experience for their clients. What really sets us apart is the combination of innovative features and the expertise of our dedicated sales team, which helps us build strong relationships with travel professionals.
Can you share your vision for RateHawkās growth and development in Mexico?
As we look to the future, the demand for streamlined travel solutions continues to grow. Our vision is to position RateHawk as the go-to booking platform for travel agents in Mexico.
To achieve this, weāre focusing on expanding our market presence through strategic partnerships with suppliers, enhancing user experience, and ensuring that our solutions address the specific needs of the region. By 2025, I see RateHawk as a leader in Mexicoās travel industry, synonymous with innovation and reliability.
How do you plan to strengthen your team to achieve these goals?
My priority is investing in the teamās development. Continuous training, motivation, and fostering a culture of collaboration are essential to achieving our objectives.
Weāre also dedicated to nurturing internal talent while welcoming new professionals who share our passion for excellence. A strong team is the foundation of our success, and Iām committed to empowering every member to thrive.
Why should a candidate consider joining your team?
Joining RateHawk offers the chance to be part of a vibrant and evolving industry. We provide opportunities for professional growth, the backing of a reputable brand, and the chance to contribute to groundbreaking advancements in the travel market.
Weāre looking for creative, committed individuals who are eager to make an impact. If youāre ready to grow with us and bring fresh ideas to the table, RateHawk is the perfect place for you.
Jose Alfredo Jimenez Chaves,
Area Manager Northern South America
Jose Alfredo Jimenez Chaves, Area Manager Northern South America
Can you please introduce yourself and describe the market youāre responsible for?
My name is JosƩ Jimenez, and I bring over a decade of experience in the tourism industry to my role as Area Manager at RateHawk. I lead the commercial and sales operations for the Northern South America region, which includes Panama, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru.
These markets are vibrant and diverse, presenting unique opportunities and challenges. My role focuses on driving growth, ensuring customer success, and building strong relationships with our B2B clients. Itās an exciting region with immense potential for development.
What do you love the most about working with RateHawk?
What stands out to me is the freedom RateHawk provides to innovate, share ideas, and work independently. This culture of trust and collaboration empowers us to take ownership of our work while knowing that the company supports us with clear objectives and transparent results.
What are the main goals you have set for this and the next year? Have you faced any challenges along the way?
This year, our primary goal was to expand our presence by forming strategic partnerships with key clients and participating in major industry events. Iām proud to say weāve achieved these targets, with substantial growth in both active clients and bookings.
Next year, our focus is on solidifying RateHawkās position as the preferred booking platform for travel agencies across the region.
Of course, weāve encountered challenges, such as security issues, local payment complications due to foreign exchange taxes, and natural events. However, our 24/7 support team has been instrumental in overcoming these hurdles and ensuring smooth operations.
What initiatives do you believe are most important for fostering strong team spirit?
Keeping the team informed and updated about changes is essential, particularly in a tech-driven company. Regular communication ensures everyone stays aligned with our goals and strategies.
Equally important is listening to and supporting the team. Open communication fosters trust and encourages individuals to perform at their best. Confidence in our shared mission is the key to our success.
Regular communication ensures everyone stays aligned with our goals and strategies. Photo: RateHawk. com
What type of candidate is a perfect fit for your team?
The ideal candidate for our team is someone open-minded, eager to learn, and adaptable to change. We value individuals who bring positivity, authenticity, and a willingness to grow within the company.
Teamwork is at the heart of what we do, so a collaborative mindset is essential. If youāre someone who thrives in a supportive, dynamic environment, youāll find a great home at RateHawk.
Henrique Patricio,
Business Development Manager Brazil
Henrique Patricio, Business Development Manager Brazil
How would you describe working at RateHawk? What aspects do you find the most fulfilling or challenging?
Working at RateHawk is an incredibly rewarding experience. If youāre diligent and excel in your role, the company recognizes your effortsāboth financially and through internal acknowledgment.
RateHawkās culture encourages employees to act as their own CEOs. This autonomy empowers us to take ownership of our tasks and work creatively. Itās a perfect fit for individuals who thrive on independence and self-motivation.
The most significant challenge we face is being a relatively new player in the Brazilian market, compounded by the absence of local payment options. However, this also presents an exciting opportunity to innovate and develop unique strategies that benefit our clients and strengthen their businesses.
Ana Karen Magana Olmos,
Area Manager Mexico and Caribbean
Ana Karen Magana Olmos, Area Manager Mexico and Caribbean
How does working with RateHawk (as a product and as a team) inspire you?
I am deeply inspired by the challenges and opportunities that come with working at RateHawk. Itās fulfilling to know that my efforts contribute to the growth and development of a market while also fostering my professional growth.
Since joining RateHawk, Iāve stepped out of my comfort zone to position the brand in a competitive landscape. Seeing the progress weāve made and the milestones weāve achieved is incredibly satisfying.
What makes it even more special is being part of a team of exceptional professionals and human beings. They inspire me every day to bring my best to the table and to help others grow as well.
RateHawk is a young and evolving company that genuinely listens to its employees and values their well-being.
This positive culture drives me to give my all because I truly feel that Iām in the right place.
Juan Manuel Silva,
Business Development Manager Northern South America
Juan Manuel Silva, Business Development Manager Northern South America
What do you like the most about working at RateHawk?
One of the things I enjoy most about working at RateHawk is the opportunity to connect with clients across the travel industry and provide them with solutions that genuinely add value to their businesses.
The people I work with make this experience even better. Iām surrounded by down-to-earth, engaging individuals who make building relationships enjoyable and rewarding.
Additionally, itās exciting to be part of RateHawkās growth in the Latin American market. My previous experience in the industry allows me to contribute meaningfully to the companyās success, and I look forward to continuing to drive growth in this vibrant region.
Iām surrounded by down-to-earth, engaging individuals who make building relationships enjoyable and rewarding. Photo: RateHawk. com
Conclusion
The Latin American team at RateHawk exemplifies dedication, innovation, and resilience in a dynamic and competitive travel market. Each leader and team member brings a unique perspective and skill set, contributing to RateHawkās continued growth and success. From overcoming challenges such as local payment barriers to fostering a culture of collaboration and empowerment, the team is united in its mission to deliver exceptional value to clients while driving the companyās expansion across the region.
As RateHawk strengthens its presence in Latin America, it remains a workplace defined by opportunities, autonomy, and supportāa perfect environment for professionals passionate about making a difference in the travel industry.
The shared commitment to excellence and innovation is what sets RateHawk apart, ensuring a bright future for both the company and its talented team.
