Raquel Rio Branco

About Raquel Rio Branco

Global Supply Chain & Procurement Executive with 21 years of experience leading large-scale transformations across the U.S, Brazil, Mexico and Argentina. Expert in Raw Materials, global sourcing, risk mitigation, supplier strategy and operational resilience, overseeing a US$ 6.1B global spend and leading teams of up to 47 professionals. Proven track record driving cost avoidance (US$ 80M+), strengthening supply continuity, enhancing governance models and enabling long-term financial predictability in highly complex environments. Recognized for balancing analytical rigor with a people-first leadership approach, mentoring senior managers, and building high-performing multicultural teams.GLOBAL ACHIEVEMENTS• Implemented Steel Regionalization Strategy ahead of U.S. tariffs, securing US$ 46M in cost avoidance and reducing geopolitical exposure. • Stabilized supply continuity by leading global resourcing of a bankrupt supplier, generating US$ 36M in avoided costs while maintaining production timing. • Rebuilt global sourcing governance with integrated risk metrics (geopolitical, financial, cyber, ESG and natural disasters). • Optimized raw materials contract portfolio (CRU → Fixed), improving forecast accuracy and driving US$ 9.7M in cost reduction. • Implemented steel hedging strategy, mitigating volatility and generating US$ 17M in cost avoidance. • Created the Raw Materials Consultant Forum, enabling Tier I negotiations and resulting in US$ 75M in avoidance opportunities. • Advanced sustainability strategy for Green Steel, reducing CO₂ emissions from 2.2 to 0.43 tons per metric ton. • Chairwoman of Women in Supply Chain ERG, promoting global diversity initiatives.LEADERSHIP PROFILEExecutive leader recognized for developing senior talent, fostering collaboration and enabling high-performance cultures. Strong focus on mentoring, transparent communication, accountability and informed decision-making. Adept at navigating complexity, managing crises and aligning cross-functional teams toward long-term business objectives.CORE STRENGTHSGlobal Procurement Strategy • Raw Materials & Metals • Risk Mitigation & Governance • Supplier Continuity & Resilience • Cost Management • Predictive Analytics • ESG & Sustainable Materials • Contract Negotiation • Turnaround & Crisis Management • Team Development • Succession Planning • Stakeholder Alignment

Experience

1. Global Director Supply Chain Raw Materials

   Ford Motor Company

   Jan 2024 — Present

   Lead global Raw Materials division (steel, aluminum, resins, paint, magnet wire), managing a US$ 6.1B spend, 70+ suppliers and a global team of 47 professionals, including 6 direct reports.• Achieved 11% budget reduction through global contract renewal strategies.• Executed steel regionalization strategy, securing US$ 46M cost avoidance.• Implemented financial hedging strategy, delivering US$ 17M in volatility mitigation.• Consolidated service center suppliers (33 → 17), improving scale and efficiency.• Designed Green Steel sustainability roadmap (CO₂ reduction: 2.2 → 0.43/ton).• Enabled US$ 75M in cost avoidance through Raw Materials Consultant Forum.• Implemented a global coaching and succession program for supply chain leaders.

Education

• Universidade Salvador

  Bachelor of Business Administration (B.B.A.)

  2000 — 2003

• FGV - Fundação Getulio Vargas

  Master's degree, Corporate Finance

  2004 — 2005