[MEET THE MEMBERS] Bruno Negretti: connecting talent and impactful business

From executive search to Miami’s rise as a global hub, the One Search co-founder reflects on bridging Latin America and the US — and the Experience Club’s role as a catalyst for genuine connections.

In today’s competitive global market, finding the right person for a key leadership position can define a company’s future. For Bruno Negretti, co-founder of One Search — an executive search consultancy specialized in fintechs, startups, and technology companies — this is a daily challenge.

With more than a decade of experience, Bruno has established himself as a bridge between top-level executives and fast-growing companies across the Latin America–United States corridor. He began his career in the financial sector, working at banks such as Safra, Itaú, and Santander, before moving into executive search in 2011 at Michael Page, where he structured operations in countries like Chile, Argentina, and Peru.

In 2015, he relocated to New York to lead the Latin America practice, supporting companies opening offices in the US — many of which underestimated the cultural and managerial differences between the two markets. “Some companies wanted to hire only Brazilians, others only Americans. In practice, that doesn’t work. You need balance and adaptation,” he recalls.

After a brief venture into the startup world, Bruno returned to executive search and, in 2018, co-founded One Search with two partners. The firm initially focused on fast-growing fintechs in Latin America, but soon began to work increasingly with Brazilian and Latin American companies expanding into the US — especially as Miami emerged as a post-pandemic business hub.

MIAMI: FROM ‘ZERO TO A THOUSAND’ IN JUST A FEW YEARS

South Florida, and particularly Miami, has become one of the most sought-after addresses for companies and executives. “Miami went from zero to a thousand in four years,” Bruno summarizes. The trend is clear: medium and large companies — especially in SaaS, technology, and consumer sectors — are choosing the city as their gateway to the US market.

The appeal goes beyond the weather and proximity to Latin America. Miami offers a dynamic business environment, cultural diversity, and quick connections to hubs like New York and California. But the city’s rapid rise has also brought challenges, including a soaring cost of living — now comparable to New York — and fierce competition for qualified talent.

In this context, One Search has played a strategic role. The firm primarily works with executives already based in the US with green cards or American citizenship, a pragmatic decision that avoids visa hurdles and accelerates hiring. The firm has been responsible for key placements in leadership positions at iconic Brazilian brands with operations in the US, such as Natura and Arezzo, as well as senior roles in technology and consumer companies.

For Bruno, executive search goes far beyond filling positions: it involves market intelligence, compensation studies, and close follow-up. “Hiring is just the beginning. We want to ensure that the person delivers what they promised, and that the company provides what it said it would. That’s how you build long-term relationships.”

THE EXPERIENCE CLUB AS A CONNECTOR

Bruno’s relationship with the Experience Club began around 2019, when he followed from afar the organization’s early expansion into the US. In recent years, however, this connection has grown stronger. He has participated in events such as Brazil Week, where he shared a table with leading entrepreneurs, founders, and investors.

The strength of the Experience Club lies in the combination of qualified networking and genuine exchange of information. “Every event I’ve attended has something in common: the challenges are very similar. Expansion, hiring, adapting to a new market. The Club creates an environment where you can talk about these issues openly — and often, that turns into business,” he says.

In his view, this network is especially valuable for Brazilian companies entering the US market. “The connection it offers is unique. It’s not just about meeting people — it’s about accessing those who have already walked the path and can help you avoid costly mistakes.”

Today, Bruno sees his work and his participation in the Experience Club as complementary. On one hand, One Search enables companies to enter and consolidate in the US market by finding the right executives to lead the journey. On the other, the Club offers the space for these leaders and entrepreneurs to connect, share experiences, and expand opportunities.

“Miami is in a unique moment, and what we do is part of this movement. But no one builds anything alone. It’s through the right connections that things really happen — and the Experience Club has been an important catalyst for that,” he concludes.