Garcia named Fitch Ratings' analytical head of Latin American financial institutions

Fitch Ratings has promoted Alejandro Garcia, its current managing director, to analytical head of Latin American financial institutions.

Garcia is charged with heading up Fitch's ratings and research of financial institutions throughout Latin America. He has been with the company for 17 years, during which he has overseen bank ratings in a number of Latin American countries.

Garcia will replace Franklin Santarelli. Although Garcia's appointment is effective immediately, Santarelli will stay on at Fitch until the end of 2015. Garcia's direct supervisor will be David Weinfurter, global head of Fitch's Financial Institutions Group.


"Alejandro's extensive experience in the local markets makes him well-positioned to ensure that Fitch's financial institutions group continues to provide the local knowledge and global perspective that market participants know us for throughout the region," said Weinfurter. "We thank Franklin for his 18 years of dedication and the key role he has played in further developing Fitch's presence in Latin America."

Garcia earned a bachelor's degree in economics from the Monterrey Institute of Technology and has been a CFA charter holder since 2008.

Garcia's former post will be filled by Veronica Chau, Fitch's current senior director.