Business Development Manager Cristina Villaseñor cristina@latinoleaders.com
Digital Media & Design Manager Wendy Zacarias wendy@latinoleaders.com
Event Director Isabela Herrera isabela@latinoleaders.com
Art Director Fernando Izquierdo
Editorial Art & Design Carlos Cuevas Luis Enrique González Moisés Cervantes
Human Resources Manager Susana Sanchez
Administration and Bookkeeping Carlos Bernal
Executive Assistant to the Publishers Liliana Morales For
TABLE OF CONTENTS:
• Latinos serving in C-Suite 2025: Those leading change at the organizations - Page 10
• Eduardo Tobon: The story behind his professional journey - Page 36
• CEOs & Presidents 2025 - Page 44
• Patricio Gutierrez: Counsel for success - Page 56
• Board Update: New appointments - Page 56
• Sotol: Claudia Romo’s new adventure - Page 76
TO LISTEN WITH YOUR EYES “IT’S STILL OK”
NOT A NONSENSE INSINUATION—A SUGGESTION WORTH KEEPING IN MIND
Life ends when we stop mattering to one another. Art follows the same quiet death.
Nothing dramatic — just a slow fading when we no longer take the time to look.
We have, over time, trained ourselves to complicate what is simple. We drape art in long, tangled explanations until it becomes unrecognizable, as if clarity were a threat. We invent narratives to justify our distance, or our uncertainty, or our unwillingness to feel something without permission. Yet the truth remains plain and childlike:
There is no art without an artist, and no artist without art.
At its core, art asks for one essential act: to be seen. To be looked at without hurry. To be granted the space to speak in its own peculiar language.
So, stare!
Let the work talk first!
Do not listen for the noise of the market — the catalogues, the glossy essays, the auctioneer’s rising tempo. Instead, let the artwork speak to your inner voice, your memory, your stubborn logic and your
drifting irrationalities. Let it pass through your senses like a wind through an open house: touching everything, unsettling the dust, clarifying what matters. Feel the texture, imagine the weight, sense the labor of the hand that made it. Then, decode — not with theory, but with presence.
Recently, we have witnessed a dramatic resurgence in major auction houses. Numbers climb, records break, and headlines proclaim a triumphant return of “the market.” These results are real, undeniably so. I have lived through cycles like this before — booms dressed as revelations, sales interpreted as oracles. And yet, each time, I have watched the same pattern unfold: the public, and especially young or first-time buyers, begin to confuse spectacle with significance.
Collectors — the true ones, not investors chasing yield — must resist this illusion.
Because price is never the final measure of meaning.
Mastery is. Craft is. Vision is.
Quality whispers; markets shout. And shouting is rarely honest.
This is especially urgent in the world of Latino and Chicano art — a field too often overlooked, misread, or dismissed by pre-
By William Hanhausen Courtesy of author Carlos Cuevas
determined boundaries and outdated prejudices. But the work has never been silent. It has always spoken of histories carried in shadows, of identities shaped by displacement and resilience, of the untranslatable inner life that refuses to disappear.
Consider for a clean and direct instance; in recent years, three young “Latino Colossus” — Johan Barrios, Vincent Valdez, and Devon Rodriguez — have risen from the margins with a clarity that can no longer be ignored. Their work is not merely art; it is testimony. It stands as evidence of what happens when skill, intention, and truth converge without apology. They do not ask for permission to be seen — only for us to look long enough to understand.
So again: Stare!
Not to judge, but to witness.
Choose your own conclusions without borrowed vocabulary.
Follow your own instincts — the ones untouched by trend or noise.
Discover what you love, why you love it, and what it tells you in the privacy of your own silence.
With that, you will begin to understand the magnificence of the arts — their purpose, their truth, and their enduring necessity.
LATINOS IN MUSIC
SILVANA ESTRADA
A HEART AND VOICE MADE OF STRINGS AND STORIES
Silvana Estrada is one of the most phenomenal young musicians to emerge from Latin America in recent years - an artist with global reach, growing acclaim, and the kind of emotional intensity that makes audiences lose their breath. The 28-year-old Mexican singer and prolific songwriter has already earned a Latin Grammy for Best New Artist, plus one Grammy nomination and two additional Latin Grammy ones –while she could convincingly be asked for ID at a concert where she’s the headliner!
Born in Coatepec, Veracruz, Silvana grew up in a home where music wasn’t just an art - it was the family business. Her mother is a clarinetist, her father a double bassist, and they make their living as luthiers, crafting and repairing string instruments. As a child Silvana discovered a “cuatro,” the four-stringed cousin of the guitar, common in Puerto Rico and Venezuela. The instrument became her soulmate, she loved its versatility and intimate sound; it sparked words, melodies, and stories. To this day, most of her compositions begin with it.
By 16, she was studying jazz at the Universidad Veracruzana. At 20, she recorded her first album. Today, she’s on her third, touring across the U.S. and Europe - where, in a delightful twist, she’s found unexpected fanbases in Nordic and Eastern Europe. She has also shared the stage with Natalia Lafourcade, Mon Laferte, and world-renowned conductor Gustavo Dudamel.
While some categorize her music as “indie & alternative pop,” that label quickly collapses under the weight of her jazz roots, traditional Mexican influences, improvisational soul, and the emotional force that makes her live performances feel like poetry with a pulse.
Recently, I had the chance to sit down with Silvana over tea in Mexico City, just before she performed in the Zócalo. Naturally, I asked her my favorite questions.
Alexis Langagne
Courtesy Moisés Cervantes
The author is a Global High-Tech Executive, Senior Vice-president at Softtek USA and previously at Oracle and HP; Board Advisor for high-tech startups and scale-ups, and Board Director for a music nonprofit. Alexis is also a drummer and percussionist, has performed with rock, jazz, and chamber music ensembles, and attends over 30 concerts every year.
• If 100 years from now you’re remembered for just one song, which would it be?
Without hesitation “Si me matan” (“If I Get Killed”). It reflects the heartbreaking reality of feminicide in Mexico, balancing sorrow with hope. Interestingly, while many great songs come quickly, this one took her years.
• When did you decide to dedicate your life to music? Silvana grew up playing and singing with her parents, but assumed music was just for family gatherings and social life - not a career.
• If not a musician, what would you be?
She considered pursuing a Psychology degree, and she also wrote poetry as a child. Naturally, the poetry evolved into words for her songs.
• Ever hit a major setback?
“Too many times.” As a young woman, Silvana encountered people who offered “help” but really wanted control. Walking away from those situations required courage, especially when rejection came wrapped with a feeling of “you’ll regret this” or maybe you become doubtful about your real potential as an artist.
• What’s your next big project?
She wants to compose a film score, but her big one is a project with female musicians from her community in Veracruz - expanding eventually across Mexico to celebrate its diverse folklore. It’s both artistic and organizationally ambitious!
• What do you think about Generative AI in music?
She’s worried about musicians’ rights, anticipating laws will trail behind technology. But Silvana also believes live musicians will be more valued than ever. In her words: “People will want to applaud those who get on stage and actually perform.” In business terms: authenticity remains a premium asset.
Silvana never chased fame. She worked relentlessly because music is her oxygenthe thing that made her feel freedom, connection, and joy. Only now is she starting to fully grasp the scale of her success. Spending time with her was deeply inspiring. She has already built an extraordinary career, yet it feels like she’s only at the initial chapters of her story.
What sets Silvana apart isn’t just her talent but her humility, honesty, and the fearlessness to stay true to herself. A natural artist, born to live and breathe music - beyond genres, beyond borders, beyond expectations. I am so excited waiting to watch the future chapters of her story!
[Yes, GenAI helped a little— but the soul is all Silvana.]
BREAKING BARRIERS, BUILDING PATHWAYS
Shaped by her family’s sacrifices and fueled by her own determination, Analisa Eaton’s story fuels her commitment to support Children’s HealthSM and the families it serves.
For Analisa Eaton, her story doesn’t begin with her — it starts with her family’s journey of sacrifice, resilience and hard work.
“I'm third-generation Mexican American,” she said. “We were brought up on values of discipline, drive and humility.”
Her parents, who started out as sharecroppers, worked in fields to put themselves through school. Eventually, her mom became an educator, and her dad a sales executive at IBM.
“They’re both my role models,” Analisa said. “They taught me if you want something, you’ve got to put the work in.”
At the age of 18, Analisa became a mom. She asked herself what example she was going to set for her own
daughter. That question, combined with her family’s story of grit, became her guiding compass.
Analisa worked her way through Texas Woman’s University and took jobs others overlooked, including pushing wheelchairs and serving as a secretary at a major airline.
Her career unfolded across aviation, aerospace and defense, where she discovered her passion for Human Resources and the impact compensation and benefits can have on people’s lives. As she developed her leadership skills, her desire to align her professional path with her personal passion for serving children and families grew. Now a proud mother to three girls, Analisa felt a deep pull to join an organization where her work could help support families like
“I'M THIRD-GENERATION MEXICAN AMERICAN, WE WERE BROUGHT UP ON VALUES OF DISCIPLINE, DRIVE AND HUMILITY.”
her own. That calling led her to Children’s Health.
“I didn’t know exactly what the next step would look like, but I trusted that with determination and hard work, I’d find my way to where I was meant to be,” she said.
Today, as Vice President of Total Rewards at Children’s Health, Analisa is part of the team that oversees the compensation and benefits of the health system’s team members. Her work ensures Children’s Health attracts and retains incredible talent so caregivers can focus on what matters most: patients and families. For Analisa, this work is deeply personal.
“I think back on what my parents would share about their obstacles, being told that they couldn’t do something,” she said. “Facing challenges fuels me. The only person that should put limits on me is myself.”
How does your role support the health system’s Hispanic population?
I partner closely with our Talent Acquisition and Talent Management leaders to help attract and retain team members. Together, we reach into diverse communities across North Texas to build talent pipeline programs.
North Texas is incredibly diverse, and one of our largest demographics is the Hispanic population, so those efforts certainly reach that group.
My own path has shown me how powerful it is to see someone who shares your background in leadership. I hope to offer that representation and encourage others to believe their goals are possible.
How
does philanthropy fuel the incredible work being done at Children's Health?
Philanthropy matters because it changes what’s possible for our patients and families. Donations help build new spaces for healing, remove barriers to care and ensure every child, no matter their background, can get the best care close to home.
I’m a donor, too. Setting up a donation was one of the first things I did when I started working here. I see our mission come to life in every conversation I have with team members and leaders and every time I visit Children’s Health as a parent when my own daughters receive care here. I’m deeply proud to be part of such an incredible team.
The Three Traits Every Future CEO Must Master: Courage, Clarity,
Ralph de la Vega
and Credibility
When I think about the CEOs I have worked with - and the ones I have mentored – what I always remember is their courage to lead when it wasn’t easy, their clarity in moments of crisis, and the credibility that made people want to follow them. These three traits don’t show up on spreadsheets or dashboards, but they are what separate leaders who merely manage companies from those who truly transform them.
AS AN IMMIGRANT who arrived in this country with nothing but hope—and later had the privilege of leading tens of thousands of employees—I’ve learned that these three qualities form the bedrock of leadership. And in today’s era of relentless change, AI disruption, and global uncertainty, they are more critical than ever.
Courage: The Willingness to Act When Others Stand Still
Every future CEO must begin with courage. Not the Hollywood version of bravery, but the quiet, steady kind that shows up in the meeting where no one wants to tell the truth; in the boardroom when a decision will be unpopular; and in the challenging moments when leaders must choose between what is easy and what is right.
Courage is the trait that allowed Steve Jobs to challenge entire industries while others defended old models. It’s the trait that enables the CEO to confront declining performance honestly or to tell the board that a bold investment is necessary, even when the market might not yet understand it.
I’ve seen many leaders freeze at the critical moment. They knew what the right decision was, but they hesitated. Eventually, that hesitation became their defining characteristic. The job of a CEO demands courage not just once in a crisis, but every single day—the courage to ask hard questions, to challenge assumptions, to stand alone if necessary, and to take responsibility when things go wrong.
Future CEOs must understand this: courage doesn’t guarantee success, but a lack of courage guarantees failure.
Clarity:
Cutting Through Complexity With Purpose and Direction
If courage is the engine, clarity is the steering wheel.
We live in a world of information overload: AI-generated insights, real-time dashboards, nonstop signals from markets, regulators, employees, and customers. The future CEO must be able to sift through all of it and bring crisp direction to the organization.
Clarity isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about defining the right questions, simplifying the noise, and communicating direction
Ralph de la Vega is the former vice-chairman of AT&T Inc. He is the author of the best-selling book “Obstacles Welcome: Turn Adversity to Advantage in Business and Life.” He is also a LinkedIn Influencer, posting regularly on leadership and innovation.
with precision. The best leaders I’ve known can walk into a chaotic situation—an acquisition that’s off track, a product launch that has stalled, a competitive threat—and quickly define the three or four things that matter most.
During my career at AT&T, especially during the iPhone launch and the digital transformations that followed, clarity became the most important leadership muscle we had. We were venturing into new territory. Complexity was high. The pressure was enormous. But clarity—defining the path, explaining the purpose, and aligning teams—turned uncertainty into momentum.
Future CEOs must master the art of clarity because, without it, courage becomes reckless and credibility collapses.
• Clarity transforms vision into measurable action.
• Clarity turns strategy into execution.
• And clarity gives people a reason to follow.
Credibility: The Leadership Currency That Compounds Over Time
Credibility is not built by charisma or clever messaging. It is built through consistent actions, transparent decisions, and treating people with dignity.
When I served as CEO and later as a board member, I saw that credibility is the one trait that employees, investors, customers, regulators, and the community all measure—whether they articulate it or not. A CEO may be brilliant or bold, but if people don’t trust them, nothing else matters.
Credibility is formed every time a leader:
• Delivers on commitments
• Tells the truth even when it’s uncomfortable
• Acts the same in private as in public
• Takes responsibility instead of assigning blame
• Shows respect across every level of the organization
It is also the trait that makes courage and clarity sustainable. A courageous decision without credibility looks reckless. A clear strategy without credibility looks like rhetoric. But when a leader earns credibility, people give them the benefit of the doubt—even in hard times.
I often tell young leaders I mentor: CREDIBILITY IS YOUR LEADERSHIP CREDIT SCORE. EARN IT DAILY. PROTECT IT FIERCELY.
The Intersection of the Three Traits
These three traits—courage, clarity, and credibility— are not isolated. They reinforce each other and compound over time.
➊ Courage enables bold decisions.
➋ Clarity ensures the organization understands them.
➌ Credibility convinces people to believe in them.
When all three are present, a leader creates alignment, momentum, and trust. When even one is missing, the entire leadership model collapses.
A Message to Future CEOs
For every aspiring CEO—whether they are running a startup, leading a division, or preparing to step into the top job—here is the truth:
• Your technical skills will get you noticed.
• Your strategic mind will keep you relevant.
• But your courage, your clarity, and your credibility will determine your destiny.
These traits are not innate; they are developed through experience, adversity, mentorship, and reflection. They grow in the toughest moments, not the easiest ones. And they distinguish leaders who are remembered from those who are forgotten.
The Bottom Line
Companies will continue to evolve. Technologies will change. Markets will fluctuate. But leadership remains a human endeavor—and the leaders who rise in the AI age will be those who master these timeless traits.
The CEOs of the future will not be defined by how much they know.
They will be defined by who they are.
LATINOS IN C-SUITE 2025
Across corporate America, leaders are shaping strategy, driving innovation, and redefining what executive leadership looks like. This list highlights the remarkable Latinos serving in C-suite positions— leaders who bring cultural insight, operational excellence, and a bold vision for the future of their organizations.
JOSE VARELA
3M
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT & GLOBAL SERVICE CENTERS
KARINA CHAVEZ
3M
GROUP PRESIDENT & CONSUMER
Varela, previously served as SVP of Emerging Markets and Enterprise Program Management Office. Jose has held various area and global leadership business and functional roles throughout his 34-year career at 3M, at 3M HQs in the USA and at international locations such as Chile, Mexico, Brazil and Hong Kong. Jose holds a degree in Computer Programming, studied Business Administration, and currently completing Master of Science, Computer Science and International Business through University of Cumbria, England.
MICHAEL DURAN
3M
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT & CHIEF ETHICS & COMPLIANCE OFFICER
Duran directs a team that designs and implements global controls that mitigate corruption and compliance risk, including training and communication, third party due diligence, internal evaluations and audits for compliance risk, M&A due diligence and compliance integration, and the compliance risk assessment process.
OSCAR CARRASCO
A-MARK PRECIOUS METALS
CHIEF INFORMATION OFFICER
Carrasco is the CIO at A-Mark, bringing 30+ years of experience in IT and operations. Since joining A-Mark in 2019, he has significantly enhanced the company's data reporting and IT organizational success, earning multiple promotions, culminating in his appointment as CIO in 2024. Before, Oscar held leadership roles at global brands like Coca-Cola, Pepsi, DIRECTV, and AT&T, focusing on operational efficiency, business intelligence, and innovative IT solutions. He holds a BS degree from the University of Southern California.
RAÚL VALENTIN
ABM INDUSTRIES
EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT & CHIEF HUMAN RESOURCES OFFICER
Valentin joined ABM in 2019 and has served as the people leader. Raúl is dedicated to cultivating a stronger ABM community by growing and developing our people and fostering an inclusive culture where everyone is seen, heard, and valued. With more than 30 years of human resources and management experience, Raúl has held key HR leadership roles at Coty, Comcast, and Frito-Lay.
BERNERD DA SANTOS
AES
EXECUTIVE
VICE PRESIDENT & PRESIDENT, RENEWABLES
Da Santos served as Chief Operating Officer from 2015 to 2023, spearheading the remarkable transformation of AES’ operations. In his more than 20 years with AES, Bernerd has held a variety of leadership positions and remained passionate about promoting a culture of purpose, safety, collaboration, innovation, and delivering highest standards to customers and communities.
Chavez leads 3M’s Consumer Business Group, home to some of the company’s most iconic brands. Throughout her life and career, Karina has lived and worked around the world, with extensive experience leading strategy and operations at 3M. She joined the company in 2008 as a marketing and public affairs manager for 3M Mexico.
BRIAN AQUILINO
A-MARK PRECIOUS METALS
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
Aquilino has been with A-Mark since 2001. Aquilino brings to A-Mark over 25 years operations and logistics experience. Since joining A-Mark in 2001, Aquilino’s strategic thought leadership has had a pivotal role in transforming A-Mark into a global enterprise servicing millions of highly satisfied customers through multiple lines of business.
NADEEN AYALA
ABM INDUSTRIES FORMER CHIEF CULTURE & COMMUNICATION OFFICER
Ayala is a results-driven corporate communication leader who has developed a reputation for creating and executing purpose-driven corporate, executive and external communication strategies that drive key business objectives. Extensive experince in corporate communication strategy and internal communication, media relations, social media, reputation management and corporate sustainability and philanthropy. Prior to ABM, Nadeen spent more than two decades in the hospitality and publishing industries.
THOMAS CASTELLANO
ABZENA CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
Castellano has primary responsibility for planning, implementing, managing, and running of all the finance activities at Abzena.Tom joined Abzena from Catalent where he served as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. He has over 20 years of corporate finance and capital market experience.
JUAN IGNACIO RUBIOLO
AES
EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT & PRESIDENT, ENERGY INFRASTRUCTURE
Rubiolo has worked at AES since 2001 and in 2022 was named Executive Vice President and President, International Businesses. Under his leadership, AES continues to grow its renewables and natural gas platforms in the region to ensure critical diversification, cleaner reliability and reduce reliance on oil to help our partners achieve their emissions and energy goals.
RICARDO MANUEL
FALÚ
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT & CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
TISH MENDOZA
EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT & CHIEF HUMAN RESOURCES OFFICER
Falú unites our company’s global operations to accelerate the delivery of greener, smarter energy solutions to our customers and communities. Over the last 20 years, Ricardo has brought his diverse experiences in energy, finance, legal and business to AES.
INES RODRIGUEZ GUTZMER
AFLAC
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT & CHIEF COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER
Rodriguez is an award-winning global communications executive, overseeing Aflac’s public and media relations, crisis management, executive, employee, digital and sales communications, and corporate social responsibility initiatives. Across more than two decades of experience, she has held leadership positions with major brands — Equifax, Best Buy, Procter & Gamble, The Home Depot, IBM and Xerox — as well as global marketing and public relations agencies, Ketchum, Ogilvy and Burson Cohn & Wolfe.
ROSE MARIE GLAZER
AIG
EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT & GENERAL COUNSEL
Glazer is the Executive Vice President and General Counsel of AIG, overseeing legal, compliance, regulatory, government affairs, Global Security, and the Sustainability Office. Since joining AIG in 2017, she has held roles including Chief Human Resources & Diversity Officer. Previously, she was General Counsel – Americas at Siemens AG and held legal roles at Telvista and American Airlines. She serves on the Corebridge Financial board and holds a law degree and dual BBA/BA from SMU.
LISA GONZALEZ ANSELMO
ALTICE USA
EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT, COMMUNICATIONS AND HEAD OF THE OFFICE OF THE CEO
Gonzalez as Executive Vice President, Communications oversees external and internal communications activities for Altice USA. In this role, Anselmo is the company’s primary spokesperson and provides communications oversight over the company’s corporate strategy and business developments as well as its telecommunications, consumer and business services and media content offerings nationwide.
CARLA CHAVARRIA
AMC THEATERS
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT & CHIEF HUMAN RESOURCES OFFICER
Chavarria is responsible for all aspects of human resources including talent acquisition, diversity, equity and inclusion, learning & development, total rewards, engagement, internal communications, human capital management systems, office services, and community relations. Chavarria began her AMC career in 1988 as a theatre manager in Philadelphia.
Mendoza unites our people around the world with creative strategies and tools to ensure every AES person develops to their fullest potential. Since joining AES in 2006, Tish has initiated holistic transformations to the culture, communication strategies and talent development programs.
GUILLERMO GUALINO
AGILENT TECHNOLOGIES
Gualino is VP and Treasurer at Agilent Technologies, overseeing capital markets, foreign exchange, and liquidity management. He joined Agilent in 2011 as Assistant Treasurer and became Treasurer in 2014. Previously, he held finance roles at Flextronics, Ernst & Young, PwC, and Ventana Growth Fund. Treasury & Risk Management named him a "Top 40 Under 40" in finance in 2007. Gualino holds an MBA from UCLA and a B.S. in Mechanical-Electrical Engineering from Universidad La Salle, Mexico City.
JENNIFER SAENZ
ALBERTSON'S COMPANIES INC
EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT & CHIEF MERCHANDISING OFFICER
Saenz has extensive global industry experience and a proven track record of driving growth through marketing, analytics, and product innovation, all grounded in a deep understanding of the consumer. Her career includes 15 years at PepsiCo, including serving as Global Chief Marketing Officer and President, Global Foods.
LUCIANO RAMOS
ALTICE USA
EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT, CHIEF PRODUCT AND TECHNOLOGY OFFICER
Ramos oversees all Technology, Product Development, Network Operations and Information Technology for the Company. Prior to joining Altice USA in March of 2023, Ramos led the Network Engineering & Technology Development group at Rogers Communications and before that, led technology and product teams in Latin America for over 20 years.
SUSANA SUAREZ GONZALEZ
AMCOR
EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT & CHIEF HUMAN RESOURCES OFFICER
Suarez is responsible for leading Amcor’s global human resources function, with a strong focus on continuing to invest in talent and organizational development as levers for delivering strategy and growth. Gonzalez brings more than 31 years of human resources experience, driving talent and growth in business-to-business organizations. Her most recent role was as Executive Vice President, Chief Human Resources and Diversity & Inclusion Officer at International Flavors and Fragrances (IFF).
