Manuel Lopez

I’m an industrial engineer who built a career improving how finance works. Today, that work extends into operations—and I’m enjoying where it’s taking me. I like learning, questioning familiar approaches, and turning new possibilities into something useful for the people doing the work.

From doing the work
to improving how it works.

At Zurich Financial Services in Venezuela, my first experience with ERP systems, particularly SAP, led me to assemble and lead a six-person local team managing the country’s finance platform. It was the turning point from working in finance to improving how finance teams work.

At AIG, I managed teams of more than 40 people and led a global planning implementation and its operations, supporting approximately 2,000 finance users. Working at the global level, I engaged C-suite leaders, local and regional management, and end users to balance enterprise priorities with local requirements and everyday usability.

At Apple, I managed and coordinated a portfolio connecting Services Finance needs with internal engineering teams during wider enterprise transformation. I also participated in Apple Pay Later integration work as an individual contributor.

Curiosity, with a practical purpose.

Today, Lab of Possibilities brings that experience to hands-on consulting and applied innovation. I help shape the approach, build the solution, check the result, and prepare the team to use it. My Vena delivery also includes work through Deodata’s consulting practice.

AI expands what I can explore and build. Professional judgment gives that work direction. The aim is always a useful result for the client and the people doing the work.

Venezuelan, based in Brooklyn. Working in English and Spanish.

Industrial Engineering, Universidad Católica Andrés Bello (UCAB), Venezuela · MBA, NYU Stern · MS, Management & Systems, NYU