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Meet Merary
Merary Soto-Saunders
Founder, CEO
With over two decades of global experience, Merary has shaped HR strategies across 30+ countries, specializing in leadership development, succession planning, and HR technology within the financial services and technology sectors. Her expertise spans innovative talent management, operational excellence, and leadership coaching.
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Former Managing Director, Human Resources at CVC Capital Partners.
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Twice named to the UK Powerlist of the 100 most influential Black descent.
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Trustee of City Year UK and advisor to UK Year of Service.
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Graduate of Barnard College, Columbia University.
I'm Merary Soto-Saunders, a global Talent Partner with 15+ years of experience advising investment firms, portfolio companies, and high-growth teams on how to scale through talent.
Through Thrive Fwd, I partner with funds and founders to deliver practical, high-impact support across three core areas:
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Succession Planning & Org Design – Structuring teams and leadership transitions for growth or exit.
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Talent Due Diligence – Assessing people and leadership capabilities during deal processes.
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Leadership Development – Embedding inclusion, development, and performance at the core of culture.
I’ve worked across 120+ portfolio companies in 29 countries, led talent at firms like CVC Capital Partners and Andela, and supported scale-ups across EMEA, LATAM, and the US. I’m fluent in English and Spanish.
Let’s talk if your fund or leadership team is thinking ahead about people and growth.