A21 History: Our Journey to the Best Managed Companies Award

In 2023 Antarctica21 celebrates its 20th Anniversary. During our company’s 20th anniversary year, we want to celebrate our history with a review of the important milestones that have defined our journey. This is one of the notable moments in the company’s history. You can read more stories here.

Written by Verónica Peragallo, Vice President of Planning, Finance & Administration at Antarctica21

 In my Antarctica21 journey, a memory encapsulates years of dedication, collaboration, and passion. On September 6th, 2019, at the Parque Titanium in Santiago, I attended a gala ceremony to receive the Best Managed Companies award on behalf of Antarctica21.

The memories of that evening are a little hazy, but the feelings I can remember with clarity. As I ascended the stage with our President, Jaime Vasquez, and my colleague, Noelia Greco, excitement and pride swept me.

This moment was the culmination of not just months of arduous preparation but also years of collective dedication from every member of the Antarctica21 team. As the applause filled the air, standing next to Jaime and Noelia that night, I couldn’t help but feel a wonderful sense of accomplishment.

Verónica Peragallo, Jaime Vásquez, and Noelia Greco received the Best Managed Company award on behalf of Antarctica21 in 2019.

A few months prior to that evening, we received an invitation from Santander Bank to participate in the selection process for Deloitte’s Best Managed Companies award. Our Finance and Administration teams prepared an immense amount of financial data, meticulously organized and supported by a collection of documents—a second stack of documents outlining our strategic vision and our management practices. Countless meetings and interviews followed, wherein the Deloitte analysts examined our records in great detail to evaluate four key areas: Strategy, Expertise and Innovation, Culture and Commitment, Corporate Governance and Finance.

At the end of that rigorous process, we were one of 44 companies presented with the 2019 Best Managed Company award. Antarctica21 has come a long way since its humble beginnings in 2003. What started as an audacious endeavor by a small group of friends has blossomed into an established, thriving company with over 100 dedicated team members.

That night, the award was not just mine to accept on behalf of the company; it belonged to every individual who has lent their talents to Antarctica21, aligned with our mission to deliver the best Antarctic experiences in the world.

While providing recognition, the award also provided impetus for further advancements. It validated our commitment and invited us to continue investing in Antarctica21’s future. Along the way, the support of our global network of agent partners and that of our valued suppliers and local product partners in Punta Arenas have been instrumental in our success. It continues to be a key point of strength for our organization.

Jorge Jordan, Verónica Peragallo, and JC Del Pedregal joined by Deloitte’s José Retamales at the 2022 Best Managed Companies award ceremony.

We were honored with the Best Managed Company award for three consecutive years. Each ceremony, each moment of recognition, was a reaffirmation for the company, a reminder of every step forward we have taken.

The elegant stage of the Parque Titanium, with its bright lights and dramatic music, is quite different from my quiet office in Punta Arenas. Each time I have received this award on behalf of the company, I have been filled with the same feelings of excitement and pride.