CECILIA PARDO
AMERICAN NATIONAL
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT & CHIEF HUMAN RESOURCES OFFICER
Pardo is an experienced senior HR executive with demonstrated abilities in HR strategy and execution planning, leadership development and succession planning, talent management, organizational design and development, performance management, workforce planning, and talent program design and delivery. She joined American National in 2019.
NANCY AVILA
ANALOG DEVICES CHIEF INFORMATION OFFICER
Avila is an accomplished semiconductor, healthcare, and technology executive with extensive experience in driving transformation and change. Currently, she serves as Chief Information Officer at Analog Devices, a global leader in semiconductor solutions, and is a board member at Haleon, a leading consumer healthcare company. Avila holds a Master’s in Mathematics from Colorado School of Mines and a dual Bachelor's in Computer Information Systems and Mathematics from Regis University.
JASON VASQUEZ
APPLIED INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGIES
VICE PRESIDENT OF SALES & MARKETING, U.S. SERVICE CENTERS
Vasquez joined Applied® in 1999 as part of the Company’s college recruitment program titled COMET (Career Opportunity Management & Employment Training). In 2000, he was named Account Manager at the Youngstown, OH service center, followed by Service Center Manager and then General Manager at our Elyria service center. Vasquez joined the Strategic Accounts group in 2004 as National Account Specialist – Automotive.
RICARDO A. BARTRA
ARROW INTERNATIONAL
CHIEF DIGITAL AND INFORMATION OFFICER
Ricardo A. Bartra drives Arrow International’s digital transformation as Chief Digital and Information Officer, overseeing technology strategy and innovation. With global experience in IT, logistics, and operations, he focuses on integrating digital solutions that enhance efficiency and customer experience. Ricardo’s forward-thinking leadership accelerates growth and strengthens Arrow’s position as a technology-enabled organization.
PABLO BRIZI
ASURION
CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER
A seasoned operations and administrative executive, Pablo has delivered strategic support across multinational service organizations, with strengths in corporate transformation, operational excellence and large-scale program delivery. He has led cross-functional teams spanning HR, facilities, IT and shared services, focusing on scalable processes, cost optimization and employee experience. His career blends operational leadership with experience in consumer and technology service environments.
ESTEBAN SANTOS
AMGEN
EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT & OPERATIONS
Santos is responsible for the Operations organization, which encompasses Manufacturing, Process Development, Quality, Engineering and Global Supply Chain. Prior, Santos was senior vice president, Manufacturing, responsible for operations at Amgen's commercial manufacturing. Santos joined Amgen in 2007 as executive director, Manufacturing Technologies.
GUSTAVO J. NORIEGA
ANTIOQUIA
GOLD INC. CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
A Latin America finance executive with more than 25 years in corporate finance, Gustavo has extensive experience in media, consumer and resource sectors. His career includes CFO and finance leadership roles across Peruvian media groups and regional operations, with strengths in financial reporting, capital markets engagement and integration following acquisitions. Gustavo holds an MBA from IESE and a bachelor’s degree from Universidad del Pacífico.
MARCELO MORGUETA
ARCONIC
EVP & CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
Morgueta is the Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Arconic Corporation. With nearly two decades of experience in the aluminum industry, Marcelo has held leadership roles across Finance, Tax, Controllership, Treasury, and Corporate Development since joining Arconic in 2005. He previously served as Vice President, Finance and Treasurer. Marcelo holds a Bachelor’s in Business Administration and an MBA in Finance from UNESP and Fundação Getúlio Vargas in Brazil.
MANNY BECERRA
ASSURANT
CHIEF INNOVATION OFFICER
Becerra was appointed to this newly created role in July 2021, he is responsible for advancing the company’s growth, based on a global innovation agenda. In January 2022, Becerra also will join Assurant’s Management Committee (MCOM). He leads an enterprise center of excellence solely focused on driving market-leading innovation.
THADDEUS ARROYO
AT&T CHIEF STRATEGY & DEVELOPMENT OFFICER
Arroyo oversees corporate strategy, corporate development, venture investments, and strategic business development supporting AT&T’s long-term growth. He is on the Board of Directors for Global Payments Inc., as well as for the National Center for Women & Information Technology and the SMU Cox School of Business. Thaddeus has a B.S. in mathematics from the University of Texas at Arlington and an MBA from Southern Methodist University.
JUAN ZAPATA
VICE PRESIDENT HEAD OF TECHNICAL
Zapata oversees technical asset management for the company's aircraft portfolio, including lease negotiations, aircraft transitions, cargo conversions, and ongoing management. With over 25 years of experience in the dry leasing and MRO/freighter conversion industry, Zapata has held key roles at companies like Commercial Jet, Aeronautical Engineers, and Vx Capital. He holds a bachelor’s degree in aviation maintenance management from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, along with several industry certifications.
DOMINGO HURTADO
Hurtado was named Senior Vice President, International in September 2018. From 2001 to 2018 he served as Presidente, AutoZone de México. He was instrumental leading the company’s expansion into México. Prior to 2001, Hurtado was with RadioShack where he held various positions including Director General in México and General Manager in Venezuela.
MARIA CLAUDIA BORRAS
BAKER HUGHES
CHIEF GROWTH & EXPERIENCE OFFICER
Maria Claudia Borras leads growth, marketing, and customer experience initiatives at Baker Hughes, focusing on energy transition and sustainability. Her global experience spans operations, services, and digital innovation within the energy sector. Known for her strategic vision and inclusive leadership, Maria Claudia drives transformation and customer value while advancing Baker Hughes’ mission toward a cleaner, more efficient energy future.
ALEJANDRO PEREZ
BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON
CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER
Perez oversees global HR, corporate real estate, and operational excellence. With 20+ years in financial services and tech, he has led at Goldman Sachs, Bloomberg, and Unqork. A board member of Project BASTA, he holds a Mechanical Engineering degree from the University of Alabama and an MBA from NYU Stern.
RACHAEL VEGAS
BJS WHOLESALE CLUB
EVP &, CHIEF MERCHANDISING OFFICER
Vegas leads the company’s merchandising, assortment planning, and allocation strategy. She joined BJ’s in 2021, bringing over 20 years of experience in grocery and general merchandise. Previously, Rachael held senior roles at H-E-B Grocery, including Senior Vice President of eCommerce Merchandising. She was also Chief Merchant at Brandless and spent 13 years in leadership roles at Target. Rachael holds an MBA from UNC’s Kenan-Flagler Business School and a bachelor’s in International Relations from Tufts University.
JORDI LOMBARTE
AUTOLIV
EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT & CHIEF TECHNOLOGY OFFICER
Lombarte, during the course of a thirty year career with Autoliv, he has held numerous positions of increasing responsibility. Prior to his current role, Lombarte served as Vice President Engineering of Autoliv Passive Safety, a segment of Autoliv, between April 2017 and April 2018. Prior to that, he served as Vice President Engineering, Autoliv Americas, a division, from August 2013 to April 2017.
IGNACIO WALKER
AVERY DENNISON SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT
& CHIEF LEGAL OFFICER
Walker is the senior vice president and chief legal officer for Avery Dennison Corporation. He is responsible for the legal aspects of the company’s global strategy and operations, including corporate policies and strategic planning, shareholder protection, mergers, acquisitions and divestitures, intellectual property, risk management, corporate governance and compliance.
SANTIAGO VICTOR REDONDO
BAKER HUGHES
GLOBAL CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER & DIGITAL SOLUTIONS & INDUSTRIAL ASSET MANAGEMENT
Redondo has 20 years of experience as a finance executive in multiple industries and geographies, he is currently the chief financial officer for global operations at Baker Hughes, a GE Company. Santiago`s has a strong and successful track record of commercial innovation, business development.
JUAN GUERRERO
BIG LOTS
SVP & CHIEF SUPPLY CHAIN OFFICER
Guerrero oversees product movement from vendor to store, including distribution, transportation, replenishment, and eCommerce fulfillment. With over 30 years of experience in retail and supply chain operations, Juan has held senior leadership roles at companies like Bed Bath & Beyond, FleetPride, Office Depot, Starbucks, and Bloomin’ Brands. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from MIT and has completed executive development programs. Juan is fluent in English, Spanish, and Portuguese.
ANNETTE RODRIGUEZ
BLOOMIN' BRANDS
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT & CHIEF DATA OFFICER & FRANCHISING
Rodriguez was named Senior Vice President, U.S. Development and Franchising in December 2019, after serving as Group Vice President for Design & Construction and U.S. Franchising. She leads domestic development efforts for Bloomin’ Brands, including real estate, design and construction, franchising, and facilities maintenance. Annette joined Bloomin’ Brands in 2014.
Gonzalez drives commercial strategy and brand growth at Bloomin’ Brands, aligning marketing, sales, and customer experience to strengthen market presence. She brings a wealth of experience in the restaurant and hospitality industry, combining data-driven insights with creative leadership. Lissette is known for fostering innovation, team empowerment, and strong partnerships that enhance guest satisfaction and business performance.
EDUARDO TOBON BMO
GROUP HEAD, ECONOMIC ADVISORY AND LATINO SEGMENT
Eduardo is a seasoned executive and entrepreneur with extensive leadership experience in consumer goods, financial services, and consulting. He currently leads the Economic Advisory Group and Latino Segment at BMO Commercial Bank and is Co-Founder and Board Director at Angeles Investors. He has held several board roles at RappiPay, Diners Club, Dinit, and Acculynk. In addition to his career in banking and leadership with YPO, he has advised and scaled multiple companies.
GERMÁN SOTO SANCHEZ
BROADRIDGE FINANCIAL SOLUTIONS
CHIEF PRODUCT & STRATEGY OFFICER
Germán is part of the Executive Leadership Team and leads Enterprise Product and Corporate Strategy. Germán oversees product development lifecycle – encompassing product vision, strategy, and development. German also leads the development, communication and execution of Broadridge’s enterprise-wide strategy while also overseeing AI and Digital Assets. Previously, he was President of Cloud9 Technologies, led strategic investments for JPMC, and worked at McKinsey & Co. Awarded MBA from Stanford GSB, B.S. from MIT.
ENRIQUE MAYOR-MORA
CARMAX
EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT & CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
Mayor-Mora is responsible for leading the financial planning, accounting, treasury, internal audit, investor relations, tax, real estate, procurement, and facilities functions for CarMax.Mayor-Mora has been instrumental in driving CarMax’s capital allocation strategy, which has help transform the company from a traditional retailer into a leading omni-channel and e-commerce organization.
LAURA HORTAS
CATALENT PHARMA SOLUTIONS
VICE PRESIDENT & HEAD OF COMMUNICATIONS
Hortas has over 20 years of experience in corporate communications, media relations, and issues management. She previously held leadership roles at Bristol Myers Squibb, Novartis, and Bayer Pharmaceuticals. Laura holds a JD from the University of Connecticut School of Law and is based in Philadelphia, PA. Known for her expertise in internal and external communications, she drives impactful messaging strategies.
JESUS "JAY" MALAVE
BOEING
EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT AND CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
Malave serves as Boeing’s Chief Financial Officer, overseeing the company’s global financial strategy and performance. With extensive experience in aerospace and manufacturing, he drives fiscal discipline, capital efficiency, and sustainable growth. Jay is known for his analytical rigor and collaborative leadership, helping position Boeing for long-term success through financial resilience and innovation.
CATALINA VARGAS
BRISTOL-MYERS SQUIBB
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT & GLOBAL SUPPLY CHAIN
Vargas currently leads a team of more than 600 employees working to seamlessly plan and deliver medicines to patients in more than 50 countries around the world. Prior to her current role, Catalina was Chief of Staff to the CEO of BMS where she led important strategic enterprise-wide initiatives. Catalina has an exceptional record of building high performing and agile global teams.
JORGE SAHLIEH
CARDINAL HEALTH
PRESIDENT OF INTERNATIONAL MEDICAL PRODUCTS AND DISTRIBUTION
Sahlieh leads commercial operations across global regions. With 20+ years in healthcare and medical devices, he joined Cardinal Health in 2018, driving growth in Latin America. Previously, he held leadership roles at Stryker Corporation. Sahlieh holds a bachelor's in Civil Construction from Pontificia Universidad Católica in Chile and a Master’s in International Management from King’s College, London.
PAUL SUAREZ
CASEY'S GENERAL STORES VICE PRESIDENT & CHIEF INFORMATION SECURITY OFFICER
A graduate of the US Air Force Academy, Suarez served his entire 27-year Air Force career in the fields of cybersecurity and information technology. After his military retirement he worked in business development in the Washington, DC area for Netwitness, RSA Security and Avaya then as security engineering director for Walmart prior to becoming their CISO for Walmart International. He joined Casey’s, the country’s 3rd largest convenience store chain, in March 2021 as their very first CISO.
ANN ANAYA
CENCORA
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT & CHIEF DIVERSITY, EQUITY, & INCLUSION OFFICER
Ann Anaya advances Cencora’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion through strategic leadership that fosters belonging and equitable opportunity. With a legal and corporate background, she integrates DEI principles into business operations and culture, driving sustainable impact across global teams. Ann is recognized for her passion for leadership development, inclusive growth, and community engagement within and beyond the workplace.
CHRISTIAN RUIZ
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS
EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT, SALES
GERARDO FAMILIAR
CHEMOURS
PRESIDENT & ADVANCED PERFORMANCE MATERIALS
Christian Ruiz is the Executive Vice President of Sales at Spectrum and oversees residential sales across the company’s 41-state footprint. He drives strategic direction and execution across Spectrum’s sales channels, including eCommerce, Affiliate Partnerships, Spectrum Stores, Field Sales, Inbound Sales, Telemarketing and Customer Solutions. He leads the successful sales strategy of Spectrum’s industry-leading converged connectivity package, including Spectrum Mobile and Xumo. Christian has been recognized on the Cablefax Diversity List for five consecutive years.
CARLOS LONDONO
CHIPOTLE MEXICAN GRILL VICE PRESIDENT & SUPPLY CHAIN
Londono is responsible for all aspects of supply chain including direct and indirect procurement, logistics, planning and continuous improvement. Prior to Chipotle, Mr. Londono was the global Vice President of Supply Chain for Owens-Illinois Inc. (O-I), a $6 Billion global manufacturing company that specializes in glass container products for industries such as food, beverages, and pharmaceuticals.
ALEXANDRA LOPEZ
CISCO SYSTEMS
CHIEF PROCUREMENT OFFICER AND SVP
Lopez leads Cisco’s enterprise contingent workforce strategy and the continuous digital transformation evolution across the holistic, leading the organization responsible for the end-to-end buying ecosystem. Prior to Cisco, Alexandra held executive leadership roles at Fortune 500 companies, including Kaiser Permanente and Hewlett Packard.
MARIA MARTINEZ
CISCO SYSTEMS
EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT & CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
Martínez is responsible for the company’s operations and transformation, as well as building high-value experiences for its customers, partners, and employees. Martinez oversees Cisco’s Strategy Execution, Customer Success, Renewals, Customer & Partner Experience, Security & Trust, Supply Chain, IT, Services, and Transformation functions. Maria has more than 35 years of leadership experience from a variety of technology sectors including software, services, hardware and networking technology.
CELSO GONCALVES
CLEVELAND CLIFFS
EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT & CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
Goncalves leads the financial organization for Cleveland-Cliffs Inc., with executive responsibility for Finance, Accounting, Tax, Treasury, Investor Relations, and Business Development. Prior to his present role, Goncalves was Senior Vice President of Finance & Treasurer, managing the company’s cash, liquidity, and capital structure.
Familiar brings more than 20 years of experience across sales, marketing, strategy, product management, and finance. His varied experiences across the company helped shape his leadership style and provides a unique perspective. He is also passionate about producing critical chemistries that are innovative, responsibly manufactured, and play an essential role in a more sustainable economy.
CARLOS LINARES
CHURCH & DWIGHT
EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT & CHIEF TECHNOLOGY OFFICER & GLOBAL NEW PRODUCT INNOVATION
Linares has been Executive Vice President, Chief Technology Officer & Global New Product Innovation since April 2022 and the Executive Vice President, Global Research & Development since June 2017. He currently serves on the board of trustees for TRI Princeton (Vice Chair) and the board of directors for The American Cleaning Institute.
JOSE MARTINEZ
CISCO SYSTEMS
SVP, CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE AND OPERATIONS FINANCE
Martínez is responsible for the company’s operations and transformation, as well as building high-value experiences for its customers, partners, and employees. Martinez oversees Cisco’s Strategy Execution, Customer Success, Renewals, Customer & Partner Experience, Security & Trust, Supply Chain, IT, Services, and Transformation functions. Maria has more than 35 years of leadership experience from a variety of technology sectors including software, services, hardware and networking technology.
GONZALO LUCHETTI
CITIGROUP INC. HEAD OF U.S. PERSONAL BANKING
Luchetti leads U.S. Personal Banking at Citi, focusing on a seamless client experience and digital innovation for over 70 million customers. With previous roles including Head of Consumer Bank for Asia and EMEA, he drives growth through strategic transformations and digital advancements. Gonzalo holds an MBA from Stanford University Graduate School of Business and brings a wealth of experience from Citi, JPMorgan Chase, and Bain & Company.
HECTOR LIMA
CLOUD SOFTWARE GROUP CO-PRESIDENT, CCO
Hector Lima is a seasoned technology and customer-experience executive with decades of leadership across cloud-software environments. He has spearheaded initiatives to unify virtual desktop infrastructure, SaaS, web-apps and enterprise services under integrated platforms — helping companies transition to scalable cloud operations. Known for global sales and channel management, Hector has led customer-obsessed transformations blending technical innovation and strategic partnership development.
TONY GOMES
CLOUD SOFTWARE GROUP
CHIEF LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER
Gomes is a senior executive at Cloud Software Group, where he leads a global team overseeing legal, compliance, security, digital risk, human resources, and corporate marketing. He also chairs the security governance committee, focusing on cyber risk management. Cloud Software Group was formed in 2022 through the merger of Citrix and TIBCO, creating a software portfolio serving over 400,000 customers and 100 million users worldwide.
JUAN OTERO
COMCAST CORPORATION
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT & DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION
Otero leads DE&I initiatives across Comcast NBCUniversal, focusing specifically on governance, public policy, and strategic employee engagement. He also supports integration of DE&I into Comcast NBCUniversal’s community impact initiatives. Previously, Juan served as Vice President for Comcast NBCUniversal’s Federal Government Affairs team.
ABDON
HERNANDEZ
CONSTELLATION BRANDS
VICE PRESIDENT & DEPUTY GENERAL COUNSEL
Abdón Hernandez brings strong background in corporate and M&A law, with prior experience as partner in a corporate-law firm and as International Legal Director at a major brewing company. Since 2013 he has overseen legal and development operations for the company’s Mexico business, contributing to significant acquisition and compliance work. His deep regional legal expertise supports complex corporate structures and cross-border operations.
JOSEPH SUAREZ
CONSTELLATION BRANDS
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, FINANCE - WINE & SPIRITS
A finance and investor-relations professional with a track record of shaping corporate narratives for public companies, Joe has overseen investor communications, earnings strategy and capital-markets engagement across North America. He blends commercial finance experience with governance and stakeholder outreach. His background includes leadership of investor-relations programs and cross-functional work with corporate communications and finance teams.
RENE RAMOS
CONSTELLATION BRANDS
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT - BRAND ACTIVATION
Rene Ramos has built a robust career in brand and experiential marketing, with 20+ years in beverage marketing and sponsorship activation. He has led major lifestyle and sports-related campaigns to engage consumers across diverse markets, shaping brand activation strategies for top national beverage brands. Rene is recognized for his skill in combining sponsorships, cultural insights and retail activations to drive consumer connection and market growth.
KAREN J. DETORO
CNO
DeToro oversees sales and operations for CNO Financial Group's worksite business. Previously, she was CNO's Chief Actuary, leading actuarial, product development, and risk management. She also held leadership roles at New York Life and was a principal at Deloitte Consulting. DeToro holds a bachelor's degree from Butler University and an MBA from Northwestern's Kellogg School of Management. She is a Fellow of the Society of Actuaries and an advocate for diversity as an executive sponsor of CNO's PRISM LGBTQ+ group.
LUIS CANEPARI
COMPASS DATACENTERS
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
Luis Canepari leads operations at Compass Datacenters, ensuring the efficient delivery and performance of large-scale data infrastructure. With deep experience in engineering and operations, he focuses on innovation, reliability, and sustainability across global projects. Luis’s leadership drives Compass’s mission to meet the growing demand for digital infrastructure with excellence, safety, and technological advancement.
EDGAR GUILLAUMIN
CONSTELLATION BRANDS
VICE PRESIDENT OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS
Guillaumin holds a BA in Law, a Master’s in Corporate Law, a PhD in Strategic Planning from Anahuac University, and a postgraduate degree in Business Administration from the University of Calgary. With 20+ years of experience in public affairs and corporate communication, he has held roles at DHL, Kansas City Southern, and currently serves as VP of Public Affairs in Washington, D.C. He has driven foreign investment projects, chaired the Logistics Committee at AmCham, and serves on multiple advisory boards.
NINA MAYAGOITIA GARCIA
CONSTELLATION BRANDS VICE PRESIDENT COMMUNICATIONS & SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
Mayagoitia, with over 35 years of experience in marketing, CSR, and crisis management at companies like GM Mexico and Heineken, holds advanced degrees in public policy, business, and communication. Recognized by Forbes as one of Mexico's 100 most powerful women in 2020, she is passionate about sustainability and education.
CLAUDINE ADAMO
COSTCO WHOLESALE
EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT & COO - MERCHANDISING
Adamo took over the current position earlier 2022, responsible for merchandising. Prior to this position she served as Senior Vice President of Nonfoods Merchandising. She has over 30 years experience at the company, where she began in 1992.
ALEJANDRO
ALCALA
CRANE EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT & CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
Alcala joined Crane in 2013 as President of Crane Pumps & Systems. In February 2023, Alex was promoted to Executive Vice President, Crane and assumed segment leadership responsibility for all of Crane’s businesses including Aerospace and Electronics, Engineered Materials, Process Flow Technologies and the Regional President’s.
MARIO RIVERA
Rivera brings more than two decades of experience to CVS Health, with extensive leadership roles driving business transformation globally including in the U.S., Latin America, Asia and Europe. Most recently he led the Engineering & Activation organization for Global Supply Chain and Logistics at Target Corp.
JOSE CARLOS GUTIERREZ RAMOS
DANAHER
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT & CHIEF SCIENCE OFFICER
Gutierrez is responsible for setting Danaher’s science and technology strategy, supporting M&A and open innovation, and counseling Danaher’s operating companies on innovation opportunities. He leads the Danaher Innovation Centers and the Danaher Scientific Advisory Board. JC has diverse leadership experience across multiple biotech start-ups and pharmaceutical companies. Prior to Danaher, JC served as Global Head of Drug Discovery at AbbVie.
TOM GARCIA
DECKERS OUTDOOR
CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER
Garcia joined Deckers Brands in 2009. Tom served as Vice President, Associate General Counsel and Assistant Secretary and Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Compliance Officer for Deckers Brands. Garcia is currently Chief Administrative Officer at Deckers Brands.
