Gustavo Cordo Gives Everyone a Voice at MetLife

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Something special happens when individuals from different backgrounds put their heads together.

Gustavo Cordo, vice president of corporate development and mergers and acquisitions (M&A) at MetLife, knows this well. As a financial executive with over two decades of global experience in corporate development, M&A, finance and strategy, the Argentine successfully leads cross-functional and multicultural teams through challenging global projects.

No matter the project or the team that he’s leading, Cordo emphasizes a common objective: “Everyone has a voice.”

He says, “We all have different expertise and perspectives. It’s enriching to see how someone from legal can view a topic one way and someone from HR can bring a different viewpoint.”

“It’s important that everyone shares their thoughts and feels that their voices are heard. It leads to better teams and better outcomes.”

Gustavo Cordo

Cordo is mindful of diversity of perspectives in his management approach. “As a leader, I create and manage an environment where people can freely express themselves, share ideas, and understand how their contribution enrich the discussion. It’s important that everyone shares their thoughts and feels that their voices are heard. It leads to better teams and better outcomes,” he says.

Diversity of perspectives continues to frame the way Cordo approaches his role at MetLife, where he’s worked since early 2022. As a senior member of an active team that looks after forty markets around the world, Cordo is driving value through acquisitions and divestitures, allocating and reallocating capital to its highest and best use. The environment is fast paced, and the responsibilities are complex. But, overall, MetLife often poses new and exciting challenges, which Cordo welcomes with open arms, supported by his team’s collaborative culture.

“There’s always a new angle we need to figure out, so it’s important that we put our ideas together and discuss a more fulsome spectrum of potential outcomes,” he says. “Everyone needs to understand the goals and the direction of travel. I organize regular meetings to ensure we are aligned, and everyone’s voice is heard. In doing so, I reconfirm we all understand where we are, what we’re doing, and why we’re doing it.”

Collaboration, alignment, and clear communication aren’t the only mainstays of his leadership philosophy. Cordo firmly believes in being a hands-on leader.

“There’s often a lot to do on the transactions we work on, and I like to roll up my sleeves and do a bit of everything,” the finance leader says. “When you’re hands-on, people not only look at you as just the leader but as part of the team, doing your part by getting work done too.”

Cordo is a seasoned insurance executive, with a twenty-year career in the industry, both as an advisor and as an executive within leading insurers. Cordo started his career in accounting and finance in Argentina, before moving to the US to pursue his Master of Business Administration degree. He joined Liberty Mutual upon graduation and during his sixteen years at the insurance company, he developed global inorganic growth strategies, executed global M&A and partnership transactions, and oversaw corporate development in Latin America, to name a few. 

Next, he served as associate partner of M&A and finance transformation at Deloitte Consulting, where he was a member of the consulting financial services leadership team with a focus on insurance. He later joined Swiss Re as vice president of business development.

“When you’re hands-on, people not only look at you as just the leader but as part of the team, doing your part by getting work done too.”

Gustavo Cordo

Then in early 2022, he was drawn to work at MetLife, a company that mirrored Cordo’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).

“Coming in, I knew that it was the perfect cultural fit because of the importance the company places on diversity and inclusion. Being a minority, it is important to me that the company really stands up and acts on its commitments, ensuring that everyone’s voice is heard and valued. People at MetLife really care, and I wanted to be a part of that.”

Both inside and outside of work, Cordo plays his part to promote DEI by participating in professional organizations that allow him to network, share his career lessons, and learn from others. When he meets young professionals wishing to succeed in finance, he often relays the following advice: “Learn from other professionals and let them get to know you,” he says.

“Start talking to people, build a network, and learn from them. Let your name circulate around,” Cordo says. “Don’t be afraid to reach out to people and learn how they transitioned to different industries or achieved what you want to achieve.”

He also believes young leaders should focus on being their best selves—everything else will work itself out. “Working hard and going the extra mile will always make a difference and get others’ attention,” Cordo says. “Bring your own perspective and let your voice be heard. If there’s something you want to express, say it.”

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