Marcelo Tardioli

Your journey is limited only by your vision and commitment. Embrace challenges as opportunities for growth and trust in our collaborative environment

I began my journey at Kalmar as a mechanical engineer trainee in 1997, back when our team had only two employees, sharing infrastructure with Valtra tractors. Over the past 27 years at Kalmar, I’ve witnessed and contributed to our company's evolution through various names and strategies, including SISU Terminal Systems, Partek, Cargotec, and Kalmar. Throughout this time, I’ve held many positions, led numerous projects, and risen to my current role as Director of Service Sales and Operations for LATAM.

My educational background includes studies in Mechanical Engineering and Business Administration, which have equipped me to lead and innovate across both technical and management areas. I've also focused on broadening my technical and leadership skills through global training programs and by contributing to our operations across Latin America. Initially, I was motivated by the opportunity for hands-on technical work and career growth in a multinational environment. This motivation has evolved into a commitment to operational excellence, innovation, and building strong relationships with colleagues and customers.

Key Milestones and Memorable Projects

Some significant milestones in my career include restructuring Kalmar Brazil, establishing a standardised service model across LATAM, and achieving a remarkable 100% parts sales growth from 2020 to the present. These accomplishments reflect our strategic alignment and adaptability to evolving market demands.

Some memorable projects have been leading efforts to continuously improve our safety culture, boosting digital transformation, and strengthening our focus on customer-centric solutions. It is safe to say that our team is always aiming to provide the best and most efficient solutions that significantly benefit our customers.

Company Culture and Kalmar’s Core Behaviours 

What I appreciate most about Kalmar is its commitment to excellence and its inclusive culture that values diverse perspectives. Kalmar’s culture is deeply supportive of both personal and professional growth. The company offers numerous training programs, leadership development opportunities, and a collaborative environment that encourages innovation and continuous learning.

Kalmar’s core behaviours focus on the customer, willingness to experiment, respect for others, and extreme ownership are deeply integrated into my everyday work. In LATAM, where we must be flexible to meet the demands of a highly complex region, these principles align closely with my own work ethic, bettering our ability to navigate challenges and continuously innovate.

Tips for New talents

To those just starting out, I would advise embracing every learning opportunity, seeking out mentors, and being open to taking on varied roles. The diversity of experiences will enrich your skills and understanding of the business, preparing you for future leadership roles.

Reflecting on my journey at Kalmar, I’m reminded of the importance of persistence, adaptation, and leadership. Each challenge and role I’ve had, has reinforced my belief in our collective potential to achieve extraordinary things. 

To new team members, your journey is only limited by your vision and commitment. Embrace challenges as opportunities for growth. Trust in our collaborative environment and strong culture to turn visions into reality. Together, we’ll continue building on our legacy of excellence, pushing boundaries, and setting new standards for the future.