Global Ambitions, Local Expertise: NYC Corporations Turn to International Business Consultants to Navigate Emerging Markets

As New York City’s major corporations continue to eye opportunities beyond U.S. borders, a growing number are enlisting international business consultants to help navigate the complexities of global expansion, particularly in emerging markets like Latin America.

At the center of this movement is Gabriel Pimenta, a Brazilian-born, U.S.-based international business consultant, whose work with Fortune 500 companies such as Emerson Electric and Amcor Rigid is earning him recognition as a go-to expert for global strategy with local precision.

“In today’s economy, companies aren’t just looking to export products — they’re aiming to build long-term, sustainable relationships with local markets,” says Pimenta. “That requires a deep understanding of cultural nuance, consumer behavior, and local regulatory frameworks.”

Pimenta, who holds a degree in International Business Relations and has worked extensively with both North and South American markets, is increasingly sought after by New York-based firms aiming to establish strong footholds in regions like Brazil, Mexico, and Colombia.

As Manhattan continues to host the headquarters of multinational giants in finance, tech, and consumer goods, the demand for localized international strategy has surged. According to the New York Chamber of Commerce, more than 65% of mid-to-large enterprises based in NYC are planning or executing expansion strategies into foreign markets in 2025 — up from just 42% in 2019.

With this trend, consultants like Pimenta are being called upon not only for market-entry plans but also for guidance in supply chain integrationcross-border partnerships, and local SME collaboration — all areas that Pimenta says are critical to ensuring success in volatile markets.

“When corporations enter regions like Latin America without the right strategy, they risk failure,” Pimenta explains. “But when they work with experts who know how to integrate local businesses into their global supply chain, everyone benefits—both the U.S. company and the local economy.”

New York businesses, from SoHo startups to Midtown multinationals, are increasingly aware that globalization is more than a buzzword — it’s a necessity. And as they look outward, they’re realizing that strategy matters just as much as ambition.

“Latin America offers massive potential—an expanding middle class, rapid urbanization, and a hunger for innovation,” Pimenta notes. “But potential without preparation is a risk. Our job is to turn that potential into real, measurable growth.”

From advising C-level executives on cross-border logistics to guiding branding campaigns tailored to regional sensibilities, Pimenta’s consulting firm is playing a quiet but pivotal role in helping NYC companies thrive abroad.

While much of the discussion around global trade focuses on numbers and markets, Pimenta is quick to emphasize the human element of international expansion.

“Business is ultimately about people,” he says. “When U.S. corporations invest in local communities and truly understand their partners, customers, and cultures, the growth they experience is not just profitable — it’s sustainable.”

With global markets constantly shifting and geopolitical tensions influencing trade dynamics, New York companies will continue to rely on specialists who can translate global ambition into grounded, effective action. For many, Gabriel Pimenta is that bridge.

“In a world where success depends on how well you adapt, the right insight at the right time makes all the difference,” he says. “That’s what I aim to provide.”