Francisco Pellegrini
Dubai
Summary
Dynamic senior executive with over 15 years of international experience driving business growth, operations and strategic initiatives across the GCC, LATAM, and other global markets. Proven track record in establishing successful direct-to-consumer (DTC) - Retail brands and leading ventures in technology (Web 3, AI, Gaming, Fintech) sports, and entertainment sectors. Expertise includes business setup, operations, M&A fundraising, product development, business development, strategy and Digital Transformation. Skilled in leading cross-functional teams and cultivating strategic partnerships to navigate organizations through sustainable growth and innovation.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Chief Strategy Officer (CSO)
Kim & Kimmy
06.2022 - 07.2025
- Scaled an eco-friendly diaper DTC (Ecom + Retail) brand into 15+ international markets, achieving mid 7-figure revenues in under 24 months.
- Raised USD 6.3M+ across 2.5 investment rounds, securing strategic investors and enabling accelerated growth.
- Achieved Top 5 diaper brand ranking in the UAE within the first year of launch.
- Built and managed 10+ global e-commerce platforms while securing distribution with leading regional retailers.
- Positioned the company for strategic exit by 2026/27, implementing scalable growth and expansion strategies.
Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Yalla Baby Box
01.2019 - Current
- Launched and scaled Yalla Baby Box, the GCC’s first subscription e-commerce platform for baby & mom essentials, pioneering the regional market.
- Fundraised usd1.5MM in early stages rounds, then spin off to kim and kimmy.
- Developed AI-powered personalization in shopping and logistics, boosting customer experience, retention, and operational efficiency.
- Scaled operations regionally, integrating Kim & Kimmy as a flagship product line (spin-off) and positioning the company as a leading subscription-based retail player, attracting strong investor interest.
- Through Eureka Labs Middle East, directed advisory and venture-building initiatives for startups and SMEs across GCC & LATAM, driving scalable growth strategies.
- Oversaw P&L management, cash flow, administration, and investor relations, ensuring financial discipline and sustainable growth.
- Led a product & software factory, delivering innovative tech solutions tailored to fast-growing consumer and tech ventures.
- Built cross-border partnerships and facilitated investor access, enabling clients and ventures to expand into new markets.
Senior Project Manager
Verse World (Messi Experience Digital)
01.2024 - 07.2025
- Led the product development and strategic roadmap for the MVP of the Messi Experience Tour Digital, a virtual-reality and desktop game that complements the immersive experience.
- My role encompassed aligning our technology partner’s capabilities (AI, VR, Unreal Engine) with product goals, overseeing cross-functional teams, and ensuring the project met both creative and financial objectives.
- Prepared the business plan, commercial pitch, and go-to-market strategy, positioning the project for successful launch in the future and long-term growth.
- Https://themessieexperience.com
Strategic Advisor & Business Development Lead
Emirates Padel
06.2022 - 02.2025
- Oversaw club set-up and expansion, together with P&L and administrative advice, driving business development initiatives across the UAE.
- Secured Adidas distribution partnerships, strengthening brand positioning and retail presence.
- Supported strategic growth by aligning sports operations with international partnerships and sponsorships.
Director, Strategic Alliances & Business Dev
Ecocarrier Inc.
01.2018 - 01.2019
- Supported the commercialization and product development of key products in AI/VR/MR/AR: MRessence – Mixed Reality platform for telemedicine, remote collaboration, and distance learning. PizzaAR – AR/VR/MR cloud platform for advertising. Social Edification Project – AI/AR/VR-based initiative to promote digital awareness for children aligned with UN Sustainable Development Goals.
- Delivered consulting, market insights, customer discovery, and proof-of-concept validation for regional expansion.
- Represented EcoCarrier commercially in the Middle East, enhancing visibility and market positioning.
Manager & Senior Consultant
SouthMentors
01.2016 - 01.2019
- Built a cross-border advisory platform helping tech startups scale between Latin America and the Middle East.
- Closed M&A and investment advisory deals in aerospace, health tech, and renewable energy sectors.
- Facilitated investor relations and market entry, connecting Latin American ventures with Middle Eastern partners.
- Positioned SouthMentors as a strategic bridge between two fast-growing entrepreneurial ecosystems.
Leadership & Finance Roles
SanCor / Accenture / Citi Bank
01.2007 - 01.2016
- Held diverse leadership roles across business development, financial controlling, and B2B sales.
- Advised on M&A transactions and supported corporate strategy execution in multinational environments.
- Gained strong foundation in finance, operations, and strategic growth within global organizations.
Education
MBA - Strategic Marketing and corporate finance
Essec Business School
FranceMBA - Business Management
Universidad Nacional de Cordoba
ArgentinaMSC - Neuroscience & Neurocoaching
Universidad Pontificia de Salamanca
SpainBBA - Business Administration
Universidad Nacional De Cordoba
12-2009
Skills
- Venture Building & Business Set Up
- Fundraising, Investor Relations & M&A Support
- Financial Modeling/Planning
- Market Expansion, Business Development & International Growth
- Go-to-Market Planning & Execution
- Strategic Partnerships, Negotiation
- Digital Transformation & E-Commerce Strategy
- Project Management (Agile, Lean Startup)
- Cross-Border Networking & Stakeholder Management
- Innovation & Emerging Technologies (AI, Web3, Metaverse, Gaming)
- Team Building & High-Performance Team Leadership
- Problem Solving & Critical Thinking
- Entrepreneurial and Innovation Mindset
- Emotional Intelligence & Communication
Languages
English
Bilingual or Proficient (C2)
Spanish
Bilingual or Proficient (C2)
Portuguese
Advanced (C1)
Italian
Elementary (A2)
French
Beginner (A1)
Timeline
Senior Project Manager
Verse World (Messi Experience Digital)
01.2024 - 07.2025
Chief Strategy Officer (CSO)
Kim & Kimmy
06.2022 - 07.2025
Strategic Advisor & Business Development Lead
Emirates Padel
06.2022 - 02.2025
Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Yalla Baby Box
01.2019 - Current
Director, Strategic Alliances & Business Dev
Ecocarrier Inc.
01.2018 - 01.2019
Manager & Senior Consultant
SouthMentors
01.2016 - 01.2019
Leadership & Finance Roles
SanCor / Accenture / Citi Bank
01.2007 - 01.2016
MBA - Business Management
Universidad Nacional de Cordoba
MSC - Neuroscience & Neurocoaching
Universidad Pontificia de Salamanca
MBA - Strategic Marketing and corporate finance
Essec Business School
BBA - Business Administration
Universidad Nacional De Cordoba