Stone has announced a significant leadership transition as it enters a new phase of operational execution and strategic continuity. The Brazilian fintech confirmed changes across its executive team, including the appointment of a new chief executive and adjustments at board and senior management level. The announcement comes at a moment of solid financial performance and ongoing portfolio simplification.
Leadership Transition at the Top
Pedro Zinner has formally stepped down from his role as chief executive officer, with his departure scheduled for March 2026 and motivated by personal considerations. The board has appointed Mateus Scherer, currently chief financial officer and head of investor relations, to assume the CEO position at that time. According to the company, the succession plan prioritizes continuity, disciplined execution, and long-term value creation for shareholders.
Zinner’s Tenure and Strategic Reset
Zinner took over as CEO in March 2023 after joining from Eneva, inheriting a business facing operational and strategic pressure. During his tenure, Stone refocused on its core activities, divested non-essential assets including Linx, and implemented a stricter capital allocation framework. The company also accelerated its evolution from a payments acquirer into a broader financial services platform serving Brazilian entrepreneurs.
Board Continuity and Governance
Following his exit from the executive role, Zinner is expected to return to the board and be nominated as chairman at the next general shareholders’ meeting, subject to approval. The move is designed to preserve institutional knowledge while maintaining alignment between management and shareholders. Current chairman Augusto Luchetti is expected to step back into a regular board member role as part of this transition.
Profile of the Incoming CEO
Mateus Scherer will take over as CEO in March, bringing deep institutional knowledge after being with Stone since its early days. Since assuming the CFO role in 2023, he has played a central role in capital allocation, financial strategy, risk management, and the rollout of banking and credit initiatives. In a statement, Scherer emphasized a continued focus on client-centric execution, capital discipline, and long-term strategic delivery.
Broader Executive Reshuffle
The leadership changes extend beyond the CEO transition, with Lia Matos concluding her tenure as head of strategy, marketing, and new businesses after more than a decade at the company. Stone confirmed that her responsibilities will be redistributed internally, while she remains connected to the business in an advisory capacity. Diego Salgado will step into the combined CFO and investor relations role, and Sandro Bassili is set to become chief operating officer following the completion of the Linx sale.
Recent Financial Performance
The executive reshuffle follows a period of what the company described as consistent execution in its most recent quarterly results. For the July to September 2025 period, Stone reported adjusted net income of approximately $128 million, representing year-over-year growth of 13 percent, while revenue reached around $720 million, up 16 percent annually. Total payment volume rose to roughly $28 billion, with strong expansion among small and medium-sized businesses and rapid growth in the company’s banking and credit portfolio.
Stone’s leadership transition reflects a deliberate effort to balance renewal with stability as the fintech continues to refine its strategic focus. By promoting from within and maintaining continuity at board level, the company aims to sustain momentum while navigating its next stage of growth. With solid financial performance and a streamlined asset base, Stone appears positioned to execute its long-term plan under new leadership.