Telecom Titan Mauricio Ramos Joins AI Startup to Tackle SMB Challenges

MIAMI, FL – January 22, 2026 – In a significant move signaling the convergence of legacy industry leadership and cutting-edge artificial intelligence, AI-powered business intelligence platform Consulting IQ today announced the appointment of global telecommunications leader Mauricio Ramos to its Board of Directors. The appointment comes as the Miami-based startup aims to strengthen its strategic governance and accelerate its global expansion, leveraging Ramos's extensive experience in steering large-scale corporate transformations.

Consulting IQ, which operates on a unique hybrid model combining AI with human expert consultants, is on a mission to democratize access to high-level business intelligence for small and mid-sized businesses (SMBs). The addition of a figure like Ramos, renowned for his tenure as CEO of Millicom, is seen as a pivotal step in the company’s journey to becoming a foundational infrastructure for SMB ecosystems worldwide.

A Strategic Convergence of Experience and Innovation

Company leadership emphasized that Ramos's appointment is a strategic move designed to embed decades of operational wisdom and principled governance into the fabric of the rapidly scaling tech firm.

"Mauricio's appointment is not about adding credentials—it is about deepening impact," said Diego Medone, CEO of Consulting IQ. "He brings strategic judgment, operating experience, and a values-driven leadership style that aligns fully with our mission. As Consulting IQ evolves into a trusted decision intelligence infrastructure for SMB ecosystems, his perspective will be instrumental in guiding principled, scalable growth."

This sentiment was echoed by the board's chairman, who highlighted Ramos's specific skill set in navigating complex market shifts. "Mauricio has consistently led organizations through complex transformations with discipline, clarity, and integrity," added José Antonio Ríos, Chairman of the Board. "His experience at the intersection of telecommunications, digital infrastructure, finance, and governance significantly elevates our Board at a critical moment in the company's journey."

Ramos's track record is particularly relevant to a company like Consulting IQ, which aims to scale a sophisticated technology platform across diverse markets. His leadership at Millicom involved not just M&A strategy and market repositioning, but also the massive expansion of digital infrastructure—a parallel to the digital framework Consulting IQ is building for the business world's underserved majority.

Addressing the 'Structural Challenge' for SMBs

The core mission of Consulting IQ, and the challenge Ramos has signed on to help tackle, is what he terms a "structural challenge facing economies worldwide." This refers to the persistent knowledge and resource gap that prevents many SMBs from competing effectively. With statistics indicating that a majority of small businesses fail within their first five years, often due to a lack of access to the strategic insights available to larger corporations, the market for a solution is vast and urgent.

The global AI consulting market is projected to surge, with some forecasts predicting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of over 28% through the end of the decade. This growth is fueled by an increasing recognition among SMBs that AI can be a "powerful equalizer." A 2024 report showed that over half of U.S. SMBs are already using some form of AI, seeking to enhance efficiency, automate workflows, and make smarter, data-driven decisions.

Consulting IQ aims to meet this demand with its hybrid model, which pairs an AI platform with the oversight of seasoned human consultants. This approach is designed to circumvent common pitfalls of AI adoption, such as algorithmic bias and a lack of real-world context. By grounding its AI-generated insights in human expertise, the company promises decision intelligence that is "ethical, unbiased, and grounded in real-world expertise."

"Consulting IQ is addressing a structural challenge facing economies worldwide: how to equip SMBs with the clarity and decision intelligence needed to operate and grow in increasingly complex environments," Mr. Ramos stated. "I am excited to join the Board and contribute to building a platform that combines advanced technology with disciplined governance and real-world business logic."

A Leader Forged in Global Transformation

Mauricio Ramos brings more than three decades of executive and board-level experience to his new role. His nearly decade-long tenure as CEO of Millicom, from 2015 to 2024, is a case study in corporate reinvention. He spearheaded a multi-year digital and strategic transformation that repositioned the company from a diversified operator into a leading integrated fixed-mobile provider across Latin America, serving over 50 million customers.

Under his leadership, Millicom executed a disciplined M&A strategy, including the acquisition of Telefónica Móviles Panamá, while strategically exiting multiple African markets to sharpen its focus on Latin America. A cornerstone of his strategy was the massive expansion of its fiber infrastructure to pass more than 15 million homes, bringing high-speed data to previously underserved populations. This focus on building foundational infrastructure in emerging markets mirrors Consulting IQ's ambition to provide a similar backbone for business intelligence.

Beyond his direct operational impact, Ramos cultivated a purpose-driven culture at Millicom, earning it consistent recognition as one of Latin America's top multinational workplaces. His current roles include serving on the Board of Directors for U.S. broadband giant Charter Communications and as Non-Executive Chairman of WOM Chile, the country's second-largest mobile operator. His influence also extends into the global policy arena, with past and present roles at the UN Broadband Commission for Sustainable Development, the World Economic Forum, and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

The Future of AI Governance and SMB Empowerment

The appointment of a global industry veteran like Ramos to the board of an AI startup reflects a broader trend in the technology sector. As AI companies move from nascent stages to scalable growth, the need for robust governance and experienced strategic oversight becomes paramount. Seasoned leaders bring more than just a network; they bring a deep understanding of navigating regulatory landscapes, managing global teams, and instilling the discipline required for long-term, sustainable value creation.

This move signals that for Consulting IQ, growth is not just about expanding its user base but about building an enduring and trusted institution. The company's press release explicitly notes that its board is designed not only to oversee growth but to "steward long-term value creation with integrity." By bringing Ramos into the fold, Consulting IQ is making a clear statement about its commitment to blending rapid innovation with the principles of disciplined, ethical governance.

As AI continues to permeate every facet of the economy, the companies that succeed will likely be those that can successfully merge technological prowess with sound business judgment and a strong ethical compass. With this high-profile addition to its leadership, Consulting IQ is positioning itself to be a key player in this new paradigm, aiming to finally level the playing field for small and mid-sized businesses across the globe.