RAY SILVA
DICK'S SPORTING GOODS
EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT & STORES
Silva is responsible for elevating the experiences at the retail stores for Dick's Sporting Goods. Throughout his time at Best Buy, Sliva held various roles in operations and human resources. Most recently, Sliva served as Best Buy's Chief People Officer. Before he served as Best Buy's president of retail, responsible for U.S. sales across all customer touchpoints.
ALEJANDRO PÉREZ‑REYES ZARAK
CREDICORP
LTD CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
A finance and strategy veteran whose career spans banking, asset management and corporate planning, Alejandro brings deep experience in capital markets and operational finance. He has held senior roles across Credicorp’s businesses, including leadership in asset management and corporate planning, and has led initiatives to modernize treasury, risk and financial planning processes. Alejandro holds strong regional knowledge of Andean and Pacific-Latin American markets
SANDRA LEAL
PRESIDENT & PHARMACY PROFESSIONAL RELATIONS
Sandra Leal is a pharmacist and public-health advocate with over two decades of experience. She has worked as a clinical pharmacist, medical director at community-health centers, and led pharmacy-practice innovation and advocacy at a major U.S. health-care company. As former President of the national pharmacists’ association, she has championed expanded access to care and public-health initiatives. She holds a PharmD and an MPH, and has led efforts to integrate pharmacy, public health and health equity.
Milanes served as Senior Vice President, Purchasing, for Darden where he was responsible for Proteins, Beverages, and Food Commodities/Ingredients. He started Indirect Sourcing (non-food areas) in 2014, driving programs in categories such as Advertising, IT, and Restaurant Services. Prior to Darden, Doug served as Vice President, Global Procurement and Operations for New York-based Pfizer.
JENNIFER SAAVEDRA
DELL TECHNOLOGIES
CHIEF HUMAN RESOURCES OFFICER
Saavedra leads the company’s Global Human Resources and Facilities function and accelerates the performance and growth of the company through culture and people. Jenn joined Dell Technologies in 2005 and has held HR leadership roles in many disciplines. Jenn has a Doctoral degree in Industrial and Organizational Behavior from Tulane University.
FRANK GARRIDO
DOMINO'S PIZZA
EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT & CHIEF RESTAURANT OFFICER
Garrido has served as Domino's executive vice president – chief restaurant officer since March 2023. In this role, heoversees franchise and company-owned operations in the U.S., domestic development, as well as the team responsible for global operations support. Garrido previously served as executive vice president – U.S. operations and support – a role he held since March 2021.
KELLY GARCIA
DOMINO'S PIZZA EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT & CHIEF TECHNOLOGY OFFICER
Garcia has served as Domino’s executive vice president – chief technology officer since October 2020. He is responsible for providing technology vision and leadership, as well as developing and implementing strategic information technology initiatives that support and improve Domino’s business worldwide. Prior to his current role, Garcia served as senior vice president, chief technology officer – eCommerce and tech innovation.
BARBARA PANDOS DUPONT CHIEF COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER
Pandos has a successful career of 19 years at DuPont, having held different positions with increasing responsibilities. Barbara graduated from Cornell University in 1986 and is currently based in Wilmington, United States.
EDDIE GARCIA
EBAY
CHIEF PRODUCT OFFICER
Garcia is eBay’s Chief Product Officer, leading product, UX, and technology teams to create impactful customer experiences. With 20+ years of product leadership, he rejoined eBay in 2022 after roles at Meta, Travelzoo, and Sam’s Club. At Meta, he led Facebook Commerce, and at Sam’s Club, he drove AI-powered innovation and e-commerce growth. Eddie holds a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering and an MBA from Stanford. Based in San Jose, he enjoys the outdoors, pop culture, and cheering for the Lakers..
HAZZEN MUNOZ
ECOLAB
VICE PRESIDENT HUMAN RESOURCES & TRAINING - GLOBAL PEST
ELIMINATION
Munoz is a bilingual Human Resources leader with strong business acumen, understanding of business drivers, and knowledge of strategies and tactics required to drive improved performance and sustainable change. He is responsible for setting strategy and leading actions to sustain strong business growth.
CHANO FERNANDEZ
EIGHTFOLD
CO-CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Fernandez is Co-Chief Executive Officer at Eightfold, based in London. He has previously served in leadership roles at Klaviyo, KKR, and Workday. Chano holds an MBA in Business Administration from IE (Instituto de Empresa) and a Bachelor's in Physics from Universidad de Salamanca. His expertise includes Leadership, IT Strategy, Solution Selling, Team Building, and E-Commerce. He also serves as a Non-Executive Director at Klaviyo and has been a Senior Advisor at KKR.
JOANN CHAVEZ DTE ENERGY
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT & CHIEF LEGAL OFFICER
Chávez has responsibility for the management and strategic direction of DTE’s office of the general counsel and advises DTE’s board of directors and senior management on legal and related matters. Chávez also has responsibility for the oversight of ethics and compliance, corporate security, corporate emergency management, and tax. Prior to joining DTE in 2007, Chávez served as an international tax partner for KPMG LLP.
SAM GUZMAN
EAGLE MATERIALS SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT - CONTROLLER AND FINANCIAL REPORTING
Guzman directs financial reporting, accounting, and corporate controls at Eagle Materials, ensuring transparency and fiscal discipline across operations. With deep expertise in financial management and regulatory compliance, he supports the company’s strong performance and shareholder value. Sam’s leadership reflects his commitment to accuracy, efficiency, and continuous improvement within a dynamic, growth-oriented industrial environment.
PEGGY MARIE ALFORD
EBAY, INC.
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
Peggy Marie Alford returns to eBay with decades of executive leadership across the finance and tech sectors, including senior roles at PayPal, where she was Executive Vice President of Global Sales and Merchant Services, and as Chief Financial Officer and Head of Operations at the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative. Peggy currently serves on the Board of Directors of Meta , where she chairs the Compensation, Nomination & Governance Committee, and previously served on the board of Macerich.
PATRICK CHAVEZ
EDWARD JONES
CHIEF PRIVACY OFFICER & ASSOCIATE GENERAL COUNSEL
Chavez leads the firm's privacy efforts to protect information and data of the firm's associates and clients and, among other things, develops policies and procedures related to preparing for and responding to privacy and cyber incidents or attacks. He also leads the firm's Records and Information Management activities and provides legal guidance and advice to the firm's business areas.
JOSÉ MANUEL CORREIA DE SIMAS
ELANCO ANIMAL HEALTH
EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT & U.S. FARM ANIMAL BUSINESS
Correia brings more than 20 years of leadership experience in commercial, marketing, R&D and regulatory roles.Prior to his current role, Jose served as president of Trouw Nutrition USA. Jose originally joined Elanco in 2000 as product manager for the company’s Rumensin product.
RAMIRO CABRAL
ELANCO ANIMAL HEALTH
EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT OF ELANCO INTERNATIONAL
EDGARDO HERNANDEZ
ELI LILLY
EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT & PRESIDENT, MANUFACTURING OPERATIONS
Cabral serves as executive vice president, president, Elanco International. In this role, he leads Elanco’s international commercial operations. He was most recently responsible for Elanco’s business in Europe, Middle East and Africa. Previously, he served as Area Director for Western Europe. Ramiro brings a lifetime of global experience across diverse portfolios of animal health to his position.
EDUARDO
"ED" JIMENEZ
ENTERGY LOUISIANA, LL VICE PRESIDENT & BUSINESS & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Jimenez is vice president of business and economic development for Entergy Louisiana, LLC. He is responsible for developing revenue growth initiatives and goals and establishing commercial programs and policies that support the annual sales plan including economic development, major industrial accounts, and competitive large residential and commercial developments.
TONY DURAN
EQT CORPORATION
CHIEF INFORMATION OFFICER
Duran was named Chief Information Officer in July 2019. Prior to joining EQT, Tony ran PH6 Labs, a technology incubator he founded in 2018. Prior to that, he served as the Chief Information Officer at Rice Energy from January 2016 until November 2017.
VERONICA HEINO
ETSY INC
HEAD OF SELLER COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT & EDUCATION, DIRECTOR
Heino leads Etsy’s global seller community engagement and education, empowering millions of entrepreneurs to grow successful creative businesses. Her leadership focuses on building inclusive communities, digital learning, and long-term seller success. With a background in marketing and community development, Veronica champions programs that connect creativity with opportunity and strengthen Etsy’s mission to keep commerce human.
JOHN MOREIRA
EVERSOURCE
EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT & CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICE AND TREASURER
Moreira has worked at Eversource and its predecessor companies for 22 years. He was promoted to the role of Senior Vice President - Finance and Regulatory and Treasurer in 2018. As Chief Financial Officer, he oversees Eversource Energy’s finance, accounting, investor relations, budgeting, insurance, risk management, supply chain, regulatory, real estate and facilities functions.
Hernandez has served as Executive Vice President of Eli Lilly and Company and President of Manufacturing Operations. Previously, Ed served as Senior Vice President of Global Parenteral Drug Product, Delivery Devices, and Regional Manufacturing from 2018 until 2021, where he was responsible for global parenteral manufacturing, emerging markets manufacturing, drug-product contract manufacturing, packaging and distribution operations.
DOMINIC J. ANDREANO
ENVISION HEALTHCARE
GENERAL COUNSEL
Andreano joined the Company in September 2001 and was appointed Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary in May 2012. Prior to his appointment, Andreano previously served as Deputy General Counsel for the Company from January 2009 until May 2012, as Associate General Counsel for the Company from January 2004 until December 2008, and prior thereto as Director, Business Development.
JOSE RAMON GONZALEZ
EQUITABLE HOLDINGS
CHIEF LEGAL OFFICER & CORPORATE SECRETARY
González leads the Law Department with responsibility for all legal, compliance, regulatory and governmental affairs. Previously, González was Executive Vice President & General Counsel for CNA Insurance, serving as principal counsel to the Chief Executive Officer, senior management team and board of directors. Prior to joining CNA, González was Chief Legal Officer and Corporate Secretary at QBE North America.
ELSA FERREIRA
EVERCORE
SENIOR MANAGING DIRECTOR & CHIEF INFORMATION SECURITY OFFICER
Ferreira leads the Firm’s information security strategy and is responsible for establishing and maintaining the Enterprise Information Security program and ensuring the availability and protection of Evercore’s information assets. Prior to being appointed CISO, Ferreira was a director in the internal audit and risk management department. Prior to joining Evercore, Ms. Ferreira was a manager at EisnerAmper.
DAVID DIAZ
EXELON SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT & AUDIT SERVICES
Diaz is senior vice president of audit services, a member of the Exelon Executive Committee and reports into the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors. He is responsible for managing the execution of Exelon’s audit and controls strategies and activities. Prior to his current role, Diaz served as vice president of finance for Constellation.
DAVID M. VELAZQUEZ
EXELON
EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT & UTILITIES OPERATIONS & TECHNOLOGY
LUIZ VASCONCELOS
FEDEX
PRESIDENT OF FEDEX LATIN AMERICA & CARIBBEAN (LAC) DIVISION
Velazquez is responsible for overseeing and improving utility operations to ensure all Exelon’s utilities – Atlantic City Electric, BGE, ComEd, Delmarva Power, PECO and Pepco – are developing and implementing efficient operations and cost-effective systems to meet the current and future needs of Exelon and its customers. Prior to this role, Velazquez was president and CEO of Pepco Holdings, Inc. (PHI) the parent company of Pepco.
MARTÍN FELIPE ARIAS YAÑIZ
FEMSA
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
With more than two decades inside FEMSA and affiliated businesses, Martín has led corporate development, strategic planning and treasury work across the group and Coca-Cola FEMSA. His cross-functional background includes mergers & acquisitions, corporate finance and planning, giving him a deep understanding of retail and beverage operations in Latin America. Martín combines transactional experience with long-term strategic planning and capital allocation expertise.
RAMON R. MACHADO
FIRST AMERICAN FINANCIAL
VICE PRESIDENT & CHIEF RISK OFFICER
Machado is the Chief Risk Officer at First American Financial (NYSE: FAF). In this role, he is part of First American's senior management team and is responsible for directing the company's enterprise risk management, compliance and insurance activities worldwide.
JUAN CARRERA
FLOWSERVE CORPORATION
VICE PRESIDENT, OPERATIONAL EXCELLENCE
Juan Carrera is Vice President of Operational Excellence at Flowserve, a role he assumed in February 2023. Previously, he was Senior Vice President of Global Operational Excellence at Dover, creating their operational excellence system and leading two segments. At Colfax, he oversaw 40 manufacturing sites globally as SVP of Operations. He also held senior leadership roles at Honeywell, ITT (now Xylem), and American Standard. Mr. Carrera has extensive experience leading multi-billion-dollar global operations.
ROBERT DELEON
FRANKLIN TEMPLETON
VICE PRESIDENT & HEAD OF FINANCE EFFECTIVENESS
Robert is a seasoned finance professional with proven leadership skills, operational finance experience and hands-on management. Over 20 years of continual career growth with a global asset management firm and three years of audit experience in a public accounting firm.
As President of FedEx Latin America and Caribbean (LAC) Division, Vasconcelos maintains overall responsibility for the region, which includes approximately 24,000 employees in more than 50 countries and territories. n 2018, Luiz was promoted to Vice President of Operations for FedEx Express in Brazil. Prior to joining, he worked at Rapidão Cometa.
Perez has extensive experience in compliance, legal, and leadership roles, including serving on the board of Florida Coastal School of Law and holding past positions with the State of Florida and The Community Foundation for Northeast Florida. He holds degrees from the University of Florida, George Washington University, and Jacksonville University.
ANTONIO FERNANDEZ
FIRSTENERGY
VICE PRESIDENT & CHIEF ETHICS AND COMPLIANCE OFFICER
Fernández leads a dedicated team of compliance professionals with a focus on strengthening the company's ethics and compliance function. He reports to the senior vice president and chief legal officer as well as the Audit Committee of the Board. Fernández joined FirstEnergy in April 2021 after five years as chief compliance, NERC & privacy officer of Public Service Enterprise Group (PSEG).
VALENCIA AMENSON
FLUOR CORPORATION
GLOBAL EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR & TALENT ACQUISITION AND MOBILITY
Amenson is a human resources leader with 20+ years of progressive human resources experience across industries to include Healthcare, Oil & Gas, Maritime, and Utility. Reputation as a strategic, proactive, creative, and results-oriented business leader.
EFFIE D. SILVA
FRESH DEL MONTE
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, GENERAL COUNSEL, CORPORATE SECRETARY AND CHIEF ETHICS AND COMPLIANCE OFFICER
A seasoned corporate lawyer and governance leader with broad experience in compliance, regulatory affairs and ethics programs. Effie has advised boards and senior teams on litigation, transactions and risk mitigation, and has led global ethics and compliance functions at multinational food and agribusiness firms. She is noted for building resilient legal frameworks that support growth while strengthening corporate governance and stakeholder trust.
JAIME MONTEMAYOR
GENERAL MILLS
CHIEF DIGITAL & TECHNOLOGY OFFICER
JANO CABRERA
GENERAL MILLS
CHIEF
COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER
Montemayor leads General Mills digital transformation and strategy efforts, uniting IT, Digital, Data and Analytics and Cybersecurity teams with business partners to drive differentiated business outcomes, advance tech-enabled innovation, and improve speed to market. A native of Monterrey, Mexico, Montemayor joined General Mills with over 20 years of global experience in the technology space, having held leadership positions at Oracle, Booz-Allen Hamilton and PepsiCo.
MARCO ANTONIO PÉREZ
GENERAL MOTORS
CHIEF MARKETING OFFICER
A marketer with over 20 years of experience across retail, finance and events industries, Marco blends customer experience, digital strategy and data-driven brand building. He has led campaigns and commercial strategies for major regional brands, developing integrated marketing approaches that combine CRM, predictive modelling and creative communications. Marco is recognized for building cross-disciplinary teams and translating consumer insights into measurable commercial growth.
PAMELA I. RAMIREZ
GLOBE LIFE
CORPORATE SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT & ENTERPRISE TRANSFORMATION
Ramirez is focused in the areas in strategic planning, portfolio management, delivery management, R&D, business development, advanced analytics, innovation, market research, consumer insights, and competitive intelligence. She first joined Globe Life in 2018 when she served as Division Vice President - Enterprise Transformation.
MIGUEL S. BENET, M.D.
HCA HEALTHCARE PRESIDENT HOSPITAL BASED SERVICES
Benet oversees hospital-based services at HCA Healthcare, ensuring excellence in clinical operations and patient outcomes. Combining his medical expertise with strategic leadership, he drives initiatives that enhance efficiency, safety, and physician engagement. Dr. Benet is dedicated to improving hospital performance and advancing patient-centered care across HCA’s extensive healthcare network in the United States.
LAURA FUENTES
HILTON
EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT & CHIEF HUMAN RESOURCES OFFICER
Fuentes was appointed as Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer in 2020. She joined Hilton in 2013, and has led teams across Human Resources functions including Recruiting, Diversity & Inclusion, Learning & Leadership Development, Total Rewards, People Analytics & Strategy and HR Consulting. Prior to joining Hilton, Laura spent 6 years at Capital One Financial in various roles.
Cabrera is the Chief Communications Officer for General Mills where he oversees the entirety of communications for the company. Previously, he served as Senior Vice President of Corporate Relations for the McDonald's Corporation. In 2005, Jano lived in Baghdad, Iraq and through the National Democratic Institute worked daily with members of the Transition National Assembly on the Iraqi constitution and the historic elections in December.
JOE NEGRON
GEO GROUP SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT & GENERAL COUNSEL, CORPORATE SECRETARY
Negron joined GEO in December 2018 and became GEO’s General Counsel and Corporate Secretary effective January 1, 2019. Prior to joining GEO, Negron has had 30 years of experience in business law and complex corporate and commercial litigation. Negron has worked for several prestigious Florida law firms throughout his career, most recently in the litigation practice at Akerman LLP.
JORGE QUEZADA
GRANITE CONSTRUCTION
CHIEF DIVERSITY OFFICER
Jorge has over 25 years of experience in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) roles, previously leading initiatives at Northwestern Mutual, Kraft Foods, and Allstate Insurance. He is active in DEI committees for industry organizations and co-hosts the "Construction DEI Talks" podcast, focusing on DEI in the construction industry.
LISA A. ALONSO
HEALTHPEAK PROPERTIES
EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT & CHIEF HUMAN RESOURCES OFFICER
Alonso is the Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer. From February 2018 to December 2019, Alonso served as Senior Vice President – Human Resources. She previously served as Manager, Director and Vice President since joining Healthpeak in November 2014. Prior to that, Alonso served as Director of Human Resources/HR Business Partner at The Irvine Company’s Resort.
CARLOS HERNANDEZ
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS
SVP & CHIEF ACCOUNTING OFFICER
Hernandez manages administrative operations at Asurion, ensuring strategic alignment across human resources, real estate, and shared services. With a career spanning finance, operations, and corporate management, he brings a holistic approach to organizational efficiency and employee engagement. Carlos is recognized for building strong teams and optimizing business processes that support Asurion’s culture of innovation and customer service excellence.
MONICA AGUIRRE BERTHELOT
HOLOGIC VP & CHIEF OF STAFF
Aguirre is Vice President and Chief of Staff at Hologic, Inc., based in San Diego, California. She has been with Hologic for over 19 years, previously serving as Chief of Staff in the Office of the Chairman and CEO. Before Hologic, she was Assistant to the Chairman, President, and CEO at Gen-Probe Inc., now part of Hologic. Aguirre is bilingual in English and Spanish.
JORGE CORNEJO
HOWMET AEROSPACE CHIEF INFORMATION OFFICER
Cornejo is VP, Chief Information Officer at Howmet Aerospace since October 2021. Jorge is an IT leader with more than 30 years of experience managing global teams and implementing leading edge technology for Fortune 100 companies in the automotive, aerospace, and defence industries.
CARMEN SAN SEGUNDO
IBM
GLOBAL MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR FOR ESG AND CSR
San Segundo with over 15 years of experience in branding across various industries, including technology, pharmaceuticals, government, and FMCG. Passionate about crafting effective branding strategies, I have worked in both agency and corporate environments. Currently serving as Global Communications and Marketing Director at IBM, I lead strategies that enhance brand reputation, manage media relations, and focus on sustainability, ESG, and corporate social responsibility.
JAIME ROBLES
INGERSOLL RAND
CHIEF PROCUREMENT OFFICER
A procurement and supply-chain leader with more than two decades of global experience, Jaime has built and transformed sourcing functions across retail, industrial and technology sectors. He’s known for driving digital procurement transformations, implementing strategic sourcing and category management programs, and leading multi-billion-dollar spend portfolios. Jaime has worked with multinational teams across the Americas and Europe, delivering measurable cost, risk and supplier-innovation outcomes.
FLAVIA PEASE
INSULET CORPORATION
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
Flavia Pease brings decades of global med-tech finance leadership. Previously she served as CFO of Charles River Laboratories and spent over 20 years at Johnson & Johnson, with responsibility for a $27 billion medical-devices portfolio. She has deep experience scaling complex healthcare organizations internationally, leading financial operations, strategic planning and value creation. Her background combines global finance acumen with industry-specific expertise in health and medical devices.
JOSE BARRA HOME DEPOT
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT & MERCHANDISING, DÉCOR
Barra oversees the company’s strategy to provide customers with innovative and exclusive products across flooring, paint, kitchen, bath, appliances, décor, storage and organization. Jose joined The Home Depot in 2017 and previously served as senior vice president of Merchandising Services. Jose brings more than 25 years of industry experience to the company.
CLAUDIA MÁRQUEZ
HYUNDAI MOTOR
AMERICA CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
Claudia Márquez is Chief Operating Officer of Hyundai Motor America, leading U.S. operations and growth strategies. She previously served as COO of Genesis Motor North America, where she drove record sales and expanded the brand’s retail network. With nearly three decades of experience in the automotive industry, she has held senior roles at Hyundai, Nissan, Infiniti, BMW, and MINI. Márquez was recognized among the most influential figures in the auto industry by Motor Trend’s Power List.
MELISSA FLORES
IDEX CORPORATION
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT & CHIEF HUMAN RESOURCES OFFICER
In more than a decade with IDEX, Flores has made a significant impact elevating teams and talent across the company. Flores has held a variety of HR leadership roles across IDEX, including leading several enterprise-wide processes and initiatives. Prior to IDEX, she worked in talent acquisition as a Senior Recruiter, Team Leader and Client Relationship Manager.
LARRY FERNANDES
INGREDION
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT & CHIEF COMMERCIAL AND SUSTAINABILITY OFFICER
Fernandes is senior vice president, chief commercial and sustainability officer. Fernandes manages the Company’s customer-experience initiative globally working to deliver an exceptional customer experience and drive continued growth. In this role, Fernandes manages the company’s global key account program and corporate marketing function. He joined Ingredion in 1990 as a technical sales representative in Canada.
FABIO SOUZA
INTERNATIONAL
EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT & SERVICE SOLUTIONS
Fabio Souza oversees service solutions, driving customer support and aftermarket innovation across industrial markets. With global leadership experience in operations, sales, and service management, he focuses on optimizing performance and sustainability. Fabio’s leadership combines strategic insight with a customer-first approach, ensuring long-term value creation and operational excellence worldwide.
VIC VERMA
INTERNATIONAL FLAVORS & FRAGRANCES
EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT & CHIEF INFORMATION OFFICER
Verma is responsible for delivering on the Company’s global information technology strategy, the digital technology transformation program and overseeing infrastructure, data, application delivery and end user services across the enterprise. Before joining IFF, he served as Vice President of Global Infrastructure Operations at American Express where he was accountable for global infrastructure operations.
