Open to opportunities

Thiago Athayde

@thiagoathayde

Message

I build global governance, risk, audit and AI assurance functions.

Brazil

Message

What I'm looking for

I'm interested in exchanging perspectives with Boards, executives and assurance professionals on how governance, risk and internal audit must evolve for AI-driven organizations.

At VTEX, I built and scaled a Global Risk, Audit & Compliance organization across 46 countries, supporting governance and regulatory readiness for the company’s New York Stock Exchange IPO.

I designed VTEX’s first comprehensive SOX 404 framework, reducing control deficiencies by 60% in its first year. Over four years, I reduced the key SOX control population from 446 to 195 through automation and risk-based rationalization while maintaining effective risk coverage.

I work at the intersection of traditional assurance and emerging technology risk, advancing continuous auditing, data analytics, AI-enabled assurance and AI model risk governance. I translate AI, information security, privacy and digital risks into practical oversight, controls and executive decision-making.

Across VTEX, OLX Brasil, Queiroz Galvão Óleo e Gás, Praxair, EBX Holding and PwC, I have built governance and compliance functions, led investigations and audit teams, supported IPO and regulatory readiness, and advised senior leaders and Audit Committees. I have also taught Applied Compliance & ESG at Ibmec.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Global Audit & Compliance Director

Current

VTEX

Jan 2021 - Present (5 years 7 months)

Reporting directly to the Audit Committee and CEOs, I lead VTEX’s global risk, internal audit, internal controls, compliance and ethics strategy across its international operations.

Key responsibilities and achievements:

• Built and scaled the Global Risk, Audit & Compliance organization across 46 countries, overseeing Internal Audit, Internal Controls, Enterprise Risk Management, Compliance and

Fraud Investigation Digital Risk SEC Filings Audit Reporting Governança De IA US GAAP Internal Audit Enterprise Risk Management Compliance Ethics Data Privacy AI Governance Cross functional Leadership Fraud Prevention AML KYC SOC Reporting PCI Compliance

MBA Teacher

Ibmec

Jan 2023 - Jan 2024 (1 year)

Designed and delivered the Applied Compliance & ESG course for the Compliance MBA program, translating governance frameworks, ethics management and sustainability-driven risk strategies into practical executive education.
Mentored professionals on corporate integrity, regulatory compliance and the integration of ESG principles into business operations and decision-making.

Senior Risk, Controls and Compliance Manager

OLX Brasil

Feb 2017 - Jan 2021 (3 years 11 months)

Established the Governance, Risk and Compliance function for OLX Brasil, the Brazilian joint venture between Naspers and Schibsted.
• Developed and implemented the company’s Corporate Governance Framework from the ground up.
• Designed and managed the Enterprise Risk Management process and its related governance and reporting routines.
• Led payments regulatory compliance with the Central Bank of

Fraud Investigation

Head of internal audit and Compliance at Queiroz Galvão Óleo e Gás S.A

Queiroz Galvão Óleo e Gás S.A.

Oct 2015 - Feb 2017 (1 year 4 months)

Established the Internal Audit function and supported the company’s Compliance Program during a period of corporate restructuring.
• Managed local and international audit teams and supervised complex financial, operational and compliance audits.
• Conducted investigations involving fraud and misconduct and managed whistleblowing and reporting channels.
• Coordinated Audit Committee activities and

Fraud Investigation Audit Reporting

Specialist Auditor - South America, Mexico, Costa Rica, Portugal and Spain

Praxair (White Martins)

Aug 2013 - Oct 2015 (2 years 2 months)

• Led risk-based internal audit engagements across Brazil and Latin America, improving audit coverage and efficiency by 30%.
• Mapped business-unit risks, assessed business processes and reviewed the design and operating effectiveness of internal controls.
• Prepared and reviewed audit reports in Portuguese and English and facilitated control self-assessment workshops in English and Spanish.
• Sup

Senior Auditor

EBX Holding

Apr 2011 - Aug 2013 (2 years 4 months)

• Performed financial and operational audits across oil & gas and offshore operations, covering governance, cost control, procurement, engineering and logistics.
• Delivered actionable recommendations that strengthened control effectiveness and reduced operational risk across business units.
• Investigated corporate fraud and misconduct while strengthening whistleblowing mechanisms, standardizing

Fraud Prevention

Senior Consultant

PwC

Apr 2006 - Apr 2011 (5 years)

Progressed from Trainee to Senior Consultant while leading consulting and assurance teams of up to eight professionals.
• Delivered SOX 404/302, IFRS adoption and internal control transformation projects for multinational organizations.
• Conducted IPO due diligence and supported accounting and finance teams with control design and process optimization.
• Delivered outsourced internal audit servic