Rita has over 15 years of experience in risk, finance, operations, and is an accomplished leader of global teams. Since joining American Express in 2006, Rita has held positions across Finance, Risk, and the GCO in global, regional (EMEA and LACC), and market level roles across multiple locations including London, Miami, and New York.

In her current role, as the Operational Excellence Lead for Finance and GBS, Rita along with her team, advise and guide business partners in their execution of the American Express Operational Risk Framework through proper change management, process design improvement, automation, issue management and prevention, while ensuring a balanced view of control and compliance requirements.

Prior to joining American Express, Rita served as general auditor and risk assurance consultant at Deloitte in Santiago, Chile where she led risk, regulatory, internal control framework development projects, including Sarbanes Oxley implementation for cross industry, multinational clients. Earlier in her career, Rita moved to Santiago, Chile, where she operated a business supporting financial organizations.

Rita earned a MBA from Warwick University in the United Kingdom, and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration–International Business and Finance from the University of Colorado.  She volunteers with local organizations that help women enter, integrate, and thrive in the workforce.  Rita enjoys spending time with her husband Boris, 6 year old daughter Aura Czarina and 4 year old son Anragh Cesare.  In her spare time she likes kayaking, playing soccer, and reading.  Rita and her family are avid travelers and hope to live on every continent.