GERARDO SCHEUFLER ITG BRANDS EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT OPERATIONS
Scheufler oversees operations at ITG Brands, leading manufacturing, supply chain, and quality initiatives that ensure efficiency and operational excellence. With a strong background in industrial engineering and process optimization, he focuses on driving productivity and sustainability. Gerardo’s leadership is centered on continuous improvement, team development, and delivering high standards of performance across ITG’s operations.
EMILIO PARDO JACKSON CHIEF MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER
Pardo is a visionary brand strategist with a proven history of building businesses, developing outstanding strategic partnerships, and transforming brands. More than 25 years of marketing, communications, and business management experience working with multinational corporations, emerging companies, non-profits, and government.
DANIELLE GOMES
JOHNSON & JOHNSON
CHIEF INFORMATION OFFICER
Gomes is a dynamic and innovative executive with leadership skills and proven experience on building and managing highly responsive, business focused and growth oriented IT Organizations. Dabielle has over 20 years of Experience in multiple industries including Healthcare, Consumer Packaged Goods, e-Retailing and Finance.
RODRIGO LANCE
KELLANOVA
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT & GLOBAL SUPPLY CHAIN
Lance is the Senior Vice President, Global Supply Chain. He is a member of Kellogg Company’s executive committee leadership team. Prior to his current role, Lance was Senior Vice President, KNA Supply Chain. He previously served as Vice President, Supply Chain Europe and Vice President, Supply Chain Latin America.
DEAN ACOSTA IONQ SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT & CHIEF COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER
A communications and public-affairs executive with over three decades of experience, Dean has led media relations, corporate communications and government-relations programs in technology, aerospace and defence sectors. He has directed reputation management, executive communications and stakeholder engagement for large multinational organisations, and is known for building resilient communications strategies aligned with regulatory and policy objectives.
ROBERTO FERRI
JABIL SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT & CHIEF SALES & MARKETING OFFICER
Ferri oversees and drives global sales, strategy and marketing, developing and executing the company’s value proposition and business models. Ferri joined Jabil in 2001 as vice president, sales. With over 30 years of business management experience in both large contract manufacturing and highend flexible automation.
GUILLERMO GUERRA
JACKSON
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT & CHIEF TECHNOLOGY OFFICER & CHIEF INFORMATION SECURITY OFFICER
Guerra has extensive experience and a history of success in building, turning around and strengthening information security programs. He is a global and strategic leader, who partners with business leaders to enable their digital strategies, create efficiencies, mitigate risks, secure their environment via the optimization of security ROI.
SONIA GALINDO
KBR INC
EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT & GENERAL COUNSEL & CORPORATE SECRETARY
Galindo serves as Executive Vice President, General Counsel, and Corporate Secretary for KBR, Inc., a multinational delivering science, technology, and engineering solutions. She joined KBR from FLIR Systems, where she was Senior VP and General Counsel. Galindo has held senior roles at Rosetta Stone, the SEC, Blank Rome LLP, and others. She serves on advisory boards for the Millstein Center, Diversity Lab, and the Association of Corporate Counsel. She earned a J.D. from the University of Illinois and a B.A. from Hood College.
GONZALO URIBE
KIMBERLY-CLARK CHIEF TRANSFORMATION OFFICER
Uribe drives enterprise transformation at Kimberly-Clark, leading strategic initiatives that optimize operations, innovation, and growth. His extensive global experience in consumer goods and business transformation enables him to navigate complex markets with agility. Gonzalo focuses on aligning people, processes, and technology to deliver long-term value and strengthen Kimberly-Clark’s competitive position across international markets.
NELSON URDANETA
KIMBERLY-CLARK
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
As Chief Financial Officer for Kimberly-Clark, Urdaneta oversees Finance and Global Business Services, and is responsible for building a strong foundation of growth and long-term shareholder value to deliver the company’s purpose of Better Care for a Better World. Urdaneta joins Kimberly-Clark after nearly 17 years at Mondelēz International.
ANDRE MACIEL
KRAFT HEINZ
EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT & GLOBAL CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
Maciel is the Executive Vice President and Global Chief Financial Officer for The Kraft Heinz Company. He is responsible for the Company’s global accounting, treasury, tax, internal audit, budget and business planning, investor relations, mergers and acquisitions, information technology, global business services, and Global Center of Excellence functions.
GABRIEL ARREAGA
KROGER
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT & SUPPLY CHAIN
Arreaga joined Kroger in 2020 with deep supply chain leadership experience. Most recently, he served as senior vice president of supply chain for Mondelez International, Inc. He also served as global vice president of operations for Stanley Black and Decker and held numerous leadership roles at Unilever, including vice president of food and beverage operations.
RAMIRO ALFONSÍN
LATAM AIRLINES GROUP S.A. VICE PRESIDENT & CHIEF COMMERCIAL OFFICER
Ramiro Alfonsín has extensive experience in aviation finance and strategic leadership. Before transitioning to commercial operations in 2024, he served almost eight years leading LATAM’s financial restructuring, including navigating Chapter 11 and overseeing the group’s return to the NYSE. Earlier, he held CFO and senior finance roles in the energy sector across Spain, Italy and Latin America, and worked several years in European corporate & investment banking.
GABRIEL BRUNO
LINCOLN ELECTRIC
EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT & CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER AND TREASURER
PAULA S. VAZ RAMOS
KIMBERLY-CLARK
CHIEF
STRATEGY & TRANSFORMATION OFFICER
As Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer for Kimberly-Clark, Ramos has global responsibility for the company's enterprise strategy and the transformation initiatives designed to accelerate growth and value creation. Prior to joining Kimberly-Clark in 2021, Ramos was a partner at McKinsey & Company. Ramos led the firm's global consumer health practice and played pivotal roles in McKinsey's inclusion and diversity programs.
FLAVIO TORRES
KRAFT HEINZ
EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT & GLOBAL CHIEF SUPPLY CHAIN OFFICER
Torres has been Executive Vice President and Global Chief Supply Chain Officer since December 2021. Previously, he served as Head of Global Operations from January 2020 to December 2021. He is responsible for the Company's global operations organization, including all areas of manufacturing, logistics, and quality.
RICK CORO
LANDSTAR SYSTEM, INC.
VICE PRESIDENT & CHIEF INFORMATION OFFICER
Coro is responsible for all of Landstar’s technology solutions that drive innovation throughout the company’s network of independent agents, business capacity owners (BCOs) and employees. He oversees all aspects of Landstar’s IT department, including all technology applications, systems and network infrastructure, IT architecture, and information security.
MARCELO CARDOSO
LAUREATE EDUCATION
EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT & CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
Cardoso oversees operations in Mexico and Peru, as well as the leadership of Laureate’s Academic Quality organization. Prior to his current role, Marcelo held several senior positions within Laureate, including Chief Transformation Officer, Regional Vice President of Operations for Brazil, and Chief Executive Officer of Laureate Brazil.
PABLO MERCADO
LITHIUM AMERICAS CORP
EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT & CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
Bruno joined Lincoln Electric in 1995 and has held numerous positions of increasing responsibility in Finance and Information Technology, before serving as Chief Information Officer in 2012. He was named Chief Human Resources Officer from 2016 to 2018 and most recently served as Executive Vice President, Finance before being promoted to Chief Financial Officer in April, 2020.
Mercado serves as Executive Vice president and Chief Financial Officer of Lithium Americas Corp. Pablo has over 23 years of experience in finance and corporate development in the energy industry. Prior to joining Lithium Americas, he served as Chief Financial Officer of EnLink Midstream, LLC, and prior to that, as Chief Financial Officer of Forum Energy Technologies, Inc.
ALEXANDER PADILLA
LULULEMON
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT & CHIEF INFORMATION SECURITY OFFICER
Padilla has extensive experience as an Information security executive across industries in the US, Europe, South America, and Caribbean. He is a thought leader and frequent speaker on IT security best practices at industry conferences and events.
CARMEN FERNANDEZ
MARSH
&
MCLENNAN
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT & CHIEF PEOPLE OFFICER
Fernandez is responsible for our people strategy and capabilities, to support our colleagues’ growth and our businesses’ priorities. Prior to her current role, Ms. Fernandez held positions within Marsh McLennan for 15 years, most recently Deputy CHRO, CHRO of Guy Carpenter, and HR leadership roles at Mercer.
ROBERTO ISAIAS
MATTEL
EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT & CHIEF SUPPLY CHAIN OFFICER
Isaias oversees all aspects of Mattel’s Supply Chain including Engineering, Logistics and Planning, Manufacturing, Procurement, and Safety and Quality. Under Roberto’s leadership, Mattel has made transformative improvements across the Company’s supply chain, reducing costs and time-to-market while also improving service to retailers. . Earlier in his career, Roberto spent 12 years at Procter & Gamble in various commercial and supply chain leadership roles.
TABATA L. GOMEZ
MCCORMICK & COMPANY
CHIEF MARKETING OFFICER
Gomez leads the Global Marketing organization and partners with Regional Commercial organizations and Global Functions to drive growth, build brand and flavor differentiation worldwide, help deliver against Innovation objectives, and accelerate global digital marketing capabilities. Ms. Gomez is a member of McCormick’s Global Operating Committee.
JESSE CORTEZ
MCKESSON
CHIEF INCLUSION & BELONGING OFFICER
Cortez has been dedicated to talent and diversity, fostering an inclusive environment for people and companies to succeed. Prior Cortez was the Global Inclusion leader for HP Enterprise. He has extensive corporate experience in leadership talent acquisition, large scale diversity initiatives and working with non-profit organizations for over 17 years.
AGUSTÍN IZQUIERDO
LYONDELLBASELL INDUSTRIES
EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT AND CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
A finance and strategy leader with experience in chemicals, industrials and investment banking, Agustín has overseen global finance, treasury and investor-relations functions and driven financial planning at large multinational firms. His background includes senior roles in corporate finance and strategy at BASF and earlier work in investment banking, combined with advanced business training from a leading MBA program. He focuses on disciplined capital allocation and financial risk management.
ALBERTO DE CARDENAS
MASTEC
EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT & GENERAL COUNSEL, CORPORATE
De Cardenas has been our Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary responsible for all of MasTec's corporate and operational legal matters and corporate secretary matters since November 2005. From March 2003 to November 2005, de Cardenas was Senior Vice President and General Counsel.
EILEEN
CASSIDY RIVERA
MAXIMUS
VICE PRESIDENT & COMMUNICATIONS & PUBLIC RELATIONS
Rivera creates and builds relationships with external stakeholders to shape the company’s awareness and reputation as a leading provider of government services to federal, state, and global governments. Before joining Maximus, Rivera was Director of Government Services at Cerner, now Oracle Cerner, a global Fortune 500 healthcare technology company.
SANDY RODRIGUEZ
MCDONALD'S VICE PRESIDENT OF U.S. COMMUNICATIONS
Rodriguez is responsible for working with leaders across the organization to drive McDonald’s USA’s reputation and brand trust strategy. She serves as central point of contact for local and national community programs as the Brand continues to deepen its connections locally. Prior to joining McDonald’s, Sandy served as Vice President of Communications at Roche Diagnostics Corporation, leading the company’s integrated communications team.
JAVIERFELICIANO25
MERITAGE HOMES
EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT & CHIEF PEOPLE OFFICER
Feliciano is a senior Human Resources executive with over 20 years of experience at leading global organizations. He is currently EVP and Chief People Officer at Meritage Homes, where he oversees HR and internal communications for the fifth-largest public homebuilder in the U.S. Javier has previously held leadership roles at PepsiCo, Ford Motor Company, Apollo Education Group, and Valeo. He holds a Master's in HR and Labor Relations from Michigan State University and is actively involved in community service and mentorship.
A global external-affairs and public-policy strategist with deep experience across Latin America, Europe and the United States. Karim has led regulatory, government-relations and corporate-communications efforts for large telecom and media groups, advising on public policy, ESG and stakeholder engagement in complex regulatory environments. He is also active in regional civic initiatives and industry forums that advance digital inclusion and cross-border investment.
MARIANO LOZANO
MONDELEZ INTERNATIONAL
EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT & PRESIDENT, LATIN AMERICA
Lozano is Executive Vice President & President Latin America for Mondelēz International, a global snacking leader evolving the role of snacking with 2021 net revenues of approximately $29 billion. In this role he is responsible for leading the company’s $3B across LA, including brands such as Oreo, Lacta, Club Social, Tang and Trident. He is also a member of Mondelēz International’s global management team.
JOSE BAYARDO
NATIONAL OILWELL VARCO PRESIDENT AND CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
Jose Bayardo leads global operations and business performance as President and COO of National Oilwell Varco. His career spans finance, strategy, and engineering within the energy sector, with a focus on innovation and efficiency. Jose is dedicated to advancing NOV’s operational excellence and technology-driven growth while reinforcing the company’s leadership in oilfield services and equipment.
PABLO PEREZ DE ROSSO
NETFLIX
HEAD OF STRATEGY, PLANNING & ANALYSIS
Perez De Rosso leads the Company's Strategy, Planning & Analysis group across Content, Studio, Marketing, Communications, Product, Partnerships and Gaming. This group is responsible for helping set the strategic direction of the business and making key business decisions through data analytics, financial analysis, research, and planning/forecasting.
DAVID CENTRELLA
ODP CORPORATION
EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT & ODP CORP & PRESIDENT ODP BUSINESS SOLUTIONS
GUSTAVO VALLE
MONDELEZ INTERNATIONAL
EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT & PRESIDENT, NORTH AMERICA
Valle is responsible for leading the company’s $9.7 billion business in the U.S. and Canada. Gustavo joined Mondelēz International in early 2020, bringing more than three decades of leadership experience and expertise across Latin America, North America and Europe.
MARIA A. MARTINEZ
MURPHY OIL
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, HUMAN RESOURCES, ADMINISTRATION AND COMMUNICATIONS
Martinez is responsible for all global human capital programs and activities for the organization. Prior to her current role, Maria led all of Murphy’s Human Resources programs for the Exploration and Production business. Martinez joined Murphy in 2010 as Manager, Human Resources with over 13 years of experience in human resources in the oil and gas industry.
FRANCISCO RAMOS
NETFLIX
VICE PRESIDENT OF LATIN AMERICAN CONTENT
Since joining Netflix in 2017, he has worked on titles including Elite and La casa de las flores, and most recently on Pedro Páramo, Cien años de soledad, El Eternauta and Las muertas. He started his career in Spain working for Grupo Zeta and Antena 3 Television, then co-founded Aurum Producciones. He left to become an independent producer before joining Netflix, now running Latin America from Mexico City.
EDUARDO RESTREPO
O-I GLASS SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, BUSINESS OPERATIONS AMERICAS
Eduardo Restrepo oversees business operations for the Americas at O-I Glass, driving performance, efficiency, and customer satisfaction across the region. With a background in manufacturing, supply chain, and commercial strategy, he fosters collaboration and operational excellence. Eduardo’s leadership emphasizes sustainability, innovation, and continuous improvement to strengthen O-I’s position as a global leader in glass packaging.
RITA RODRIGUEZ
OMNICOM GROUP
EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT
David Centrella leads ODP Business Solutions at The ODP Corporation, driving growth and innovation in workplace products and digital business services. With a strong background in sales, operations, and strategy, he focuses on delivering value to business customers through technology and service excellence. David’s leadership centers on transformation, collaboration, and positioning ODP as a trusted partner in the evolving business landscape.
Rodriguez is currently Executive Vice President at Omnicom Group where she leads the multi-agency integration and innovation for PepsiCo. With more than twenty-five years of marketing experience, Rita has a proven track record of transforming major brands and building businesses. Having worked on both sides of the business, agency and client, Rita has a unique mix of strategic expertis. Rita was previously CEO of Imagination.
IGNACIO A. CORTINA
OSHKOSH CORPORATION
EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT & CHIEF LEGAL OFFICER AND SECRETARY
Cortina is responsible for all legal, regulatory, government relations, ethics and compliance, environmental and sustainability matters for the company. He previously served as executive vice president, general counsel and secretary from 2015 to 2023. He has held various roles of increasing responsibility since joining Oshkosh Corporation in 2003. Prior to joining Oshkosh, he was in private practice in Washington, D.C.
JOSÉ MÉNDEZ-ANDINO
OWENS CORNING
EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT & CHIEF RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT OFFICER
Méndez-Andino, Ph.D., is Executive Vice President and Chief R&D Officer at Owens Corning, leading innovation across the company’s four major businesses. Appointed in 2021, he accelerates growth through product, process, and material science advancements. He joined Owens Corning in 2012, previously serving as VP of Science and Technology. Before, he spent 10 years at Procter & Gamble in various leadership roles. He holds a Ph.D. in synthetic organic chemistry and a master’s in applied anthropology.
PAOLA CORRADA
PAN-AMERICAN LIFE INSURANCE GROUP
VICE PRESIDENT & CHIEF COMPLIANCE OFFICER
Corrada is an experienced Chief Compliance Officer with a demonstrated history of working in the insurance industry in a multinational, multicultural environment. She is responsible for the compliance and ethics program on a group-wide basis and serves as the Chair of the Corporate Compliance Committee.
IVAN GUERRA
PAR PACIFIC HOLDINGS
VICE PRESIDENT & CHIEF ACCOUNTING OFFICER
Prior to joining Par Pacific, Guerra spent over 4 years at Ascend Performance Materials (Ascend), a global manufacturer based in Houston, serving as their Global Assistant Controller. Prior to joining Ascend, he was a Senior Manager in KPMG Houston’s Audit practice where his clients included public and private clients across various industries.
RICARDO “RICO” LORENZO
PARSONS CHIEF TECHNOLOGY OFFICER
Lorenzo is responsible for the development and implementation of the innovation and technology strategy across the enterprise. He accomplishes this through internal Research & Development (R&D) to all forms of external technology leveraging including commercial technology partnerships, contract R&D, and university partnerships
JONATHAN LEON
OWENS & MINOR
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT & CORPORATE TREASURER
Leon was named Senior Vice President, Corporate Treasurer of Owens & Minor in May 2018. Prior to that, he served as Vice President, Treasurer, after joining Owens & Minor in January of 2017. Before joining Owens & Minor, Jon worked for the Brinks Company for nine years, beginning in 2008, where he served as Treasurer. He has extensive experience in treasury management. Jon earned his degree at the University of Connecticut.
MARTA C. REEVES
PAN-AMERICAN LIFE INSURANCE GROUP VICE PRESIDENT & CORPORATE MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS
Marta Reeves leads Corporate Marketing and Communications at Pan-American Life Insurance Group (PALIG), driving the company’s brand strategy and narrative across the Americas. With deep expertise in corporate communications and multicultural markets, she champions trust, connection, and purpose-driven storytelling that inspires. Under her leadership, PALIG continues to strengthen its presence and reputation, reinforcing its enduring legacy of protection, service, and community within the insurance industry.
ROSALINA MIRANDA
PAN-AMERICAN LIFE INSURANCE GROUP
VICE PRESIDENT & REGIONAL HEALTH OPERATIONS
Miranda has an extensive career of over 13 years at Pan-American Life, where she has held different positions in Operations. Before joining the company, she wasVice President of Customer Service at BUPA Global Latin America.
SHAWN FLORES
PAR PACIFIC HOLDINGS
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT & CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
Flores has served as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer since January 2023. He joined Par Pacific in July 2014, serving in a variety of financial leadership roles. Most recently, Flores served as Vice President of Finance since July 2021 where he was accountable for Par Pacific’s treasury, risk management, financial planning & strategy, and mergers & acquisitions functions.
HUGO E. GONZALEZ
PATRICK INDUSTRIES
EVP & CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
Gonzalez has held various leadership roles within the company, including Senior Vice President of RV Operations, Group Vice President of Operations, and Business Unit Director. Since joining in 2006, he has demonstrated his expertise through progressive responsibilities, including Plant Manager for an RV business unit acquired by the company.
EFRAIN RIVERA
PAYCHEX
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT & CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
ISABEL CRUZ
PAYPAL HOLDINGS
EVP & CHIEF PEOPLE OFFICER
Rivera has been the senior VP and CFO of Paychex since joining the company in 2011. Rivera was formerly corporate VP and CFO at Bausch & Lomb, a global eye health company. Rivera holds a Doctor of Management degree from Weatherhead School of Management at Case Western Reserve University. Additionally, he earned his MBA from the William E. Simon Graduate School of Business at the University of Rochester, a Juris Doctor degree from NYU, and a Bachelor of Science degree from Houghton College.
BENJAMIN YRUN OSTAPUK
PEGASYSTEMS
CHIEF LEGAL OFFICER
A technology-sector legal executive specializing in intellectual-property strategy, licensing and litigation. Benjamin has handled complex IP disputes and led cross-border licensing negotiations, while also advising on standards, patent portfolios and innovation partnerships. He is active in diversity and leadership initiatives within the legal community and has been recognized for contributions to IP strategy at major tech companies.
IVELISSE
M. FERNANDEZ
PHARMPIX CORP
CHIEF GROWTH & TALENT OFFICER
A growth and talent executive with a strong background in healthcare and insurance markets, Ivelisse combines strategic HR, customer-experience and commercial growth work with operational leadership. Educated in Puerto Rico and the U.S. (MBA), she has led initiatives to scale service delivery, improve member experiences and strengthen workforce capabilities across regional health organizations. Her career spans senior roles in administrative, growth and people functions.
JOHN HERNANDEZ
PINNACLE WEST CAPITAL
VICE PRESIDENT & SITE SERVICES, PALO VERDE GENERATING STATION, ARIZONA PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY
Hernandez is vice president of site services at Palo Verde Generating Station for Arizona Public Service Company (APS). Based in Phoenix, APS is Arizona’s largest energy company and serves more than 1.3 million homes and businesses across the state. He joined APS in 2014 and previously served as director, plant engineering, with an operational focus on strengthening reliability and fostering a culture of innovation.
MICHELLE FERRARA
PINNACLE WEST CAPITAL
VICE PRESIDENT & CHIEF INFORMATION OFFICER, ARIZONA PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY
Ferrara is responsible for the company’s information technology (IT) infrastructure, including planning, architecture, development and operations, and for managing the digital challenges faced by a major electric utility. Prior to joining APS in 2021, Ferrara built a 20-plus year career with Exelon. She is deeply experienced in IT at innovative electric utilities, and in leading large operational support teams.
Cruz leads global HR and real estate strategies at PayPal. She previously held leadership roles at Walmart and General Electric, bringing extensive experience in talent development and integration. Cruz holds a Master’s in HR Management from Rutgers and a Bachelor’s in Communication from Fairfield University.
LIDIA FONSECA
PFIZER
EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT & CHIEF DIGITAL AND TECHNOLOGY OFFICER
Fonseca leads all digital, data and technology products and solutions across the company, including digitizing drug discovery, clinical development, manufacturing, distribution and commercial. Lidia has 20+ years of experience in the healthcare industry. In her prior role, Lidia was the Senior Vice President and CIO at Quest Diagnostics.
STEVE C DE BACA
PHILIPS
EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT & CHIEF PATIENT SAFETY & QUALITY OFFICER, ROYAL PHILIPS
Prior to joining Philips, C de Baca served as the EVP of QRA for Cardinal Health, supporting the $185 bn enterprise and was a member of the Operating Committee. Steve brings more than 30 years of Quality and Regulatory Affairs (QRA) functional experience in the medical device and in vitro diagnostic device industry. Prior to joining Cardinal Health as the Senior Vice President of QRA in February 2021, Steve served as Vice President of QRA for Orthopedics and Americas for Zimmer Biomet.
