Tulane/UFM alum delivers the analysis that powers M&A deals

Esteban Guillermo Armas Maza (MFIN '25) is a graduate of the Tulane/UFM Master of Finance, a joint executive program of Tulane's Freeman School of Business and Universidad Francisco Marroquin in Guatemala City, Guatemala. He works as a Senior M&A Analyst within the Corporate Investments team at Castillo Hermanos. In that role, he supports the evaluation and execution of strategic investments and M&A initiatives across the Group’s portfolio. His focus is on financial analysis, valuation and due diligence, business case development, and executive-level decision support, partnering cross-functionally with internal stakeholders and external advisors to ensure opportunities are assessed rigorously and aligned with our long-term strategic priorities.

What’s the best thing about your job?

Contributing to strategic decision-making with a long-term perspective and helping shape initiatives that create sustainable value for the business.

Why did you enroll in the Tulane/UFM Master of Finance program?

I chose to join the program for three primary reasons: continuous learning, personal and professional development, and the opportunity to engage directly with U.S.-based faculty while earning an internationally recognized credential. My goals were to strengthen my technical foundations in finance, sharpen my analytical and decision-making toolkit, and broaden my perspective through rigorous discussion and exposure to world-class faculty and frameworks that translate directly into real-world professional contexts.

What are the biggest advantages of pursuing a Tulane joint program?
Three clear advantages stand out: 1. International academic rigor with practical application: a strong curriculum grounded in high standards and directly relevant to real-world decision-making. 2. Direct access to U.S. faculty and high-quality instruction: close interaction with professors, meaningful guidance, and a learning environment that encourages deep engagement. 3. Professional development and credibility: an internationally recognized credential that enhances technical depth, professional profile, and long-term career optionality.

How would you rate the Tulane faculty?
Excellent. High quality, accessible, and consistently attentive to students.

What do you think of the overall quality of the program? 
The quality and value have been outstanding. What stood out most were the in-person sessions with faculty and the applied discussions that consistently connect theory to real-life situations and decision-making.

If you had to pick three reasons to recommend the program to a prospective student, what would they be?

1. Faculty quality and depth of content that pushes real mastery, not just surface-level learning.
2. Applied, discussion-driven classes that link frameworks to real business and professional contexts.
3. International credential and strong development value, supported by accessible professors and a student-focused learning experience.

Where do you hope to be in five years?
In five years, I hope to have achieved meaningful professional growth, taking on broader leadership responsibilities and continuing to contribute to long-term value creation. On a personal level, I aspire to have built a strong family foundation, while maintaining a balanced lifestyle centered on health, learning, and purpose.

What do you like to do in your spare time?
I enjoy reading and training for triathlons.

What’s a fun fact about yourself?
I host a podcast called The Collective Knowledge Podcast.