Since 2015, Alex Bukstein, a graduate in Management and Administration from Universidad ORT Uruguay, has been part of the company with the highest market value in Latin America, Mercado Libre. A year ago, the graduate accepted the challenge of relocating to Mexico, where he now leads two different teams.
Looking back on his time at ORT, Bukstein highlights the breadth of knowledge he gained, which helped him finally define his calling: making others happy.
You are currently part of the Mercado Libre Mexico team as Head of Marketplace. What does this role entail, and what are the main challenges it presents?
At Mercado Libre Mexico, I led two strategic and functional areas for the entire platform in the country: Seller Growth & Development and On-Site Merchandising & Promotions.
The Seller Growth & Development team has two main areas of focus: one involves the business development of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that sell on Mercado Libre. There are about 7,000 sellers, who account for approximately 40% of the platform’s revenue in the country. The other focus of this team is the large-scale acquisition of new sellers.
For its part, the On-Site Merchandising & Promotions team is tasked with building trust among users browsing the platform to boost the site’s conversion rate. Through on-site content and promotions, we aim to help users find what they’re looking for more quickly.
We specialize in analyzing opportunities related to supply and demand across the site’s product categories. We analyze metrics from both sides of the market and develop actionable insights to better capitalize on incoming traffic and, in turn, deliver the best possible offerings.
How did the opportunity to continue your career in another country come about, and what was it like when you first arrived in Mexico?
I always planned to gain international experience during my career. I had just completed my MBA at Torcuato Di Tella University (Argentina) and felt that the time was right to do so.
My arrival in Mexico was incredible. It’s a country with wonderful people and a thriving market, full of opportunities.
"There are people who make a living through Mercado Libre, and there are companies that hire staff because they sell so much through the platform. Being a catalyst for that—as well as a way to make a difference—gives me a sense of fulfillment."
What do you think made your professional profile stand out when Mercado Libre Mexico was considering you for the position?
A lot of things happened all at once. I had finished my MBA, I wanted to pursue my career abroad, and Mercado Libre wanted me to work in another country.
Interestingly, Mexico is one of the most challenging markets right now for several reasons: its size (it has a population of 125 million), it is a promising market where e-commerce accounts for less than 4% of retail sales, and it is also facing stiff competition from Amazon.
I think I was able to build on my experience at Mercado Libre Uruguay, and they believed in my leadership style to take the reins on this enormous challenge.
What are the keys to becoming a top seller on Mercado Libre?
You can look at it from two perspectives: the first is results, which are essential to becoming a leader in any field. But at Mercado Libre, it’s not just about what you do, but how you do it. And that’s what determines the kind of leader you are within the company.
So, the other key areas include topics such as attracting and managing talent, identifying and capitalizing on opportunities, knowing how to prioritize, delivering high-quality results, and tackling everyday challenges.
As you advance within the company, what ultimately makes the difference is how well you manage, listen to, and guide your team. As a leader, you have to let others lead and take action. How they manage themselves ultimately reflects on you.
What are your memories of your time at ORT?
For me, it was a pivotal time in figuring out what I wanted to achieve in my career. It helped me fully understand what my calling was.
What were the main benefits you gained from pursuing a Bachelor's Degree in Management and Administration at ORT?
The Bachelor's Degree in Management and Administration is a broad-based program, which I find to be a great asset. This, combined with the practical focus of the courses and curriculum, helps produce versatile, multidisciplinary managers. The program gave me both confidence and a solid foundation in many areas at the same time: marketing, economics, finance, human resources, and leadership.
How do you envision your career over the next few years?
I envision Mercado Libre continuing to play a key role in democratizing e-commerce throughout the region.
"As a leader, you have to let others lead and take action. Their performance ultimately speaks to yours."
What kind of legacy would you like to leave through your work?
No matter where I work, I like knowing that I’m making others happy in some way.
Some people make a living through Mercado Libre, and there are companies that hire staff because they sell so much through the platform. Being a catalyst for that—as well as a way to make a difference—gives me a sense of fulfillment.