Ricardo will join the executive committee and lead the company’s global expansion, revenue growth, and strategic partnerships.

With over 25 years of international corporate and entrepreneurial experience, Ricardo is a recognized expert in customer experience (CX), digital transformation, and business process outsourcing (BPO).

He has held leadership roles at global companies such as Alorica, Majorel, EXL, Stream, and Philips, driving high-impact growth and transformation initiatives.

A key proponent of offshoring and nearshoring businesses into Africa, he has been instrumental in positioning the region as a hub for high-quality, cost-effective CX solutions.

“We are excited to welcome Ricardo to iSON Xperiences,” said Vitul Kwatra, CEO of iSON Xperiences. “As we continue to evolve with AI-powered digital CX and BPO solutions, Ricardo’s expertise in offshoring CX operations to Africa and his strategic vision will be pivotal. His leadership will strengthen our market expansion, create value for clients, and reinforce Africa’s role as a key player in the CX industry.”

Ricardo has played a significant role in attracting international clients and investments to Africa, advocating for its potential as a global CX and BPO hub. His expertise in structuring offshore delivery models and scaling BPO operations aligns with iSON Xperiences’ mission to drive innovation, efficiency, and sustainable economic impact.

“I am thrilled to be joining iSON Xperiences at such a transformative stage,” said Ricardo Langwieder, Chief Sales Officer. “The company’s dedication to AI-driven CX innovation, its strong African presence, and client-centric approach set it apart. I look forward to leveraging my experience in offshoring and nearshoring to drive business growth, expand global influence, and contribute to economic opportunities across the region.”

Ricardo’s appointment underscores iSON Xperiences’ commitment to attracting top industry talent and reinforcing its leadership in AI-powered CX solutions across global markets.

Gulf Capital and AfricInvest had invested around US$50 million in iSON to accelerate the company’s growth.

During the partnership period with Gulf Capital, iSON completed three bolt-on acquisitions that allowed the company to expand its geographic coverage across Africa including Egypt and South Africa, in addition to expanding its product offering and capabilities. iSON also strategically diversified its customer base and industry exposure.

As a result, it grew its revenues by circa 60%, and now generates around 50% of its revenues from new countries of operations since Gulf Capital’s initial investment and backing.

Founded in 2010 as a single-country, single-sector BPO provider, iSON currently operates across 19 countries, driven by a workforce of over 18,000 employees, conducting over 50 million customer transactions per month, for more than 500 million customers globally.

Christopher Foll, Senior Managing Director at Gulf Capital, said:

“Our investment in iSON was driven by its market leading position in Africa, representing 75% of the customer service market share in the telecoms industry across Sub-Saharan Africa. This is in addition to the solid and sustainable cashflow profile of the business and the exceptional management team. We are pleased with the impressive growth iSON has reported over the years and are optimistic about its future growth prospects. Our investment in iSON allowed us to achieve superior risk-adjusted returns for our investors over our five-year holding period. We wish the company and our partners all the best in their new chapter of growth.”

Pravin Kumar, Global CEO of iSON Xperiences, said:

“We extend our deepest appreciation to Gulf Capital for its proactive support to us and trust in our mission. Its investment has been the catalyst for our remarkable journey, empowering us to expand our horizons, diversify our offerings, and solidify our presence in the industry. Gulf Capital’s commitment has not only been financial but a resounding endorsement of our potential. As we conclude this chapter, we do so with gratitude, confidence, and a sense of achievement. Gulf Capital has been an instrumental partner in our success story, and we look forward to the future with optimism, carrying forward the lessons learned and experiences shared.”

Majd Khodr, Executive Director at Gulf Capital, added: “Over the past five years, with Gulf Capital’s backing, iSON organically and inorganically expanded its operations to 19 countries in Africa and India and entered into new service offerings that not only grew the company’s operations but also reduced its risk profile, creating value for current and future shareholders.

The advanced data-driven solutions and customer-centric approach ensure the company’s resilience and supports its growth in an ever-changing industry. With over 18,000 employees, we are proud of the impact the company has on the lives of thousands of families across 19 developing economies.

We are confident of iSON’s bright prospects supported by a world-class management team and highly reputable institutional investors. We wish iSON Xperiences all the best on their next phase of growth.”