Tesla chose Santiago as its first South American market and opened a physical store and Experience Center in early 2024. In less than a year, Tesla became one of the country’s strongest players in electric vehicles, with 555 units registered by August, and the Model Y and Model 3 among Chile’s top sellers.
At the center of that growth is Agustín Amoretti, an International MBA graduate from IE Business School and the executive responsible for Tesla’s strategy in Chile. He took charge the moment the company entered the market. His job: build the operation, educate consumers, and turn Chile into a regional benchmark for electric mobility.
How did global experience prepare Agustín for Teslas challenge?
Agustíns profile is built on more than two decades in multinational environments. His career began at Shell France, where he rose from analyst to finance manager. He later moved to Danone Chile, continuing in finance leadership roles that exposed him to large-scale operational structures.
Agustín then entered consulting, working at Aurys Consulting and later at McKinsey, directing projects in energy, mining, and retail. These positions required analytical depth and cross-sector understanding—skills that translate directly to market-entry strategy.
Before joining Tesla, Agustín directed Crypto Technologies in Argentina, led Bird in Chile, and held leadership roles at Almacén Gurú and Bartho Group, gaining experience in mobility, logistics, and high-growth operations. His background across five countries and five languages aligns with the complexity of launching Teslas first South American market.
Why is Chile important to Teslas South American strategy?
Chile brings political stability, an extensive network of free-trade agreements, and a national target of 100 percent electromobility by 2035. As Agustín stated at the store opening, “Chile is a key country due to its stability, its network of free-trade agreements, and its commitment to the 2035 goal for full electromobility.”
The new Experience Center marks a clear investment. The space allows visitors to explore Tesla models, understand the technology, and see the Cybertruck ahead of its local launch. It signals long-term commitment rather than a temporary market trial.
Agustín has also emphasized the economic case for EV adoption. “Tesla vehicles represent innovation and savings. A driver can save more than five million pesos a year in fuel, maintenance, and permits. The car practically pays for itself.”
What does Tesla’s globality mean for South America?
The consolidation of Tesla in Chile happens as the company navigates international volatility. Quarterly earnings missed expectations. Shares fell roughly 4 percent in Europe. Elon Musks compensation vote adds uncertainty around future leadership.
Even with these pressures, Tesla continues to dominate the global EV market and expand into strategic geographies. Chile is central to that forward movement. In less than a year, Tesla in Chile has established demand, operational presence, and physical infrastructure in a region that had no previous Tesla footprint.
From this base in Santiago, Tesla plans to strengthen charging networks, service operations, and corporate offerings across South America. Agustín’s leadership defines how these structures will scale beyond Chile.
How does the International MBA prepare you for leadership roles?
Before taking on many of the roles that shaped his international profile, Agustín completed the International MBA at IE Business School. The program placed him in a global environment where cross-cultural teamwork, diverse perspectives, and fast decision-making were part of daily learning—conditions that mirror the realities of launching a new regional operation.
The International MBA emphasizes adaptability, analytical rigor, and hands-on application. These elements match the requirements of building a market: understanding regulation, coordinating across global teams, and designing systems from the ground up.
Agustín’s trajectory shows how the International MBA equips professionals for roles that require international scope, operational discipline, and strategic clarity.
Why choose the International MBA at IE Business School?
If youre considering a move into a career with international reach or multi-market complexity, the International MBA offers the structure to make that shift. You begin with core fundamentals and then personalize your path through electives, concentrations, labs, and global immersion experiences.
The program is built for professionals who want to operate across industries and geographies. You work with a global cohort, engage in real projects, and develop the decision-making skills needed to navigate uncertainty and scale impact.
Agustín’s leadership at Tesla Chile is one example of where this journey can lead. If you want to prepare yourself for roles with regional or global responsibility—and position yourself for measurable career expansion—the International MBA at IE Business School provides the foundation to do it.
Benjamin is the editor of Uncover IE. His writing is featured in the LAMDA Verse and Prose Anthology Vol. 19, The Primer and Moonflake Press. Benjamin provided translation for “FalseStuff: La Muerte de las Musas”, winner of Best Theatre Show at the Max Awards 2024.
Benjamin was shortlisted for the Bristol Old Vic Open Sessions 2016 and the Alpine Fellowship Writing Prize 2023.
