INDEPENDENT BOARD CHAIR
Saul Kattan
Named by Bloomberg Línea among the 500 Most Influential Leaders in Latin America. Independent board chair and former CEO with over 25 years of leadership across energy, infrastructure, telecommunications, and digital platforms.
Most recently served as Chairman of the Board (Independent Director) of Ecopetrol S.A. (NYSE: EC), a $30B+ integrated energy and infrastructure group. Oversaw capital allocation, international bond issuances, enterprise risk management, ESG strategy, and cybersecurity governance.
Currently focused on independent board opportunities in public companies and private equity-backed infrastructure and digital platforms where governance, capital markets discipline, and technology oversight are critical.
BOARD FOCUS AREA
Enterprise risk and capital structure oversight
Infrastructure and regulated asset governance
Strategy and capital allocation
Technology, AI and cybersecurity risk
Cross-border governance (U.S.–Latin America)
GOVERNANCE
Board Positions
Ecopetrol S.A. (NYSE: EC)
2022–2024
Chairman of the Board (Independent Director)
$30B+ integrated energy & infrastructure group, pipeline transportation, and power transmission.
Internexa
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BOARD CHAIR
Regional digital infrastructure platform across Latin America.
TigoUne (TIGO Colombia)
2012–2016
BOARD CHAIR
Leading telecommunications provider in Colombia.
Grupo Energía de Bogotá
2012–2015
BOARD MEMBER
Major energy conglomerate with regional operations.
SkyNet de Colombia
2014–2016
BOARD MEMBER
Satellite and communications company.
COLVATEL S.A. ESP
2012–2016
BOARD MEMBER
Telecommunications services provider.
Contact Center Americas
2012–2016
BOARD MEMBER
BPO and contact center operations.
KOKORIKO
2005–2007
BOARD MEMBER
Iconic Colombian restaurant brand..
Almacenes Maximo (PEPEGANGA)
2004–2007
BOARD MEMBER
Major retail chain in Colombia.
TRACK RECORD
Career Milestones
PRESENT · 2008–Present
President — Kattan Consulting
Boutique advisory firm specializing in M&A, corporate restructuring, and digital transformation across Latin America and the U.S. Advised Fortune 500 companies, sovereign funds, and government entities on complex mergers, public-private partnerships, and restructuring strategies.
ENERGY · 2022–2024
Chairman of the Board — Ecopetrol S.A. (NYSE: EC)
Chaired the board of a $30B+ integrated energy and infrastructure group. Oversaw corporate governance, ESG policy, international bond issuances, syndicated debt structures, and cybersecurity governance. Guided multibillion-dollar investments in energy transition, hydrogen, and decarbonization.
GOVERNMENT
Presidential Advisor — Digital Transformation & Cybersecurity of Colombia
Led the digital transformation and cybersecurity strategy for the Republic of Colombia at the national level, working directly with the presidency. Partnered on national digital infrastructure, including cybersecurity frameworks and broadband expansion.
MEDIA
DirecTV South America Acquisition
Led due diligence, valuation, and integration strategy for the acquisition of DirecTV South America, a top-tier regional media company.
TELECOM · 2012–2016
President & CEO — ETB
Transformed Bogotá's legacy state-owned telco into a modern triple-play operator (fiber-optic internet, mobile, digital TV). Launched LATAM's first city-wide fiber deployment. Increased EBITDA by over 30% and prepared the company for IPO readiness.
CONSUMER · 2007–2008
President & CEO — Juan Valdez Café
Led the international expansion of Colombia's flagship coffee brand into the United States. Restructured operations and refreshed global branding, resulting in 20% sales growth. Built strategic alliances with retailers in North America and Europe.
RETAIL · 1998-2007
President & CEO — Blockbuster Colombia
Nearly 9 years leading one of the best-performing Blockbuster operations worldwide. Achieved a threefold increase in revenue, reversing multi-million dollar losses into sustained profitability.
FINANCE · 1995-1998
Financial Analyst — Banco de la República
Started career at Colombia's central bank, building a strong foundation in macroeconomic analysis and financial markets.
ACADEMIC BACKGROUND
Education
The Wharton School
AMP, Business
2005
INALDE–IESE–Harvard
Master, Executive Directors Program
2000
Universidad de Los Andes
BS, Economics
1990–1995
CREDENTIALS
Certifications
Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)
Duke University
Issued 2025
Leadership in Cybersecurity
Duke University
Issued 2025
Making Corporate Boards More Effective
Harvard Business School
Issued 2023
RECOGNITION
Awards & Affiliations
◆ Bloomberg Línea — Top 500 Most Influential Leaders in Latin America
◆ Colombia's Top 100 Business Leaders
◆ YPO Member (2013–Present)
◆ Inter-American Dialogue — Expert, Energy Transition & Climate
◆ Thinking Heads — International Keynote Speaker
◆ Presidential Advisor to the Republic of Colombia
SPEAKING TOPICS
Keynote Speaker
◆ Corporate & Digital Transformation in the New Economy
◆ International Expansion Strategies
◆ Corporate Turnaround: Turning Challenges into Successes
◆ Mergers & Acquisitions in Special Situations
◆ Cybersecurity Leadership and SOC Strategy
◆ Board Governance and Strategic Direction
◆ Energy Transition & Infrastructure Investment
Work With Saul Kattan
Whether you need an independent board chair, strategic advisor, or transformation leader — Saul brings world-class expertise to every engagement.