JOSE ESPARZA
PINNACLE WEST CAPITAL SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, PUBLIC POLICY FOR ARIZONA PUBLIC SERVICE
Esparza is vice president, regulatory for Arizona Public Service (APS). Based in Phoenix, APS is Arizona’s largest electric company and serves nearly 1.3 million customers across the state. In his role, Esparza provides leadership to APS’s federal regulatory, state regulatory and rates & rate strategy teams.
GERARDO TORRES
PIONEER NATURAL RESOURCES VICE PRESIDENT & PERMIAN COMPLETIONS
Torres serves as Vice President, Permian Completions, for Pioneer Natural Resources, a position he has held since September 2015. Torres’ team is responsible for designing and completing the company’s new horizontal wells with an emphasis on ensuring safe, environmentally sound wells that perform at maximum capital efficiency. Torres joined the company in 2005 as an Operations Engineer.
ANA MARIA
PITNEY BOWES
CHADWICK
EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT & CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
Chadwick is Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at Pitney Bowes, responsible for the financial operations of the company on a global basis, which includes the treasury, audit, investor relations, and tax functions. Ana has more than 20 years of global experience as a finance and operational executive at GE Capital.
MANUEL
CHINEA
Chinea has worked at Popular for 28 years and has held leading roles in the areas of marketing, sales, product management, consumer lending, insurance, investments, retail operations and business banking. Prior to his current role as Chief Operating Officer, Manuel served as Chief Marketing Officer and Head of Retail Banking Operations.
DIANA PACHECO
PRICESMART
EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT & CHIEF HUMAN RESOURCES
Diana Pacheco is Executive Vice President of Human Resources at PriceSmart. She previously held senior HR roles at Goddard Enterprises, Baxter International, HSBC, Itaú Bank, Linde Group, and Citigroup. She holds master’s degrees in law and an executive MBA from Universidad de Los Andes. Pacheco is a member of SHRM and has served as a guest lecturer at Lynn University in Florida.
VICTOR AGUILAR
PROCTER & GAMBLE
CHIEF RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT AND INNOVATION OFFICER
Aguilar leads P&G’s Research & Development (R&D) organization, global innovation program and strategy. He also serves as liaison to the Board of Director’s Innovation and Technology Committee. Victor brings over three decades of P&G experience spanning three continents, across Fabric and Baby Care, Future Works and Corporate R&D.
DIEGO PAREDES
PRUDENTIAL FINANCIAL
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER & EMERGING MARKETS
Paredes is responsible for financial oversight for Prudential's operations in the region (Latin America, Emerging Asia, China and Africa). Includes financial planning and analysis functions, business development and M&A, management reporting, capital and strategic planning. Before joining Prudential, he held different positions at The Gibraltar Life Insurance.
JORGE GARCIAPOPULAR CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
García joined Popular in 2005. Before being promoted to his current role as Corporate Comptroller and Chief Accounting Officer, García served as Senior Vice President and Director of Finance and Accounting of Popular Bank, the Corporation’s banking subsidiary in the mainland United States.
VINCENT
MORALES
INDUSTRIES SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT & CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
Morales is senior vice president and chief financial officer of PPG. He serves on the company’s executive and operating committees. Morales joined PPG in the corporate controller’s office, Pittsburgh headquarters, in 1985. With a long corporate road, Morales added responsibility as corporate treasurer in 2015. He was appointed vice president, finance, in June 2016, and he assumed his current role in March 2017.
FRANCISCO VELASCO
PRICESMART
EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT & GENERAL COUNSEL, CHIEF ETHICS & COMPLIANCE OFFICE, AND SECRETARY
Velasco has been Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary of the Company since July 2016 and Chief Ethics & Compliance Officer since October 2016. From March 2009 to June 2016, Velasco served as Division Counsel Latin America for AbbVie Inc. Previously, he held in-house legal roles at Abbott Laboratories, Hanes Brands Inc. and Sara Lee Corporation.
DIEGO SOUZA
PROG HOLDINGS, INC.
EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT & CHIEF INFORMATION SECURITY OFFICER
Souza is a cybersecurity expert with 22+ years in developing global security programs. He specializes in mitigating internal and external threats, translating cyber risks into business risks for effective decision-making. Passionate about mentoring and promoting diversity in IT, Diego’s contributions make him a trusted leader in safeguarding assets and empowering professionals.
VANESSA JACOBY
QUANTA THERAPEUTICS
CHIEF BUSINESS OFFICER AND CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
Jacoby has over 25 years of financial and strategic leadership in the biopharmaceutical sector. Before joining Quanta as Chief Business Officer & CFO in 2025, she was CFO at Shoreline Biosciences, where she led major fundraising and strategic partnerships. Her career includes senior finance and accounting roles at biotech firms, highlighting her experience with corporate finance, capital raising and operational scaling in life-science companies.
JUAN MANUEL DE BEDOUT
RAYTHEON TECHNOLOGIES
SVP & CHIEF TECHNOLOGY OFFICER
Bedout leads Technology & Global Engineering at RTX, overseeing the company's technological strategy, engineering operations, and R&D investments. He also manages RTX’s research centers and guides product safety and cybersecurity initiatives. Previously, he held leadership roles at Collins Aerospace and General Electric. Bedout holds a Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from Purdue University.
CARLOS M. NUNEZ RESMED CHIEF MEDICAL OFFICER
Prior to joining ResMed, Nunez was senior vice president of Medical Affairs at Becton, Dickinson and Company, leading the Office of Science, Medicine and Technology for its largest division. Before that, he was chief medical officer at CareFusion, where he built and led a global team that provided company-wide medical oversight. From 2000 to 2011, Carlos was chief physician executive at Picis, Inc.
JOHN J. DIEZ
RYDER SYSTEM
PRESIDENT & CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
John J. Diez guides Ryder System’s overall operations and business performance, driving innovation in logistics, transportation, and supply chain solutions. With extensive experience in finance and strategic management, he plays a key role in optimizing growth and efficiency. John is known for his focus on operational excellence, customer success, and advancing Ryder’s position as an industry leader in mobility and logistics.
JUAN PEREZ
SALESFORCE
EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT & CHIEF INFORMATION OFFICER
Perez is CIO and EVP of Salesforce. He is responsible for the global IT organization and leads the company’s internal digital transformation to support growth and scale. Perez’s team supports the integration of new acquisition companies across the Salesforce ecosystem to streamline technology integration processes, and drives global operational efficiencies.
FRANCISCO ARISTEGUIETA
SCOTIABANK
GROUP HEAD OF INTERNATIONAL BANKING
Aristeguieta is a seasoned global banking leader with more than 30 years of international banking experience with major global financial services organizations in a wide range of markets including Latin America, North America, Asia, Europe and the Middle East. He has significant senior leadership experience leading country operations and overseeing business lines that stretch across Latin America and other international markets.
GONZALO MERINO
REGENERON PHARMACEUTICALS
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT & CHIEF INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY & ASSOCIATE GENERAL COUNSEL
Merino, PhD, JD, joined Regeneron in 2013 and now serves as Senior Vice President and Chief Intellectual Property Counsel. He is responsible for protecting Regeneron’s Intellectual Property, including by developing and implementing a comprehensive global IP strategy. Prior to joining Regeneron, Merino was an Associate General Counsel at Columbia University and a patent attorney at Bryan Cave LLP in New York City.
FRANK LOPEZ
RYDER SYSTEM
EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT & CHIEF HUMAN RESOURCES OFFICER
Lopez is is responsible for leading Ryder’s Human Resources organization, which includes talent management, recruiting, compensation and benefits, employee engagement, HR operations, and labor relations. Previously, Lopez was senior vice president of global HR operations, responsible for leading Ryder’s field Human Resources for the company’s three business units
RICARDO DE GENOVA
SABERT CORPORATION
SVP & CHIEF INNOVATION OFFICER
De Genova drives innovation and sustainable product development at Sabert Corporation, leading global efforts in packaging design and technology. With extensive experience in R&D, materials science, and strategy, he focuses on advancing solutions that balance performance, functionality, and environmental responsibility. Ricardo’s forward-thinking leadership supports Sabert’s mission to deliver cutting-edge, eco-conscious packaging for the future.
ALEXANDRE CONDE
SCANSOURCE
SEVP & CHIEF PEOPLE OFFICER
Conde focuses on advancing ScanSource's talent and recruitment strategies, culture initiatives, and overall People success. He joined ScanSource in 2011 through the acquisition of CDC Brasil, later leading the acquisition of Network1. Alex previously held leadership roles in finance, planning, logistics, sales, and marketing at a POS peripheral manufacturer and a computer peripheral manufacturer.
CHRISTOPHER N. CRUZ
SHIFT4
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
Christopher N. Cruz is a finance and investment veteran. Before becoming CFO of Shift4 in 2025, he spent many years as a partner at private-equity firm Searchlight Capital Partners, focusing on value creation through strategic and operational support. His prior experience includes leveraged-finance and restructuring at European investment banks. Cruz blends capital-markets knowledge with hands-on payment-industry experience, and serves on several boards and committees tied to fintech and payment-processing firms.
MELISSA BARRA
SLEEP NUMBER
EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT AND CHIEF PRODUCT AND ENTERPRISE STRATEGY OFFICER
Melissa Barra leads product innovation and enterprise strategy at Sleep Number, aligning technology, customer insight, and business growth. With extensive experience in finance, operations, and strategy, she drives initiatives that enhance the brand’s digital ecosystem and consumer experience. Melissa’s leadership reflects her passion for innovation, data-driven decision-making, and advancing health and wellness through personalized sleep solutions.
TAMMY GOMEZ SOLVENTUM CHIEF HUMAN RESOURCES OFFICER
Gomez is a results-oriented HR executive with a diverse background in HR, finance, and operations. Known for building high-performing organizations and leading successful transformations, she is passionate about delivering results and fostering strong teams. Currently serving as Chief Human Resources Officer at Solventum, Gomez combines strong functional knowledge with a big-picture perspective, navigating complex issues while maintaining a collaborative, optimistic, and tenacious leadership style.
RICARDO MUNOZ
STANLEY BLACK & DECKER, INC
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT & CHIEF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY OFFICER
Munoz is a results-driven Global Technology Executive with a proven track record in leading complex technologies across multi-site global locations. He excels in driving technology integration into high-value products and services from inception to full launch. Munoz has demonstrated success in leading growth and transformation with vision, decisiveness, and quality implementation, alongside a passion for building talent and capabilities. Currently serving as SVP and Chief Engineering and Technology Officer at Stanley Black & Decker, Inc.
RUBÉN VELÁSQUEZ
STEPAN COMPANY
VICE PRESIDENT & CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
A finance executive with broad global experience, Rubén has led finance transformation, corporate FP&A and treasury teams across energy and industrial firms. His background includes senior roles at Ecopetrol and 3M, where he managed finance operations for manufacturing, supply chain and consumer businesses. Rubén holds an MBA from Northwestern and an engineering degree from Universidad de los Andes, and focuses on process modernization, working-capital optimization and value-creating M&A.
ANTONIO VARAS
SYNOPSYS CHIEF STRATEGY OFFICER
Varas leads the Synopsys corporate strategic planning process, fostering an actionable understanding of the market dynamics across the technology value chains, identifying new business opportunities, and driving strategic initiatives to accelerate the company's profitable growth and long-term value creation. Antonio brings more than two decades of investment banking, management and strategy consulting.
RODOLFO ESPINOSA
SOLVENTUM
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT & CORPORATE TREASURER
Espinosa is an experienced finance executive with over 20 years in Treasury, Risk Management, FP&A, and Accounting. Currently Senior VP, Corporate Treasurer at Solventum, previously VP and Assistant Treasurer at 3M and Bridgestone. Expertise in capital markets, FX/commodities hedging, strategic planning, and cash flow forecasting. Holds a B.S. in Economics, B.A. in Accounting, MBA from Duke University, and CTP certification. Skilled in driving growth, optimizing capital structures, and leading global teams.
SERGIO BAUTISTA
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA EDISON
MANAGING DIRECTOR OF PEOPLE, CULTURE AND STRATEGY
Bautista has over 25 years of experience and successful track record of building and leading HR organizations from the ground up, bolstering employee retention, engagement, and performance. Strategic thinker and thought leader who influences and advises senior leadership as an HR business partner, fueling positive organizational development, growth, and a high-performance culture.
MIGUEL ALVAREZ
STEEL DYNAMICS
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT & METALS RECYCLING
Alvarez was named Senior Vice President of Metals Recycling in March 2022. Alvarez is responsible for OmniSource’s ferrous and nonferrous metals recycling operations, including marketing, trading, and logistics activities. Prior to that, he served as Senior Vice President, Southwest United States and Mexico.
ALBERTO CASELLAS
SYNCHRONY
EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT & CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, HEALTH & WELLNESS
Casellas is responsible for driving growth for Synchrony’s Health & Wellness platform by providing comprehensive healthcare payments and financing solutions to a network of health and wellness providers, hospitals, and health systems.
VICTORIA GUTIERREZ
SYSCO
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT & CHIEF MERCHANDISING OFFICER
Gutierrez is the SVP and Chief Merchandising Officer of Sysco, the world’s global foodservice leader. In this role, Victoria leads Sysco’s product growth strategy and works to enhance the customer experience through a full line of food and non-food products. Previously, she was a Partner with the Boston Consulting Group advising major retail and consumer goods clients globally, and also built beverage brands as a certified sommelier.
KIERA FERNANDEZ
TARGET
EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT AND CHIEF COMMUNITY & STAKEHOLDER
ENGAGEMENT OFFICER
A community-engagement and human-resources leader with deep experience in frontline operations, Kiera has built programs linking corporate philanthropy, DE&I strategy and stakeholder partnerships. She has developed enterprise initiatives that connect community investment to business priorities, while strengthening partnership networks with nonprofit and civic organizations. Kiera is known for mobilizing teams across large retail operations to deliver measurable social impact and equity outcomes.
OTAVIO LAZARINI BARBOSA
TD SYNNEX SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, LATIN AMERICA AND CARIBBEAN
Lazarini is responsible for the development and execution of both business strategy and P&L functions across the region. During this tenure, he significantly drove high-margin growth and solidified the company’s foothold in the region. Coming from Brazilian distributor TelSist Informatica, Otavio helped position that company for acquisition.
CRIS GOMIDE
TELEFLEX INCORPORATED
VICE PRESIDENT & GLOBAL MARKETING
Gomide is an accomplished medical device executive with a proven track record of success in sales, marketing, and P&L management. He had led and motivated teams to achieve ambitious goals in both regional and global markets. Broad market experience in vascular access, interventional and cardiac care, regional anesthesia, airway management, respiratory, surgery, and urology.
RAFAEL LIZARDI
TEXAS INSTRUMENTS
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT & CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
Prior to this role, Lizardi served as the corporate controller. During his career at TI, he has held a number of leadership positions in finance and operations including controller for the company’s High Volume Analog and Logic business and the director of corporate financial planning. Lizardi joined Texas Instruments in 2001 as part of the company’s finance development program after serving five years as an officer in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
BEATRIZ PEREZ
THE COCA COLA COMPANY
EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT & GLOBAL CHIEF COMMUNICATIONS, SUSTAINABILITY & STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS OFFICER AND CHAIR, COCA COLA FOUNDATION
Bea is a seasoned marketing and operations executive who plays a key role in driving business objectives to support brands, communities and partners worldwide. She leads a global networked leadership team and manages external stakeholders from industries including media, government, customers, academics and sponsorships, among others. Bea oversees the company’s retail & licensing portfolio, including more than $1 billion in licensed merchandise sales annually and is responsible for the Archives, preserving Coca-Cola history.
RICK GOMEZ
TARGET
EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT AND CHIEF COMMERCIAL OFFICER
A retail and merchandising leader with extensive experience driving assortment strategy, owned-brand development and customer insights, Rick has led cross-category merchandising teams and commercial planning functions for major retailers. He is recognized for aligning product strategy with consumer trends, improving assortment productivity and scaling private-label portfolios, while building capabilities in analytics, supplier partnerships and omnichannel retail execution.
SERGIO FARACHE
TD SYNNEX
EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT, CHIEF STRATEGY AND TECHNOLOGY OFFICER.
Farache has 30+ years of experience in the technology sector, he has expertise in cloud, security, data, and IoT. Previously, he held senior roles at Tech Data, focusing on strategy and next-generation technologies. An entrepreneur at heart, Sergio founded and sold two companies before entering the corporate world. He holds a degree in Systems Engineering from the Metropolitan University in Venezuela and has taught at both his alma mater and IESA.
JOSE TOMÁS
TELEVISAUNIVISION, INC.
CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER
Tomás oversees strategic support areas essential to Univision’s transformation, including Human Resources, Corporate Communications, Enterprise Technology Services, Facilities/Real Estate and Corporate Security. Most recently, Tomás served as co-founder and managing partner of BrandSparc, a global communications, employment branding and human resources consultancy firm.
MANUEL ARROYO
THE COCA COLA COMPANY EVP & GLOBAL CHIEF MARKETING OFFICER
Arroyo is the EVP and Global Chief Marketing Officer at The Coca-Cola Company, overseeing global marketing efforts, including digital marketing, media, and brand strategy. He was appointed CMO in 2020 after serving as President of Coca-Cola's Asia Pacific group. Arroyo's career spans leadership roles globally, including CEO of Deoleo and senior positions at S.C. Johnson & Son. He holds degrees in Business Administration and Law from ICADE in Madrid and sits on the board of Coca-Cola EuroPacific Partners.
HENRIQUE BRAUN
THE COCA‑COLA COMPANY
EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT AND CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
A seasoned global executive with a long tenure at The Coca-Cola Company, Henrique has driven market expansion, bottler relations and operational excellence across multiple regions. He played a key role in scaling operations in Latin America, Brazil and Greater China, and led international development initiatives focused on portfolio innovation and commercial execution. His career blends regional leadership with cross-functional experience in marketing, supply chain and business development.
RICK GALVAN
THE GREENBRIER COMPANIES
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT OF GREENBRIER RAIL SERVICES
CARLOS A. GOMEZ
THE WALT DISNEY COMPANY
EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT, TREASURER AND HEAD OF INVESTOR RELATIONS
Galvan has 30 years in the railroad industry at three Class I railroads. Before joining Greenbrier, he was Chief Mechanical Officer at Canadian National Railway (CN), and General Manager of Mechanical International at Kansas City Southern (KCS). Before he Held multiple positions at Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF).
HORACIO GUTIERREZ
THE WALT DISNEY COMPANY
SENIOR EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT & CHIEF LEGAL AND COMPLIANCE
OFFICER
Gutierrez is Senior Executive VP, Chief Legal and Compliance Officer at The Walt Disney Company, overseeing global legal affairs, compliance, litigation, and more. Before joining Disney in 2022, he was Head of Global Affairs at Spotify, following roles as General Counsel at Microsoft, where he managed international legal operations over 17 years. He serves on the boards of the MPA and KIND, and advises Harvard Law. He holds an LL.M. from Harvard, a J.D. from Miami, and a law degree from Universidad Católica Andrés Bello.
ANILU VAZQUEZ-UBARRI
TPG
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER AND PARTNER
Anilu Vazquez-Ubarri is the Chief Operating Officer at TPG. She is a member of the firm’s board of directors and executive committee. She previously served as the firm’s Chief Human Resources Officer and is a founding member and executive sponsor of TPG NEXT. Anilu serves on the boards of Greenhouse and Upwork, as well as on several non-profits and academic boards. Anilu received an AB in History and Latin American Studies, cum laude, from Princeton University and a JD from Fordham University School of Law.
ILIA
S. RODRIGUEZ
TRIPLE-S MANAGEMENT
CHIEF TALENT & ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES OFFICER
Rodriguez is Chief Talent and Administrative Services Officer Triple-S Management Corp. since 2021 and she served as Chief Human Resources Officer since 2018. She has extensive experience in organizational design, culture change and talent development, at Doral Financial, Popular, Merck and Ferring Pharmaceuticals.
ARMANDO ESTRADA
TUTOR PERINI
VICE PRESIDENT OF OPERATIONS & DESERT MECHANICAL, INC.
Estrada started working with Desert Mechanical Inc. in 2017. Before joining the company, he worked at Limbach as Operations Manager from 2010-2017. Prior, he held the position of Senior Project Manager at ACCO Engineered Systems from 2005-2010.
A finance and investor-relations professional with a long tenure in media and entertainment, Carlos has directed treasury, risk management and investor communications for global media businesses. He combines capital-markets experience with strategic financial communications, guiding stakeholder engagement around major transactions and corporate strategy. Carlos holds advanced degrees and previous experience in investment banking and investor relations leadership.
LUIS F. MACHADO
TOPBUILD VICE PRESIDENT, GENERAL COUNSEL & SECRETARY.
Machado joined TopBuild in August 2020 as General Counsel and Secretary. Most recently, Luis served as Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary of CTS Corporation. Prior to joining CTS in 2015, Luis held positions as Senior Vice President, Legal, and Assistant Secretary at L Brands, Inc., as Associate General Counsel, Corporate and Assistant Secretary of Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company, as Senior Counsel with Diversey, Inc., and as an associate with the Altheimer & Gray law firm.
CARLOS L. RODRÍGUEZ-RAMOS
TRIPLE-S MANAGEMENT
SVP OF CORPORATE AFFAIRS & CHIEF LEGAL OFFICER
A lawyer and corporate-governance leader with public-sector and private-sector experience, Carlos has overseen legal, compliance and internal-audit functions while managing public-policy and government-relations agendas. He has guided board governance, ESG and regulatory engagement for major Puerto Rican enterprises, and previously served in senior legal advisory roles within the governor’s office and the judicial system early in his career. He is active in community and foundation work.
JOSÉ NOVOA LOYOLA
TRIPLE-S MANAGEMENT
CHIEF MEDICAL OFFICER
Loyola previously served as Medical Director of the Cardiovascular Center of Puerto Rico and the Caribbean, as well as head of its cardiology department. He is certified by the Board of Cardiovascular Disease and the American Board of Internal Medicine. He studied medicine at the University of Puerto Rico and completed training in echocardiography at the Mayo Clinic
JORGE CASADO
TUTOR PERINI
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT & INVESTOR RELATIONS & CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS
Casado is a seasoned finance and investor relations executive responsible for planning and executing Tutor Perini's comprehensive IR program, with a goal of promoting increased investor understanding and interest in the Company. Prior to his current position, Mr. Casado worked at Tetra Tech (NASDAQ: TTEK), where he served in various operational, financial, and project management positions of increasing responsibilities.
ELCIO BARCELOS
U. S. BANCORP
SENIOR EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT & CHIEF HUMAN RESOURCES OFFICER
Barcelos has served in this position since joining U.S. Bancorp in September 2020. Previously, he served as Senior Vice President and Chief People and Places Officer of the Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae). Prior, Elcio served as Senior Vice President and Head of Human Resources for the Enterprise Services business of Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company.
RENE G. CASARES ULTA BEAUTY CHIEF LEGAL OFFICER
With extensive experience in corporate law and governance, Rene Casares guides Ulta Beauty’s legal strategy and compliance initiatives. He has built a career fostering ethical practices, risk management, and business integrity in complex regulatory environments. Rene’s leadership supports Ulta’s continued growth while upholding its values of transparency and inclusion across all operations.
ALFREDO BARQUIN
UNITED RENTALS VICE PRESIDENT & BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
Barquin joined United Rentals in 2022 to lead its business development function. He was previously with SWM International (now Mativ), a global manufacturer of engineered performance materials where he served as chief growth officer, general manager & CEO of a subsidiary and vice president of corporate development. Previously, he held progressive roles at GE Energy (now GE Vernova) and Eaton Corporation.
