Who is our founding partner?

Learn more about our partner

Leonardo Villela

A Global Journey in International Trade

Leonardo Britto Villela de Carvalho, founding partner of W3 World Trading, is an executive with an extraordinary career spanning four decades in the development of international markets. His professional journey is marked by significant achievements and a strategic vision that transcends borders.

Education and Early Career

With a solid academic background, Leonardo studied Economics at the University of Brasília (UnB) and Social Sciences at UNICAMP, establishing a strong theoretical foundation for his future international career.

Global Experience

Leonardo’s career is truly global, having developed business in an impressive 135 countries. His expatriate experience includes extended periods on three continents:

  • China (2007–2010)

  • The Netherlands (1982–1984)

  • Switzerland (1985–1986)

This international exposure provided Leonardo with deep insight into the cultural and commercial nuances of diverse global markets.

Key Accomplishments
  • Global Leadership: Led and was primarily responsible for the planning, structuring, and execution of the commercial department at the Chinese company Maxion Nantong Wheels Co. (part of the Brazilian group Iochpe-Maxion).

  • Market Expansion: Under his leadership, he developed the local Chinese market and secured clients in 65 countries, serving as Global Sales and Logistics Director, based in Shanghai, China.

  • Pioneering Project in China: Co-led the preliminary studies, planning, and execution of a Brazilian-owned auto parts factory in China (Nantong, Jiangsu Province) – a 100% Brazilian investment (Maxion Nantong Wheels – Iochpe Maxion Group).

  • International Commercial and Logistics Know-How: Designed and executed a truck wheel supply project for the Mercedes Group in Germany (Daimler Truck), including the entire commercial and logistics strategy — from shipping products in China to the Port of Rotterdam, transporting by barge along the Rhine River, warehousing in Germany, and “just-in-time” delivery to the Mercedes-Benz truck factory in Stuttgart, Germany.

  • Entrepreneurship: At a young age, while acting as a representative for the Brazilian market, he successfully developed the market from scratch for renowned international brands such as Viña Santa Carolina (Wines – Chile) and Grupo Sancor (Dairy – Argentina).

  • Experience in Multinational Companies: Worked in the export departments of Caterpillar Brazil.

Expertise and Recognition

  • International Sales Strategist: With decades of experience, Leonardo is recognized for his ability to develop effective strategies for global trade.

  • Specialist in Internationalization and Multinational Expansion: Has extensive experience in leading projects focused on business internationalization and multinational growth.

  • Public Speaker: Frequently invited to speak on market analysis, strategy, and international trade trends.

  • International Advisor: Serves as an advisor to the Chamber of Commerce and Agro-Industry Europe – Latin America.

Impact on W3 World Trading

The experience and knowledge Leonardo has accumulated throughout his career are the pillars upon which W3 World Trading was founded. His strategic vision and deep understanding of global markets enable the company to offer innovative and effective solutions to its clients.

Leonardo Villela is not only the founder of W3 World Trading; he embodies the global experience, deep knowledge, and strategic vision that the company brings to every project and partnership. His exceptional journey in international trade is the foundation of the expertise and reliability that W3 World Trading delivers to its clients.

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