JULIA RENDON REINHART
VALERO ENERGY
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT & CHIEF HUMAN RESOURCES OFFICER
Rendon is responsible for Valero’s human resources operations companywide as well as well as global security, facilities, and administrative services. She joined Valero in December 2006 as Managing Counsel-Labor & Employment. Prior to joining Valero, Reinhart served as a Partner in the law firm of Bracewell & Giuliani LLP.
THOMAS PACHECO
VULCANFORMS INC.
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
Pacheco, based in Franklin, MA, is CFO at VulcanForms Inc. Previously, he served as EVP and CFO at Acushnet Company and held leadership roles at Dell Technologies. A Providence College graduate, he brings expertise in financial advisory, management, IT, and project management.
ERIK LOPEZ
ULTA BEAUTY CHIEF SUPPLY CHAIN OFFICER
Lopez leads supply chain strategy & operations across distribution, e-commerce fulfillment, supplier operations, transportation, and logistics. Since joining in 2013, he has held multiple leadership roles spanning DC management, supply chain planning and operations, and enterprise transformation. Erik is known for driving innovation, operational excellence, and talent development, and he extends his impact through community leadership as a board member of the Ulta Beauty Charitable Foundation and Big Brothers Big Sisters.
ALISHA REAL
UNITED NATURAL FOODS VICE PRESIDENT & ESG AND SOCIAL IMPACT
Real leads UNFI’s social and environmental impact programs. In 2018, she was appointed as the Executive Director of the UNFI Foundation. She has been involved with the Foundation in various capacities since 2013. In her time at UNFI, Alisha has evolved UNFI’s giving strategy so that the associates can be more actively involved.
LISA IGLESIAS
UNUM GROUP
EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT & GENERAL COUNSEL
Iglesias has been EVP and General Counsel of Unum Group since 2015. She leads the legal affairs of the company, including transactions, corporate governance, regulatory matters, and litigation. With 25 years of experience as general counsel for Fortune 500 companies, Lisa previously held roles at WellCare Health Plans, Nordstrom, and Spherion. She is also a CPA, received the Legend in Law award at The Burton Awards & serves on the board of Octave Specialty Group, Inc.
STEPHANIE ZAPATA MOORE
VISTRA ENERGY
EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT & GENERAL COUNSEL & CHIEF COMPLIANCE OFFICER
Previously, Moore served as vice president and general counsel of Luminant, a competitive power generation subsidiary of Vistra. Prior to joining Luminant in 2005, Moore was an associate at Gardere Wynne Sewell LLP (now Foley & Lardner LLP) in the corporate and securities practice group, where she focused on mergers and acquisitions and private securities offerings.
RAFAEL CARRASCO
WASTE MANAGEMENT
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT & OPERATIONS
As Senior Vice President, Operations, Carrasco has responsibility for all operations in the eastern part of North America, including oversight of collection, disposal, recycling and landfills. He is a member of the Company’s senior leadership team, led by Jim Fish, President and Chief Executive Officer. Carrasco formerly served as Area Vice President for WM of the Greater Mid Atlantic.
ANA MENENDEZ WATSCO CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER & TREASURER
Menendez has served as Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer since November 2003, as Treasurer since 1998, and as Assistant Secretary since 1999. She is a certified public accountant. Ana supervises all financial and accounting aspects of the Company, including taxes, risk management, benefits, treasury and cash management, the Company's system of internal control and other compliance activities.
ROBERTO H. CAMPOS
WHIRLPOOL
EXECUTIVE
Holthausen Campos joined Whirlpool Corporation in 2016 as Senior Vice President of the Global Product Organization – Product Platforms, where he led the team responsible for developing and executing home appliance product development plans. In 2017, Roberto was named leader of the overall Global Product Organization. In this role, Roberto is responsible for all product development activity driving cutting-edge consumer-focused design.
FERNANDO CASADEVALL
WORLD KINECT CORPORATION
CHIEF HUMAN RESOURCES OFFICER
Casadevall has served in the CHRO role since January 2019 and is responsible for all human resources (HR) responsibilities including compensation, benefits, recruitment, talent, HR services, and corporate security. Prior to WFS, he served as CHRO for Qatar Airways (QA), one of the largest airlines in the world with operations in 75+ countries and more than 50,000 employees.
Astorga is responsible for advancing global visibility, reputation and purpose-driven strategies for Zoetis, the world’s leading animal health company. A member of the executive team, she counsels company leaders and its Board on public policy, government affairs, sustainability, corporate brand management, and strategic communications. She joined Zoetis in 2020 as the first Head of Sustainability, launched long-range environmental and social impact goals, and established the Zoetis Foundation.
RUBEN BARRALES
WELLS FARGO
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT & EXTERNAL ENGAGEMENT
Barrales is former White House Deputy Assistant to the President & Director of White House Intergovernmental Affairs, elected official, and chief executive officer for nonprofit and business advocacy organizations. A supporter of diversity, inclusion and public policy that expands economic opportunity for all.
AMY QUINTANA AVALOS
WORLD KINECT CORPORATION
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT & CHIEF SUSTAINABILITY BUSINESS OFFICER & CORPORATE SECRETARY
Quintana leads World Kinect’s enterprise-wide decarbonization efforts and provides critical support for its commercial teams, helping grow the company’s energy transition and sustainability solutions for its customers. Leveraging the expertise from her previous role as Chief Corporate Counsel, Amy is expanding on her work with investors, customers, suppliers and other stakeholders to drive and embed the company’s sustainability efforts throughout the entire value chain.
JOSE MIGUEL TEJADA
WORLD KINECT CORPORATION
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT & CHIEF ACCOUNTING OFFICER
Tejeda is responsible for overseeing the Company’s global accounting, income tax, regulatory and financial reporting, market risk, and corporate finance functions. Prior to joining World Fuel Services, he served as the Head of Finance, Americas for Noble Group Limited. Before Noble Group, he worked for nine years at Constellation Energy, Inc. in various controller and financial planning and analysis roles.
JORGE
ZEMBORAIN
GENERAL COUNSEL LATIN AMERICA & INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
Zemborain is a commercial attorney who oversees Brink’s legal team in Latin America and the Caribbean, where the company employs about 30,000 people. He also serves as counsel for intellectual property matters worldwide. Jorge previously worked as in-house legal counsel with News Corp./Fox and BP (British Petroleum).
Building Growth, Lifting Communities, and Leading With Purpose
EDUARDO TOBON GROUP HEAD, ECONOMIC ADVISORY AND LATINO SEGMENT, BMO
There are leaders who build careers, and there are leaders who build movements. For Eduardo Tobon, Group Head of the fastest growing segment at BMO, the path has been far more than a climb through corporate milestones. It has been a journey shaped by global experiences, entrepreneurial resilience, and a deep commitment to opening doors for others. Today he is recognized as one of the most influential voices in Latino business leadership and one of the few executives who has successfully integrated corporate strategy, community impact, and longterm economic empowerment into a single mission.
EDUARDO grew up with a fascination for the world. He dreamed of living in different countries and learning from different cultures. That desire for expansion became the defining thread in his career. His path took him from Pittsburgh to Boston, from Chicago to Florida, and across 67 countries where business and personal discovery merged. His early decisions reflect a pattern that continues to this day: he does not follow opportunities, he creates them.
After earning his MBA from Carnegie Mellon’s Tepper School of Business, Eduardo began his career in strategy consulting. The work was intense, analytical, and perfectly suited for someone who loved solving complex problems. It was during this time that he worked on a multi-year strategy for a large bank. That bank eventually recruited him, launching his 12-year journey in financial services. His rise was steady and driven by increasingly demanding leadership roles. Eventually he became a C-level executive at a global bank that had acquired the bank he first joined.
This chapter of his career offered Eduardo something invaluable: the ability to lead through transformation. Payments is a fast-moving, highly competitive industry where growth requires both bold strategy and operational discipline. Eduardo thrived in that environment. His next role pushed him even further when he became President of Diners Club International, an iconic global payments network in need
HIS EARLY DECISIONS REFLECT A PATTERN THAT CONTINUES TO THIS DAY: HE DOES NOT FOLLOW OPPORTUNITIES, HE CREATES THEM.
of a significant turnaround. The challenge was complex. The stakes were high. The transformation demanded a leader who could reimagine the business at every level. Eduardo took that responsibility head-on, deepening his capacity to rebuild organizations, mobilize cross-border teams, and deliver measurable results.
After achieving strong outcomes in banking and payments, Eduardo made a dramatic shift. He moved into entrepreneurship, first as a shareholder and leadership advisor at a prominent executive search firm, then as founder and CEO of a fintech company. These experiences reshaped his understanding of leadership. For the first time in his professional life, everything depended on his own decisions. There was no corporate structure around him, no large team, no safety net. The experience was raw and challenging but also deeply formative. It taught him the rhythm of startup building, the pressure of resource constraints, the emotional weight of risk, and the pure drive that fuels innovation.
LATINOS IN C-SUITE 2025
WHAT MAKES EDUARDO TOBON UNIQUE:
• Has lived, studied, or worked across the world and traveled to 67 countries
• Built a career across consulting, global banking and payments, leadership advisory, and entrepreneurship
• Former President of Diners Club International
• Delivered triple-digit growth for BMO’s Latino segment, pushing revenue past eight digits and on track for nine
• Co-founder and board member of Angeles Investors, one of the most influential platforms supporting Latinofounded startups
• Long-standing member of YPO, where his forum became a life-changing leadership anchor
• Experienced corporate board member with roles at Acculynk, Dinit, Diners Club Italia, and RappiPay
• Data-driven strategist with a Carnegie Mellon MBA foundation and a strong philosophy on AI’s role in leadership
• Purpose-driven advocate for expanding opportunity, uplifting Latino founders, and building ecosystems of long-term impact
Looking back, Eduardo describes his career not as a linear climb but as a mosaic. Every experience left him better equipped for the next. When BMO approached him with an opportunity to build a strategy for the Latino segment within commercial banking, everything aligned. The role required a leader who understood growth, entrepreneurship, financial services, and the Latino market from the inside. Eduardo knew he could deliver. What he has achieved since then has far exceeded expectations.
In only three years, BMO’s Latino segment has achieved record performance and triple-digit growth. Annual commercial banking revenue for the segment has already surpassed eight digits and is on track to reach nine digits soon. Eduardo attributes this success to a combination of strategic clarity, disciplined execution, and strong collaboration across the organization. He also credits the bank for committing to a longterm vision that recognizes the economic power
of the Latino community. Behind the numbers is a philosophy that shapes Eduardo’s work every day: growth is strongest when communities grow with you.
That philosophy is also central to one of Eduardo’s deepest passions: alternative investments. More than a decade ago he began personally investing in startups through his involvement with YPO. Later he co-founded Angeles Investors, an organization created to find, fund, and grow the most promising Latino-founded startups. The idea emerged during a time of global uncertainty and unprecedented barriers for Latino entrepreneurs. Venture capital was not flowing equitably. Access to networks was limited. Too many promising founders were left out of opportunities they deserved.
Angeles Investors was built to change that. Eduardo is proud of the platform the team created, but what has meant the most to him is watching the impact unfold. Time and again he has seen founders benefit from strategic introductions, mentorship, and support that transforms their trajectory. Eduardo calls Angeles a force multiplier for Latino innovation. More than capital, the organization offers belief, visibility, and community. It is a space designed not just to invest in companies, but to invest in the future of Latino entrepreneurship.
Eduardo’s belief in leadership communities also runs deep through his experience with YPO. He joined the organization in 2013 when he was President of Diners Club International. At first he expected to gain professional development and networking opportunities. What he did not expect was the impact that his YPO forum would have on his life. The forum is a confidential group of peers who meet monthly to share challenges, experiences, and personal turning points. For Eduardo, this became a lifeline. It gave him a safe space to speak openly about decisions he could not discuss with his executive team, questions he could not ask his board, and personal stressors he rarely talked about publicly.
The forum taught him the power of vulnerability, the discipline of listening, and the value of honest, agenda-free insight. Over the years it has guided him through acquisitions, leadership transitions, moments of burnout, and major crossroads. Eduardo credits his forum with making him not only a better leader but a more grounded spouse and parent. It reshaped the way he makes decisions, approaches relationships, and understands the true meaning of leadership. When he says his forum changed his life, he means it literally.
In addition to his executive and entrepreneurial accomplishments, Eduardo has also developed a strong presence in the boardroom. His governance journey started in 2004 when he participated in a Harvard Business School program designed to pre-
HIS FORWARD-LOOKING VIEW ALSO SHAPES HIS PERSPECTIVE ON TECHNOLOGY AND ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE.
pare Latino executives for corporate boards. Since then he has served on several corporate boards, including Acculynk, Dinit, Diners Club Italia, and RappiPay. For Eduardo, board service offers unmatched learning opportunities and a platform to contribute meaningfully to the strategic direction of organizations. He encourages other Latino leaders to pursue board roles by investing in their skills, networks, and governance knowledge. Board diversity strengthens companies, and Latino leaders bring perspectives that are both underrepresented and increasingly essential.
His forward-looking view also shapes his perspective on technology and artificial intelligence. With his Carnegie Mellon background, Eduardo has a deep appreciation for data-driven decision making. He sees AI not as a tool for automation, but as a tool for clarity. For leaders, he believes the power of AI lies in detecting early signals, uncovering patterns, and enhancing strategic judgment. In a world filled with constant noise, AI can help leaders move from reactive decisions to predictive leadership. The leaders who will win, he argues, are the ones who integrate AI into core systems while strengthening the human skills that cannot be replicated: judgment, ethics, context, and the ability to inspire.
What sets Eduardo apart is the balance he brings to his professional and personal life. Behind the accomplishments is an individual whose curiosity drives everything he does. Eduardo has visited 67 countries across six continents and is only missing Ant-
arctica. Travel is not simply a hobby for him. It is an essential part of how he learns and grows. Each trip teaches him something new about culture, leadership, or human behavior. Each journey sharpens his understanding of the world and expands his ability to connect with others. Travel has shaped the way he thinks about community, growth, and opportunity. It has taught him humility and adaptability, two qualities that define his leadership today.
As he prepares for his upcoming trip to Iceland to see the northern lights, Eduardo reflects on how travel and leadership intersect. He believes the best insights often come from stepping outside familiar environments. Whether he is negotiating a deal in Asia, observing daily life in Europe, or listening to leaders in Africa, each experience inspires new ways to think about business and society. The same curiosity that drives him to explore the world also drives his commitment to elevate the Latino community.
Eduardo Tobon represents a model of leadership anchored in clarity, empathy, and vision. He is a strategist who builds growth engines, an investor who lifts founders, a board member who strengthens organizations, and a community leader who opens pathways for others. His story proves that leadership is not only about what you achieve, but what you make possible for others. In Eduardo’s case, the impact is lasting and expanding. His work at BMO, his role in Angeles Investors, his contributions in the boardroom, and his dedication to uplifting Latino leaders reflect a rare combination of intelligence, heart, and purpose.
As the Latino business community continues to grow and shape the country’s economic future, leaders like Eduardo are defining not only what is possible, but what is necessary. His vision is clear. His commitment is unwavering. And his journey, still unfolding, continues to inspire thousands who see in him a reflection of what leadership can be when experience, purpose, and conviction come together.
ERIK LOPEZ
CHIEF SUPPLY
CHAIN OFFICER, ULTA BEAUTY
Courtesy of ULTA Carlos Cuevas
Q How did your journey lead you to the C-suite, and what early experiences shaped your leadership approach?
EL: I appreciate this question because it pushed me to reflect on the experiences and relationships that truly shaped my path. Early in my career, I never pictured myself in the C-suite—nor did I fully understand what that responsibility entailed. What I did have, however, were opportunities that stretched me well beyond my comfort zone. I was fortunate to take on challenging assignments, work alongside exceptional leaders and colleagues, and receive candid developmental feedback from mentors who saw potential in me before I saw it in myself. Equally important, I’ve had the unwavering support of my family—especially my wife, Jackie—who encouraged me to pursue roles and experiences that would help me grow both professionally and personally.
If I had to distill my journey into one theme, it would be this: I’m here because people invested in me, challenged me, and believed in what I could become. Those early influences shaped my leadership philosophy—one grounded in empowerment, continuous learning, and creating an environment where others feel equally encouraged to stretch, explore, and realize their full potential.
Q What unique challenges have you faced as a Latino executive, and how did you navigate them?
EL: While I didn’t face challenges explicitly because I am Latino, my background shaped the obstacles I encountered. I grew up in a hardworking, working-class family where executive leadership wasn’t something we saw in our day-to-day lives. Corporate America—and especially the C-suite—felt distant, almost like entering a world built with a completely different language and set of expectations. I had to build that understanding from the ground up. What made the difference were the incredible leaders and mentors I encountered along the way— at Target and now at Ulta Beauty—who invested their most valuable resource in me: their time. They created safe spaces for me to learn, asked thought-provoking questions, offered candid feedback, and consistently pushed me to think bigger than I ever imagined for myself.
Their belief in me was transformational. It not only helped me navigate unfamiliar territory but also instilled in me a deep responsibility to pay that investment forward. The impact they had on my development fuels my passion for building future leaders—especially those who, like me, may not have grown up seeing people who looked like them in executive roles. Developing others isn’t just part of my leadership approach; it’s something I view as a privilege and a lifelong commitment.
How has your cultural background influenced the way you lead teams and make decisions?
EL: My cultural background has shaped my leadership style by giving me a deep appreciation for diversity, creativity, and relationships. Coming from a community that is rich in culture, innovation, and storytelling, I’ve learned how powerful it can be to bring different perspectives together. We naturally bridge different worlds—understanding and blending various viewpoints—and I apply that same mindset when leading teams.
I’ve seen firsthand that the strongest teams are those with true diversity of thought. When leaders with different experiences come together, decisions become richer, more well-rounded, and ultimately more effective. Some of the most successful outcomes in my career have come from teams where every voice felt empowered to challenge, contribute, and look at problems through multiple angles.
“Groupthink” is one of the risks I am most vigilant about as a leader. My cultural roots taught me to question assumptions, to value the conversation behind the conversation, and to ensure that all perspectives are represented in the decision-making process. Creating space for those diverse viewpoints isn’t just good leadership—it’s a competitive advantage. And it’s a direct reflection of where I come from and the values that shaped me.
What has been the most defining leadership moment of your career so far?
EL:When I think about defining leadership moments, my mind doesn’t go to a single achievement or milestone—it goes to people whose lives and careers I’ve had the privilege to influence. If there’s a thread that runs through my journey, it’s the profound impact of developing leaders.
Some of the most meaningful experiences of my career have been watching individuals grow—from seeing interns take on their first supervisory roles to witnessing talented leaders step into Vice President or C-suite positions. Those transitions are powerful. They remind me that leadership isn’t about the role you hold; it’s about how you help others rise.
One moment that stays with me came recent-
ly, when a former colleague reached out to share how much our time together shaped their development—from an entry-level leader to now serving as a Chief Supply Chain Officer at another company. Hearing that was humbling. It reinforced for me that the most enduring part of leadership is the legacy you build through others.
I am deeply grateful to be in a position where I can invest in people the same way others invested in me. Those moments—quiet, personal, and authentic—are what continue to define my career more than anything else.
As a C-suite leader, what are the biggest opportunities you see for Latino talent in your industry today?
EL: One of the greatest opportunities for Latino talent today is the growing recognition that diversity is not just about representation—it’s about unlocking new ways of thinking that fuel innovation, performance, and long-term growth. Latino leaders bring a powerful blend of empathy, resilience, cultural fluency, and relationship-building that is increasingly essential in modern organizations.
In supply chain and across the broader retail industry, the ability to navigate complexity, foster collaboration, and build inclusive cultures has never been more important. Latino talent is uniquely equipped to excel in these environments. Our backgrounds often give us a natural ability to connect across differences, thrive in ambiguity, and lead with both head and heart—qualities that lift teams and accelerate transformation.
How do you promote inclusion, representation and opportunity for the next generation of Latino leaders?
EL:I promote inclusion, representation, and opportunity for the next generation of Latino leaders by leading with the values that have shaped my own journey—community, connection, and the intentional celebration of diverse perspectives. In my culture, family and community are at the center of everything, and I’ve carried that mindset throughout my 12 years at Ulta Beauty. I focus on building strong, genuine relationships, supporting my colleagues, and creating a sense of belonging. When people feel seen and supported, they are more likely to grow, take risks, and step into leadership roles.
What legacy or long-term impact do you hope to leave through your leadership?
EL:The legacy I hope to leave is centered on the belief that diversity of thought is one of the greatest catalysts for progress. Throughout my career, I’ve seen firsthand how transformative it can be when organizations not only embrace representation but intentionally create space for different perspectives
to shape decisions, strategy, and culture.
My own cultural background has given me a lens that enriches how I lead, think, and build teams. I want my impact to reflect that same principle—broadening opportunity, opening doors for others, and elevating voices that deserve to be heard. If my leadership can help cultivate environments where people feel empowered to bring their full selves forward, challenge assumptions, and grow into their potential, then I will consider that a meaningful contribution. Ultimately, I hope my legacy is one of developing leaders and expanding what is possible for the next generation, proving that organizations thrive when they value, invest in, and blend the perspectives of all people.
I HOPE MY LEGACY IS ONE OF DEVELOPING LEADERS AND EXPANDING WHAT IS POSSIBLE FOR THE NEXT GENERATION.
Innovation within tradition & craftmanship
Bertha González Nieves
Co-Founder & CEO, Casa Dragones
CASA DRAGONES has become synonymous with elegance and craftsmanship. Looking back, what personal values or experiences most shaped your vision for creating a tequila house that redefines tradition?
BGN: While studying business administration in Mexico City, I was chosen for a program sponsored by the Japanese government to study abroad and represent Mexico. As part of that experience, I traveled extensively to learn about key national industries, and one journey took me to Tequila, Jalisco. Spending several days among the agave fields and distilleries, I witnessed firsthand the artistry, agriculture, and dedication behind the spirit. The process fascinated me, but it was the final expression—the tequila itself—that truly captivated me. I remember calling my parents immediately afterward and saying, “I know what I want to do with my life.” That spark ignited a passion that has guided me for more than three decades, shaping both my vision and my deep respect for the craft.
You’ve often described tequila as an ambassador for Mexico. How do you see Casa Dragones influencing global perceptions of Mexican culture and artistry?
BGN: Tequila is deeply woven into Mexico’s identity—it’s one of the first associations people around the world make when they think of our country. For me, it represents more than a spirit; it’s a platform to share the richness of our heritage and the creativity of our artisans. With Casa Dragones, we aim to push the boundaries of a 250-year-old tradition, offering a fresh perspective that celebrates innovation without losing authenticity. In doing so, we get to showcase a Mexico that isn’t always seen—one that is sophisticated, diverse, and culturally vibrant. Through our tequilas, I hope people experience not only a beautiful spirit, but also a deeper appreciation of Mexico’s artistry and its extraordinary character.
Innovation and heritage often stand at opposite ends of the spectrum. How do you balance respect for centuries-old tequila traditions with the push to innovate and modernize the category?
BGN: Tradition is our inspiration, but innovation is our motivation. Casa Dragones is celebrated not only for its flavor but also for its design and presentation. What role does artistry and aesthetics play in building a luxury brand?
BGN: For us, artistry is inseparable from the experience of Casa Dragones. Just as we take a meticulous approach to crafting our tequilas, we bring that same dedication to the design and craftsmanship of each bottle. Every detail is intentional—from our small-batch, sustainable production methods to the hand-finishing that makes each piece unique. Our Casa Dragones Joven bottle, for example, is individually engraved using pepita, a centuries-old technique that was introduced to Mexico in the 1500s and is now practiced by only a handful of artisans. Each bottle is then labeled, signed, and numbered by hand, reinforcing our commitment to craftsmanship at the highest level. These human touches can’t be replicated by machine—they’re what give each bottle its soul.
You were the first woman to be certified as a Maestra Tequilera. How did breaking that barrier shape your leadership, and how do you see women’s roles evolving in the spirits industry?
BGN: When the LA Times first described me as the first woman to be recognized as a Maestra Tequilera, I felt both honored and deeply aware of the responsibility that came with it. For me, it wasn’t just a title—it was a call to lead with purpose, to help grow our industry, and to ensure that the tequila category continues to evolve while honoring its appellation
of origin. That sense of responsibility has guided my approach as a leader. Beyond building Casa Dragones, I’ve been committed to contributing to education in the field, such as helping establish the first university courses at the Universidad Autónoma de Guadalajara for professionals already working in distilleries. It’s rewarding to see more women entering the spirits industry today, bringing fresh perspectives and expertise. I believe their growing presence will continue to shape the future of tequila and enrich the culture of our craft.
Leadership in luxury requires patience and long-term vision. What has been the most challenging part of scaling Casa Dragones while preserving its exclusivity?
BGN: Our intention was always to focus on quality over quantity. So, we established our values, our foundation and our ways of working based on the product we wanted to deliver in the long-term. We never had to change the way we worked in order to grow. We didn’t have to give anything up because it’s always been in our DNA.
Entrepreneurship often comes with defining moments of risk. Can you share a time when you made a bold decision for the company that changed its trajectory?
BGN: I think launching Casa Dragones with a then-unknown style of Joven tequila, which is a rare blend of Silver and Extra Añejo tequila, in a hand-engraved, hand-made crystal decanter, at a luxury price point, was the first of many bold risks we took as a company. We wanted to prove that tequila, as well as Mexico, had the attention to detail, the credentials and the gift of craftsmanship to compete in the luxury spirits world. Since then, we’ve been focused on innovation, bringing other bold, original ideas to the category to surprise and enamor the tequila lover—such as a Reposado rested in custom-made Japanese Mizunara Oak casks.
As tequila continues to grow in global popularity, how do you ensure Casa Dragones stays ahead without losing its soul?
BGN: At Casa Dragones, innovation is part of our DNA—it’s how we honor tradition while also moving the category forward. We’re constantly asking ourselves how to expand the possibilities of tequila, whether through pioneering production methods or creative collaborations. Beyond production, we’re passionate about working with visionaries in other fields— chefs, designers, and artists—who bring fresh perspectives to our spirit.
Beyond business, Casa Dragones has become a cultural platform, collaborating with chefs, designers, and artists. Why is it important to you that tequila lives in dialogue with other creative fields?
BGN: We love exploring the intersection of tequila and contemporary art through special Artist Editions created in collaboration with internationally recognized artists such as Petrit Halilaj, Pedro Reyes,Danh Vo, and Gabriel Orozco.These partnerships allow us to present tequila not only as a fine spirit, but also as a canvas for creative expression. In this way, design and aesthetics become an essential part of how Casa Dragones defines modern luxury.
Looking ahead, what excites you most — for Casa Dragones, for Mexican craftsmanship, and for your own journey as a leader?
BGN: What excites me the most is expanding the tequila repertoire and bringing new ideas of taste and quality to the spirit lover, and to showcase that Mexican craftsmanship can compete with any craftsmanship around the world. Our recent launch of our new Cristalino in partnership with Karol G, is an example. We wanted to not only bring an exciting new style to our portfolio, but to create a tequila that is a love letter to a song (200 Copas), which has become a movement. We are thrilled to see new people fall in love with our tequila and our craft through a very special partnership that is full of meaning and that celebrates the best of the Latin community.
Beyond Casa Dragones’ business success, you’ve also invested in giving back. How do you see community-building and social impact as part of your legacy?
BGN: Community-building and social impact start with leading with excellence and leading by example. I see it as my role to be a cheerleader for women in leadership, while also making sure I’m defined not just by my gender, but by the results I deliver and the contributions I make.
Photos Courtesy of Casa Dragones
CEO s & PRESIDENTS 2025
These Latinos stand at the helm of their companies, guiding teams, steering markets, and elevating industries. As CEOs and Presidents, they exemplify resilience, and strategic clarity.
ADOLFO VILLAGOMEZ
1-800-FLOWERS.COM, INC.
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Adolfo Villagomez was appointed CEO of 1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc. in May 2025, becoming the first person outside the founding family to lead the company. He brings over two decades of leadership in digital transformation, having served as CEO of Progress Residential and held senior roles at The Home Depot’s online business and McKinsey & Company. His agenda focuses on consumer-centric strategy, data-driven growth and omnichannel retail innovation.
JEFF ALVAREZ
1POINTFIVE SEQUESTRATION AND TERRALITHIUM
PRESIDENT & GENERAL MANAGER
Jeff Alvarez is President of 1PointFive Sequestration. Previously he served as Vice President of Investor Relations for Oxy. Before Oxy, he served as President and General Manager – Permian Resources, Texas Delaware Basin.
SEBASTIEN D. REYES
A&M ASSOCIATES
U-HAUL HOLDING COMPANY
PRESIDENT
Sebastien Reyes is a respected executive, strategist, and advisor with a breadth of experience working with public companies, nonprofit organizations and family businesses. As President of A&M Associates, he leads the internal agency responsible for advertising, marketing, communications, digital, public affairs and investor relations for U-Haul Holding Company, one of America’s most recognizable brands. A true servant-leader, he has served on over a dozen boards and councils across North America.
ANDRÉS GLUSKI
AES
PRESIDENT & CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Under Andrés’ leadership, AES became a world leader in innovating and adopting new technologies that enable our customers to meet their business objectives, including establishing AES as the world leader in energy storage. He led AES to establish its aggressive carbon reduction strategy in 2018 to show the company’s commitment to creating a sustainable climate future, making AES the first publicly-traded US energy company to issue a climate report that complies with recommendations from the Task Force on Climate Related Financial Disclosures.
DAVID DE LEON
ALLIANT ENERGY
PRESIDENT – ALLIANT ENERGY’S WISCONSIN ENERGY COMPANY AND SENIOR VICE
PRESIDENT – OPERATIONS
De Leon has two leadership roles at Alliant Energy Corporation. He is President of Alliant Energy’s Wisconsin energy company and Senior Vice President of Operations. He joined the company in 1987 as a thermal performance engineer. Throughout his career, David has focused on improving, maintaining and constructing the company’s operating assets. Outside of work, David volunteers for various activities to help strengthen the communities Alliant Energy customers and employees live and work in.
IVETTE DOMINGUEZ DRAWE
ALPINE AUTOMOTIVE GROUP CHIEF
EXECUTIVE OFFICER & CO-FOUNDER
Ivette Dominguez Drawe has built a successful multi–state auto-retail group starting from a single dealership in 2005. Under her leadership, the company expanded to seven locations across several states, consistently ranking among top performers in sales and customer satisfaction. A recognized advocate for diversity and community service, she was recently inducted into the Colorado Automotive Hall of Fame for her pioneering leadership and philanthropic engagement.
DOMINGO LASTRA
ARCHER
DANIELS MIDLAND PRESIDENT, LATIN AMERICA
Domingo Lastra is president, Latin America, for ADM and a member of the company’s Executive Council. In that position, he has oversight of all of ADM’s business activities in that region. Since joining ADM in 1994, Lastra has held a range of merchandising, operations and logistics leadership roles. Prior to his current position, he was vice president, Integration and Strategy. Lastra holds a bachelor’s degree in agricultural engineering from the University of Belgrano in Argentina, and a master’s degree in agricultural economics from the University of Illinois.
ANTONIO CARRILLO
ARCOSA
PRESIDENT & CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
From April 2018 until November 2018, Carrillo served as the Senior Vice President and Group President of Construction, Energy, Marine, and Components of Trinity Industries, Inc. From 2012 to February 2018, Carrillo served as the Chief Executive Officer of Orbia Advance Corporation, a publicly-traded global specialty chemical company. Prior to joining Orbia, Carrillo spent 16 years at Trinity Industries, Inc. where he served as Senior Vice President and Group President of Trinity’s Energy Equipment Group and was responsible for Trinity’s Mexico operations.
JEFF D. MARTINEZ
ATMOS
PRESIDENT OF THE MID-TEX DIVISION
Jeff has held the current position since 2020. In March 2018, Jeff was named vice president of customer service organization. Prior, Jeff served as vice president of operations in the Mid-Tex Division of Atmos Energy. In his 21 years with the Company, he has held positions in strategic management, engineering and operations. He has been active in a number of community organizations including Big Brothers –Big Sisters and the Fort Worth Diocesan School Advisory Council, as well as American Gas Association and Southern Gas Association committees.
RAUL ANAYA
BANK OF AMERICA CORP.
PRESIDENT & BUSINESS BANKING
Raul A. Anaya is president of Business Banking, one of Bank of America’s eight lines of business, and is a member of the company’s executive management team. He leads a nationwide team that serves mid-sized U.S.-based companies with annual revenues between $5 million and $50 million, by delivering strategic financial advice and solutions to help companies grow, improve cash flow and invest for the future. In addition to his responsibilities as president of Business Banking, Anaya serves as president of Bank of America for Greater Los Angeles.
JUDITH TALAVERA
AMERICAN ELECTRIC POWER
PRESIDENT & CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER, AEP TEXAS
Judith E. Talavera is president and chief operating officer for AEP Texas, responsible for the company's operations in south and west Texas. At AEP Texas, we're improving our customers' experience, strengthening communities and energizing our employees to create a brighter future together. Previously, she was director of Regulatory Services for AEP Texas since November 2008. Talavera began her career with AEP in 2000 as manager of Governmental Affairs for AEP Texas. Before joining AEP, Talavera worked in a number of legislative positions
JUAN LUCIANO
ARCHER DANIELS MIDLAND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, PRESIDENT & CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD
Juan R. Luciano is chairman of the board of directors, president and chief executive officer of ADM. Luciano joined ADM in 2011 as executive vice president and chief operating officer. He was named president in February 2014, and in January 2015 became the ninth chief executive in ADM’s 112-year history. He became chairman of the board in January 2016. Before joining ADM, Luciano had a successful 25-year tenure at The Dow Chemical Company, where he last served as executive vice president and president of the Performance division.
GUILLERMO NOVO
ASHLAND GLOBAL HOLDINGS
CHAIRMAN & CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Novo joined Ashland’s Board of Directors in May 2019 and he became Chief Executive Officer of Ashland December 31, 2019. Previously he was the President and Chief Executive Officer of Versum Materials and a member of its Board of Directors. He joined Air Products in 2012 as Senior Vice President Electronics, Performance Materials, Strategy and Technology. Prior to Air Products, he was employed by Dow Chemical Company where he most recently served as group vice president, Dow Coating Materials.
ALEX QUEVEDO
AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING
PRESIDENT & HUMAN RESOURCES OUTSOURCING
Alex Quevedo is President of Human Resources Outsourcing (HRO). Alex and his team are focused on helping small and mid-sized businesses manage their most important resource, their people, while providing tools to attract and retain top talent, mitigate employment risk, gain operational efficiencies, and control cost.Prior to this role, Alex served as Senior Vice President of Sales for HRO where he drove growth and market leadership for ADP’s TotalSource and Comprehensive Services solutions.
PEDRO MALHA
BEAUTYHEALTH
PRESIDENT & CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Pedro Malha brings over 20 years of global leadership in the healthcare and medical‐device industries, most recently serving as Worldwide Division President and Corporate Officer at Abbott Laboratories. As of October 1 2025, he takes on the role of President & CEO of BeautyHealth, charged with driving growth across skincare and aesthetic health markets through innovation, operational excellence and strategic global expansion.
HORACIO D. ROZANSKI
BOOZ ALLEN HAMILTON HOLDING
PRESIDENT & CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Since 2012, Horacio has led a strategic transformation of the firm, investing in innovation, advanced technology, and highly skilled talent, and reshaping its portfolio toward mission-critical, high-margin solutions. He joined Booz Allen in 1992 as a consultant to commercial clients, was elected vice president in 1999, and served as chief personnel officer, chief strategy and talent officer, and president and chief operating officer before becoming CEO. He also is a member of the firm’s Board of Directors.
ERNIE GARCIA, III
CARVANA
PRESIDENT & CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER AND CHAIRMAN
Ernie Garcia, III co-founded Carvana and has served as our President and Chief Executive Officer since our inception in 2012. Garcia is also Chairman of the Carvana Co. Board. Prior to founding Carvana, Garcia held various roles at the DriveTime Automotive Group, Inc. from January 2007 to January 2013. From November 2009 until January 2013, he served as a Vice President and Treasurer and Director of Quantitative Analytics. Garcia holds a B.S. in Management Science and Engineering from Stanford University.
VALMIR FERNANDES
CINEMARK HOLDINGS
PRESIDENT OF INTERNATIONAL
Valmir Fernandes has served as our President of Cinemark International, L.L.C. since March 2007 and has been with Cinemark for more than 20 years. He has previously hed different position at Arthur D. Little from 1991 to 1995, and Dow Chemical from 1983 to 1990.
LUIS MULLER
COHU, INC
PRESIDENT & CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Luis A. Müller has led Cohu, Inc. as President & CEO since December 2014. With a background in semiconductor equipment business units and international operations, he steered growth in advanced testing and inspection technologies. His technical and business grounding enables Cohu to serve rapidly evolving sectors such as automotive, mobile devices and high-speed logic, focusing on innovation, global scale and operational discipline.
RICK CARDENAS
DARDEN RESTAURANTS
PRESIDENT & CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Rick was unanimously elected in Dec 2021 to become the fourth President and Chief Executive Officer of Darden Restaurants effective May 30, 2022. A 34-year veteran of the company began his career with Darden as a busser. Rick has a bachelor’s degree in Finance & Accounting from the University of Central Florida, an MBA from The Amos Tuck School of Business Administration at Dartmouth College and is a Certified Public Accountant. He currently serves on the board of Tractor Supply Company.
FRANCISCO J. LEON
CALIFORNIA RESOURCES
PRESIDENT & CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Francisco J. Leon has built his career within California Resources Corporation starting in 2014, advancing through strategic planning and finance roles. Before his current role, he served as Executive Vice President and CFO from August 2020 to April 2023, and joined the board in April 2023 when he became President & CEO. He brings deep expertise in capital markets, M&A and the oil & gas industry, leading the company’s next phase of growth.
DARREN REBELEZ
CASEY'S GENERAL STORES
PRESIDENT & CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Darren Rebelez is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Casey’s General Stores, Inc. in Ankeny, Iowa since 2019. He brings a wealth of experience as a senior executive in the convenience store and restaurant industries. Prior to joining Dine Brands, Darren was employed by 7-Eleven, Inc, as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. Before 7-Eleven, Darren held numerous management roles within ExxonMobil, and before that, at Thornton Oil Corporation.
ERNESTO TORRES CANTU
CITIGROUP
HEAD OF INTERNATIONAL
Prior to his current role, Ernesto served as CEO of Citibanamex from 2014 to 2019. He also served as CEO of Citibanamex Consumer Banking from 2012 to 2014 and in 2006 was appointed President of the Retail Bank in Mexico. Ernesto joined Citibanamex in 1989 as a Corporate Banker. Ernesto holds a degree in industrial engineering from the Instituto Tecnológico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey and holds a Master of Business Administration degree from Georgia State University in Atlanta. He serves as Chairman of the Board of Tecnológico de Monterrey.
JUAN PABLO ZAMORANO
COLGATE-PALMOLIVE
PRESIDENT, COLGATE-LATIN AMERICA
JP Zamorano became President, Latin America, in 2019, deploying his extensive experience in navigating changing macroeconomic conditions for continued growth. Previously he served as President, North America, where he strengthened the Colgate brand and pursued promising omnichannel marketing and advertising opportunities. JP joined Colgate Colombia in 1990 as a product manager and progressed through marketing and management roles of increasing responsibility. JP earned his Engineering degree from Pontificia Universidad Javeriana.
JAVIER J. RODRIGUEZ
DAVITA INC.
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Rodriguez is an experienced leader committed to transforming care delivery for patients with kidney disease—from the earliest stages of the disease through transplantation. He is passionate about accelerating the digital transformation and delivering customized care to each patient while lowering costs for the health care system. In more than 20 years with DaVita, he has continued fostering a powerful sense of inclusivity and community among teammates and patients.
OCTAVIO MARQUEZ
DIEBOLD NIXDORF
PRESIDENT & CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Octavio Marquez currently serves Diebold Nixdorf as president and chief executive officer. In this role, he is responsible for driving the organization's global strategies and performance to enable secure, software-defined connected commerce and related services across the financial and retail industries. Marquez has more than 25 years of leadership experience in the banking, technology and IT sectors. Most recently, he led Diebold Nixdorf’s Global Banking business.
MARILENA RODRÍGUEZ FORERO
DUAL GROUP CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER LATIN AMERICA
With more than 30 years of experience in insurance and reinsurance across Latin America, Marilena Rodríguez Forero joins DUAL Group’s Latin America region as CEO, bringing deep expertise in property & casualty underwriting and facultative business. Previously based in Mexico, she held senior roles at AXA as Director, P&C Underwriting, and at XL Catlin as Head of Facultative Business for Latin America. Her leadership centers on regional growth, risk innovation and operational excellence.
DEANNA RODRIGUEZ
ENTERGY
PRESIDENT & CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, ENTERGY NEW ORLEANS
Deanna oversees the company’s electric distribution system, safety, financial performance, customer service, resource planning, economic development, charitable contributions, employee development, and regulatory and governmental affairs. Rodriguez, a 28-year veteran of Entergy, previously served a vice president of regulatory and public affairs at Entergy Texas, Inc. Prior to that, she was vice president of regulatory affairs for Entergy New Orleans, where she worked closely with the New Orleans City Council to launch the first Energy Smart program.
PABLO VEGAS
ERCOT
PRESIDENT & CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Pablo Vegas joined ERCOT in October 2022 as President and CEO. He has a long history of service in both the electric and gas industries. Prior to ERCOT, Mr. Vegas was Executive Vice President of NiSource, and Group President of NiSource Utilities. He served as a versatile executive at NiSource for six years. Prior to joining NiSource, Mr. Vegas held a variety of senior executive positions with American Electric Power. Before his career in the regulated utility industry, Mr. Vegas served in senior leadership positions with IBM, PricewaterhouseCoopers, and Andersen Consulting.
RUBEN MENDOZA
FOUNDATION BUILDING MATERIALS
PRESIDENT & CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Mendoza is the founder, President and Chief Executive Officer at FBM and has 25 years of industry experience. Prior to founding our company in 2011, he served as the Chief Executive Officer of AMS. MS grew significantly under Mr. Mendoza’s leadership, particularly across the West Coast and Northern Mexico through greenfields and strategic acquisitions. Mendoza originally joined AMS in 1991 and assumed the Chief Executive Officer role in 2003 after several years as AMS’Vice President and Sales Manager.
GUILLERMO BRISEÑO
DONALDSON
PRESIDENT, INDUSTRIAL SOLUTIONS
Guillermo Briseño is President, Industrial Solutions and joined the company in 2003. During his tenure, he has held positions of increasing responsibility across the organization, most recently Vice President, Latin America. He holds a bachelor’s degree in architecture and science from Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México and an MBA from Instituto Tecnológico de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey.
PEDRO PIZARRO
EDISON INTERNATIONAL PRESIDENT & CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Pedro J. Pizarro is president and chief executive officer of Edison International, the parent company of Southern California Edison, one of the nation’s largest electric utilities. Edison International is also the parent company of Edison Energy, a portfolio of competitive businesses providing commercial and industrial customers with energy management and procurement services. Pizarro is a member of Edison International’s board of directors and serves on a number of industry-related boards.
ELIECER "ELI" VIAMONTES
ENTERGY
CHAIRMAN, PRESIDENT & CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER ENTERGY TEXAS
Viamontes is responsible for the company’s safe and reliable service, financial performance, customer service, regulatory and public affairs, resource planning, economic development programs, and charitable contributions. Before assuming his current role in November 2021, Viamontes served as vice president, utility distribution operations for Entergy Corporation. Viamontes has 19 years of experience leading and working in customer-centric initiatives. Prior to joining Entergy, Viamontes served at Florida Power & Light Company.
JOSÉ ANTONIO GARZA‑LAGÜERAFERNÁNDEZ
FOMENTO ECONÓMICO MEXICANO (FEMSA)
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
José Antonio Fernández Garza-Lagüera earned an Industrial Engineering degree from Tecnológico de Monterrey and an MBA from Stanford. He has risen through key roles within FEMSA across sales, operations and strategic planning since 2011. On November 1, 2025 he became CEO of FEMSA, steering the company’s legacy in retail, beverages and services. His leadership aligns with a generational transition and focuses on growth, digital innovation and sustainability across Latin America.
ALEJANDRO REYNAL
FOUR SEASONS HOTELS
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER & PRESIDENT
Alejandro joined the company in 2022 as President and CEO following an international career in global travel and hospitality, business services, and telecommunications industries. Previously, Alejandro was President and CEO of Apple Leisure Group (ALG), a luxury resort management and leisure travel group owned by Hyatt Hotels Corporation. Prior to ALG, Alejandro was CEO of Atento, a customer relationship management and business process outsourcing services company. Earlier in his career, Alejandro held strategic management positions at Telefonica and The Coca-Cola Company.
CARLOS ALBERINI GUESS CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Alberini currently serves as member of the board of directors and Chief Executive Officer of Guess? Inc., since February 2019. Alberini previously served as the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Lucky Brand. Alberini served as Co-Chief Executive Officer for RH (formerly Restoration Hardware), and he served as sole Chief Executive Officer from October 2012 through July 2013. Alberini was President and Chief Operating Officer of Guess from December 2000 to June 2010. From May 2006 to July 2006, Alberini served as Interim Chief Financial Officer of Guess.
ENRIQUE LORES
HP PRESIDENT & CHIEF EXECUTIVE
OFFICER
Enrique Lores is the President and CEO of HP Inc., a technology company that believes one thoughtful idea has the power to change the world. A Fortune 100 company with operations in more than 180 countries, its product and service portfolio of personal systems, printers, and 3D printing solutions helps bring these ideas to life. During his more than 30-year career at HP, Enrique has held senior leadership positions spanning HP’s Personal Systems, Print, Industrial, and Services businesses across country, region, and worldwide roles.
DAVE ROSA
INTUITIVE SURGICAL, INC.
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Dave Rosa is CEO and Board member of Intuitive Surgical, with a long-standing career at the company since 1996. He began as a mechanical engineer working on the da Vinci surgical system and has held senior leadership in engineering, commercial, regulatory and strategic growth. As CEO, he drives innovation in minimally invasive robotics and expands the company’s reach in global healthcare markets.
RAFAEL OLIVEIRA
JDE PEET’S
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR & CEO
Rafael of Oliveira combines global consumer-goods expertise with financial sector experience. He spent ten years at The Kraft Heinz Company, serving as EVP and President for International Markets (EMEA, APAC, LATAM), and earlier worked at Goldman Sachs in the UK and Hong Kong. As of 1 November 2024, he became CEO and Executive Director of JDE Peet’s, the world’s leading pure-play coffee and tea company, bringing strategic acumen, brand leadership and international market perspective.
OSCAR AUGUSTO DEL CUETO CUEVAS
KANSAS CITY SOUTHERN
PRESIDENT, GENERAL MANAGER & EXECUTIVE REPRESENTATIVE AT CPKCM
Del Cueto Cuevas has served in this role since 2020. He joined KCSM predecessor TFM in 1997. He has nearly 30 years of railway industry experience, working in institutional relations, communication, operations, planning and logistics. Del Cueto holds a master’s degree in business administration and bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of Monterrey. He has also completed advanced studies, such as the Railroad Management Program certificate from the University of Michigan and certification programs at the Transportation Technology Center in Pueblo, Colo.
ANTONIO NERI
HEWLETT PACKARD ENTERPRISE
PRESIDENT & CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Antonio Neri is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Hewlett Packard Enterprise – the global edge-to-cloud company – responsible for the development and delivery of enterprise technology solutions and services that help organizations accelerate outcomes by unlocking value from all of their data, everywhere. During his more than 25 years at the Hewlett-Packard Company (HP) and Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE), Antonio has held numerous leadership positions. Antonio led the strategy, development and introduction of many breakthrough innovations.
VICENTE REYNAL
INGERSOLL RAND CHAIRMAN, PRESIDENT & CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Vicente Reynal is Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Ingersoll Rand. Prior to Ingersoll Rand, Vicente served as chief executive officer of Gardner Denver and was a member of its board of directors. In this role, he was responsible for driving overall growth and profitability leading to the IPO of Gardner Denver in May 2017 and subsequently in early 2020 acquiring the Ingersoll Rand Industrial Segment. Before joining Gardner Denver, Vicente spent 11 years at Danaher Corporation.
CARLOS ROJAS GIRĀO
IPG MEDIABRANDS
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER LATIN AMERICA
Carlos Rojas Girão leads IPG Mediabrands Latin America as CEO, overseeing the region’s operations in data‐driven media, creativity and advertising solutions. He has positioned the firm at the intersection of audience insights, digital transformation and regional growth. Under his leadership, IPG’s Latin American businesses are evolving to meet changing consumer behaviour and media ecosystems in multiple markets.
JOAQUIN DUATO
JOHNSON & JOHNSON
CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD & CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Joaquin Duato is the Chief Executive Officer of Johnson & Johnson and serves on its Board of Directors. As CEO of the world’s largest healthcare company, Joaquin leads a global workforce of 135,000 employees in developing and delivering transformational and innovative healthcare solutions in Pharmaceuticals, MedTech, and Consumer Health. Joaquin is leading Johnson & Johnson to harness data science and intelligent automation for insight generation so that teams work as a united front, with expertise and purpose, to solve the world’s toughest health challenges.
NICOLAS AMAYA
KELLANOVA LATIN AMERICA
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT & PRESIDENT NORTH AMERICA
Nicolas Amaya serves as Senior Vice President and President, Kellogg North America and is a member of Kellogg Company’s executive committee. Amaya joined Kellogg Company in 2001 as a Marketing Intern for Eggo in the United States. Since then, he has held a variety of leadership positions in the U.S. and Latin America across the cereal, frozen and snacks businesses.
RUSS TORRES
KIMBERLY-CLARK
PRESIDENT & CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
As group president of Kimberly-Clark's North American consumer business, Russ Torres is responsible for the company's Personal Care and Consumer Tissue businesses in the U.S. and. He previously served as president of the Kimberly-Clark Professional business, which provides a wide range of commercial products and services globally. Torres joined Kimberly-Clark in 2020 with more than 20 years of experience within the consumer product goods industry, spanning several key senior leadership roles.
HECTOR DE LA BARREDA
LA COMER
CHIEF
EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Héctor de la Barreda brings a 32-year track record in the food & beverage industry, with leadership roles at Hershey’s, PepsiCo, The Pepsi Bottling Group and Coca-Cola Femsa. He holds a bachelor’s in actuarial science from ITAM and pursued strategic and marketing studies at UVA Darden and Harvard. As CEO of La Comer (effective January 2026), his mission is to deploy external brand and operational experience into the Mexican retail supermarket sector.
LAURA ESCOBAR
LENNAR
PRESIDENT, LENNAR MORTGAGE INC
Laura is a 35-year industry veteran who has held leadership positions with both bank-owned and independent mortgage companies, overseeing all aspects of mortgage banking. She joined Lennar Mortgage in 2002 as Branch Manager, was promoted to Senior Vice President managing the Eastern Region in 2004, and became Executive Vice President in 2016, overseeing operations and production of the Builder Division. Laura was named President of Lennar Mortgage in 2018. Laura has been nominated to serve as the 2023 Vice Chair of the Mortgage Banker Association (MBA).
GABRIEL TIRADOR
MERCURY GENERAL PRESIDENT & CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, DIRECTOR
Gabriel became the second person to hold the title of CEO in the company’s 58-year history when Mercury Founder and Chairman of the Board, George Joseph. He personally selected Tirador to succeed him in 2006. He was appointed Mercury’s VP & CFO in 1998, President & COO in 2001 and CEO in 2007. Gabe has played a key role in growing Mercury’s revenues to over $3.4 billion per year and expanding operations. Prior, he held various financial positions including Senior Accountant for KPMG LLP and VP and Controller for the Automobile Club of Southern California.
ARMANDO PIMENTEL
NEXTERA ENERGY
PRESIDENT & CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, FLORIDA POWER & LIGHT COMPANY
Pimentel, Jr. has been the president and CEO of Florida Power & Light Company, a subsidiary of NextEra Energy, Inc. and an electric utility serving 5.8 million customer accounts, since February 2023. He previously served as president and chief executive officer of NextEra Energy Resources, a subsidiary of NextEra Energy, Inc., and leading provider of sustainable energy generation.
CARLOS ABRAMS-RIVERA
KRAFT HEINZ
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER & BOARD MEMBER
Carlos Abrams-Rivera is the CEO and Board Member of The Kraft Heinz Company since December 2023. Previously, he served as President of Kraft Heinz and held leadership roles at Campbell Soup Company and Mondelēz International. Carlos began his career at Kraft Foods. He holds a B.S. in Economics from Carnegie Mellon and an MBA from the University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business.
CRISTINA PARDO
LENNAR
PRESIDENT, LENNAR TITLE GROUP
Cristina Pardo is President of Lennar Title. Previously, she was Chief Financial Officer, Vice President of Lennar Financial Services, LLC, parent of Lennar Title. Cristina started her career in public accounting working for Deloitte and after 5 years left to work for one of her clients. In 2003, Cristina started with Lennar Financial Services as Controller. Cristina earned her bachelor’s degree in business administration in 1989 from Florida International University, with a major in accounting and has been a CPA in Florida since November 1989.
JOSE MAS
MASTEC
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Jose R. Mas, is Chief Executive Officer of MasTec, Inc., one of the largest and most diversified U.S. infrastructure services providers in the country. Mas was appointed CEO of MasTec in 2007 and during his tenure MasTec’s revenues have grown more than 800% and earnings and cash flow have grown at a much larger pace. Jose Mas has grown up in the business and over 20 years worked his way from the field to the executive suite. He serves on the U.S. Department of Commerce National Advisory Council on Minority Business Enterprises.
NELLY MOLINA
MEXICO PACIFIC
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Manuela “Nelly” Molina brings over 25 years of experience in the energy sector across the United States and Mexico, having held senior leadership roles at companies such as Sempra, IEnova, Kinder Morgan Mexico and California Resources Corporation. In 2025 she became CEO of Mexico Pacific, guiding the development of its LNG project and positioning the company for regional impact in North American energy infrastructure.
RAMON LAGUARTA
PEPSICO CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER AND CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Ramon became CEO in 2018. Before joining PepsiCo he worked at Chupa Chups, a candy company based in Spain known for its lollipops. His first role was in the company’s European business, and in 2014 became the CEO of the entire Europe and Sub-Saharan Africa (ESSA) sector. Laguarta was named president of PepsiCo in September 2017. Between 2015 and 2017, Ramon served as Chief Executive Officer of the sector formerly known as Europe Sub-Saharan Africa (ESSA).
NICOLAS CATOGGIO
POST CONSUMER BRANDS
PRESIDENT & CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF POST CONSUMER BRANDS
Catoggio is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Post Consumer Brands. He joined the company in 2021.Nicolas served as Managing Director and Senior Partner in the Chicago office of The Boston Consulting Group (BCG) from 2007-2021. He also has vast experience working in international markets. Before joining BCG, Nicolas worked at Unilever for several years in business development, corporate strategy and finance. Nicolas earned his MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business.
ADAM MUÑOZ
PROPETRO HOLDING PRESIDENT & CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
Adam Muñoz joined the Company in 2010 to initiate ProPetro’s Permian pressure pumping operation. Prior to joining ProPetro, Adam held sales and operations roles at Frac Tech Services and Weatherford International. Since joining ProPetro, Adam has served as the Director of Business Development and Technical Services where he was responsible for overseeing the growth of the hydraulic fracturing operations as well as managing the department’s day-to-day technical services. Adam has most recently served as the Vice President of Frac Service.
JUAN C. BIANCHI
RIA FINANCIAL SERVICES PRESIDENT & CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Juan is responsible for the financial and operational performance of the segment in addition to driving the global strategy for the money transfer division. Prior to the acquisition, Juan served as the CEO of Ria and has spent his entire career at either Ria or AFEX Money Express, a money transfer company purchased by Ria’s founders. Juan has more than 15 years of experience in the money transfer industry. He began his career at AFEX in Chile in 1992 and in 1996, he moved to the U.S. to join AFEX USA’s operations.
ROBERT SANCHEZ
RYDER SYSTEM
CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD & CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Over the course of nearly 30 years at Ryder, MSanchez has held many senior executive leadership positions including president and chief operating officer (COO), chief financial officer (CFO), president of Fleet Management Solutions (FMS), chief information officer (CIO), SVP of Transportation Management within Supply Chain Solutions (SCS), and VP of Asset Management. He has been a member of the company’s Executive Leadership Team since 2003. He was named CEO in January 2013 and chairman of the board in May 2013.
DAVID MAURA
SPECTRUM BRANDS HOLDINGS
EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN & CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Maura was appointed Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer in July 2018. Previously, he had served as the Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of SPB Legacy. Prior, Maura was a Managing Director and the Executive Vice President of Investments at HRG Group, Inc. and had been a member of HRG Group’s board of directors from May 2011 until December 2017. Maura previously served as a Vice President and Director of Investments of Harbinger Capital Partners LLC (“Harbinger Capital”) from 2006 until 2012.
MIKE YBARRA
PRIZEPICKS
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Mike Ybarra is the CEO of PrizePicks, based in Atlanta, Georgia. Previously, he served as President of Blizzard Entertainment (2022–2024) and Executive Vice President & GM of Platform and Technology at Blizzard. Before Blizzard, he spent 22 years at Microsoft, holding leadership roles in engineering and general management. An experienced business and technical leader, he has a strong track record of driving scale growth and full P&L accountability.
Fabrício Bloisi is a Brazilian technologist and entrepreneur with a career rooted in high-growth digital businesses. He founded Movile Group in 1998 and later led iFood, Latin America’s leading food-delivery platform. In July 2024 he was appointed Group CEO of Prosus and Naspers, tasked with leading their global tech-investment portfolio. Bloisi holds a BSc in Computer Science from UNICAMP and an MBA from Fundação Getulio Vargas.
GINA AYALA CLAXTON
ROCKWELL AUTOMATION
PRESIDENT, AMERICAS
Gina Ayala Claxton is president, Americas, at Rockwell Automation. Prior to joining Rockwell in 2022, Gina enjoyed a successful 20-year career at IBM in a variety of go-to-market segments, industries, and offerings. She most recently served as the IBM general manager for the Consumer & Travel industries and was also a member of the IBM CEO’s transformation team. As a Latina in tech, Gina is passionate about inclusion, mentorship, and representation and serves to foster a culture where individuals believe they belong and can thrive.
ALBERT MORALES
SMART START
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Albert “Al” Morales is a seasoned executive with decades of experience leading transformations across major industries. His track record includes driving sustainable revenue and EBITDA growth, executing strategic business change, and leading global operations in organizations such as Cencora, Tenneco and Avaya. Most recently, he assumed the CEO role at Smart Start and brings a strong background in finance and operational leadership, holding accounting and taxation credentials from Florida International University.
JAVIER ANDRADE-MARIN
SPECTRUM BRANDS HOLDINGS
PRESIDENT, HOME & GARDEN
Javier Andrade-Marin was appointed President of the Home & Garden (H&G) Division of Spectrum Brands in November 2022. Mr. Andrade-Marin previously served as General Manager, Retail Brands US at Henkel North America from 2020 to 2022. Prior to that, he served as Vice President Marketing for Laundry and Home Care at Henkel North America between 2018 and 2020. Before Henkel, Mr. Andrade-Marin held a number of operational and marketing roles across Europe, Latin America and the United States at Reckitt Benckiser, Verizon Communications and The Walt Disney Company.
MAX RANGEL
SPIN
MASTER CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER & GLOBAL PRESIDENT
Max Rangel was appointed Global President & CEO of Spin Master in April 2021, and has over three decades of global experience in consumer products. He oversees the company’s long-term strategy and portfolio of branded toys, games and entertainment, with a strong emphasis on innovation, brand development and growth across international markets.
LUIS E. ROJO
STEPAN
PRESIDENT & CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Luis E. Rojo is a seasoned finance professional who spent over 21 years at Procter & Gamble in various leadership roles, then joined Stepan as VP & CFO in April 2018. He was promoted to President & CEO in October 2024. His background spans strategic finance, commercial operations and global leadership, positioning him to lead Stepan’s next chapter of operational growth and shareholder value creation.
DANIEL ALEGRE
TELEVISAUNIVISION
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Daniel Alegre brings more than 30 years of global experience in media, entertainment and technology — including senior roles at Google and Activision Blizzard. He was appointed CEO of TelevisaUnivision in September 2024, succeeding Wade Davis. He is charged with driving the company’s next growth phase, leveraging streaming, content and platform capabilities while addressing the evolving Hispanic-language media landscape in the U.S. and Latin America.
MARK HERNANDEZ
THE EASTERN COMPANY
PRESIDENT & CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Hernandez, 56, has served as the Company’s President and Chief Executive Officer since January 2023 and as a director of the Company from June 2022. Previously, he led Navistar’s global manufacturing, supply chain, and logistics from 2018 to 2022, most recently as Executive Vice President from 2021 to 2022 Hernandez is Executive Vice President, Global Manufacturing and Supply Chain for Navistar, Inc.
ARTURO L. CARRIÓN CRESPO
TRIPLE-S MANAGEMENT CORP.
PRESIDENT, TRIPLE-S VIDA
President of Triple-S Vida (formerly Great American Life Assurance Company of Puerto Rico, Inc.) since 1998. He served as a Vice President of Finance at GA Life since 1987. Previously, he worked at KPMG LLP from 1978 to 1987. A Certified Public Accountant, he has a BBA in Accounting from University of Puerto Rico.
ANTONIO FILOSA
STELLANTIS
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Antonio Filosa is a seasoned automotive executive with more than 25 years at the heart of the industry. Holding an Engineer’s degree from Politecnico di Milano and an Executive MBA, he began at Fiat in 1999 and advanced through roles in Latin America, South America and the U.S. In 2025 he became CEO of Stellantis, tasked with revitalising its global brand portfolio and manufacturing strategy in a fast-changing mobility landscape.
MARIA PACHECO
STORYFUL CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER STORYFUL
Maria Pacheco is CEO of Storyful, a news and intelligence agency. Prior to joining Storyful, Maria served as deputy head of News Corp’s corporate strategy team, spearheading global initiatives such as partnerships with Big Digital and across News Corp companies. Prior to her tenure at News Corp, Maria led international business development at Portland Communications, an Omnicom agency. She has also worked in competitive planning and strategic partnerships at Comcast and ViacomCBS, and started her career at Univision in Miami.
IGNACIO MEYER
TELEVISAUNIVISION
PRESIDENT OF U.S. NETWORKS
Meyer started at the current position in September 2022. He has been at the company for more than 10 years, with different roles in increasing leadership. With more than 20 years of experience in the media and entertainment industry, Meyer has a proven track record in starting and operating growth initiatives, driving innovation, and business development. Most recently, he led the Music and Non-Scripted Entertainment division at TelevisaUnivision, driving the group’s global strategy.
ROBERTO GARCIA-RODRIGUEZ
TRIPLE-S MANAGEMENT
PRESIDENT & CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
President & Chief Executive Officer since 2016; Secretary since 2010; Vice President and General Counsel since 2008. Previously, Vice President and General Counsel at Puerto Rico Telephone. He holds a BA from Harvard University, an MBA from Stanford Graduate School of Business, and a JD from Stanford Law School. He completed the Advanced Management Program at Harvard.
JOSE DEL AMO
TRIPLE-S MANAGEMENT CORP.
PRESIDENT, TRIPLE-S PROPIEDAD
President of Triple-S Propiedad since March 2017. He has held positions of increasing responsibility since joining the company in 1998, including Surety Manager, Manager, Vice President and Senior Vice President of Underwriting and, most recently, Senior Vice President of Underwriting and Claims. Previously, he worked at Universal Insurance Company. He is a certified public accountant with a BBA in Accounting from the University of Puerto Rico.
FABIAN GARCIA
UNILEVER
PRESIDENT, PERSONAL CARE
As President, Personal Care and a member of the Unilever Leadership Executive, Fabian is responsible for Unilever’s deodorant, skin cleansing and oral care categories globally, as well as the Elida Beauty and Unilever International Global Business Units. In this role, Fabian oversees Unilever’s category-leading, innovation-powered Personal Care brands including Dove, Rexona, LUX, Axe, Lifebuoy, Smile and Pepsodent. Fabian joined the company in 2020 as President of Unilever North America,
JUAN C. ANDRADE
USAA
PRESIDENT & CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Juan C. Andrade is a veteran executive with nearly 40 years of experience in both the public and private sectors, including leadership at Everest Group Ltd., Chubb and The Hartford. He joined USAA as a board member in 2019 and became President & CEO effective April 2025, becoming only the second non-military and second Latino to lead the organization. He is committed to serving the military community through technology, operational discipline and cultural engagement.
RAFAEL O. SANTANA
WABTEC CORPORATION
PRESIDENT & CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
A native of Brazil, Santana has roughly 25 years of commercial, product management andexecutive leadership. Most recently, he served as President and CEO of GE Transportation, aunit of General Electric company. Prior to that role, he was president & CEO of GE in LatinAmerica; Santana also served as president and CEO of the Turbomachinery Solutions Businessof GE Oil & Gas, Prior to joining GE in 2000, Santana worked for six years at ExxonMobil andBritish American Tobacco. Santana has a degree in engineering from the Universidade Federalde Minas Gerais in Brazil.
KLEBER R. SANTOS
WELLS FARGO
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF CONSUMER LENDING
Santos is CEO of Consumer Lending and a member of Wells Fargo’s Operating Committee. He is responsible for leading more than 35,000 employees focused on providing consumer lending products and services, including Home Loans, Auto Loans, Personal Lending, Credit Cards, Retail Services and Merchant Services. He was previously head of Diverse Segments, Representation & Inclusion at Wells Fargo and was responsible for leading efforts to make the company a place where diversity is reflected in every facet of the company’s operations, processes, and programs.
ADRIAN RODRIGUEZ
XCEL ENERGY
PRESIDENT, XCEL ENERGY - NEW MEXICO AND TEXAS
Adrian Rodriguez is President of Xcel Energy’s New Mexico and Texas Southwestern Public Service Company (SPS), a wholly owned subsidiary of Xcel Energy Inc. Rodriguez joined Xcel Energy in 2022 from Puget Sound Energy where he served as senior vice president of regulatory and strategy, overseeing clean energy strategy, regulatory and governmental affairs, new product development, and energy efficiency. He previously served as interim Chief Executive Officer and General Counsel of El Paso Electric Company.
FERNANDO FERNÁNDEZ
UNILEVER
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Argentinian executive Fernando Fernández has spent more than 30 years at Unilever, across finance, marketing, country-leadership and global roles. He served as CFO beginning January 2024, previously led the Beauty & Wellbeing business and held regional leadership in Latin America, Brazil and the Philippines. He holds a degree in economics from the University of Buenos Aires, and in March 2025 became CEO of Unilever, responsible for guiding one of the world’s most diverse consumer-goods companies.
ANDRÉS IRLANDO
VOCUS GROUP
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Andrés Irlando brings over two decades of leadership experience in the telecommunications and technology industries, with deep expertise in investment strategy, mergers & acquisitions, portfolio management and global operations. Before his current role at Vocus Group, he served as President of Zayo Group and held senior roles across Verizon’s various regions and divisions. A proven executive in scaling business units and driving transformation, Irlando holds advanced degrees from Harvard and Stanford.
ANDRES CABALLERO
WAYTEK, INC
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Andrés Caballero brings more than two decades of leadership running complex, global industrial and building-solutions businesses. He has driven commercial growth, operational excellence and successful integrations at GF Building Flow Solutions Americas, Uponor and Honeywell, delivering record performance and M&A execution. An electrical engineer by training, he holds an M.Sc. in Electrical Engineering from the University of Minnesota and serves on several industry and civic boards in the U.S.
GUSTAVO VIESCAS
WYNDHAM HOTELS
PRESIDENT, LATIN AMERICA AND THE CARIBBEAN
Gustavo serves as President, Latin America and the Caribbean, and is responsible for the development of all Wyndham brands in the region while maximizing the performance of both franchised and managed hotels. A 25-year Wyndham veteran, he most recently served as Senior Vice President, Latin America and the Caribbean, overseeing Operations for the region. In that role, he was instrumental in launching two of Wyndham’s newest brands—Wyndham Alltra and Registry Collection Hotels.
LEONARDO MORENO
ZELESTRA CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Leo leverages his vision and insight about the future of the power industry to collaborate across countries, improving lives by shaping worldwide energy use. Over his 15 years at AES, Leo designed and led teams in charge of strategy, finance, commercial, investments, and mergers and acquisitions to deliver on our sustainability commitments. Today, he continues to inform our business on a holistic level as a board member of Dayton Power & Light and AES Distributed Energy in the US, AES Gener in Chile, and AES Tietê in Brazil.
BUILDING A CROSS-BORDER VISION FOR THE FUTURE OF NUTRITION
ISAAC FAINSOD CEO, WIN AMERICA
Isaac Fainsod’s journey to founding WIN America began long before the company had a name. It started with curiosity, a fascination with food science, and a deep appreciation for the intersection of culture, entrepreneurship, and human wellbeing. Growing up in Mexico, he was shaped by an environment where creativity and adaptability were non-negotiable. Over the years, that early exposure evolved into a career that seamlessly connected global sourcing, product development, regulatory strategy, and large-scale manufacturing. Eventually, a clear opportunity emerged: bridge Latin America’s manufacturing strengths with the precision and compliance expectations of the U.S. nutrition market.
“WIN AMERICA was born from that vision,” he explains. “A company that integrates quality, innovation, and agility— proudly rooted in Mexico and thriving in the United States.”
From day one, Isaac recognized that success in the U.S. required far more than technical expertise. “The American market demands alignment with a different set of expectations—compliance, operational discipline, and a world-class customer experience.” WIN America rapidly adapted to strict FDA requirements, SQF certification, and the rigorous standards that define the U.S. human nutrition space. At the same time, Isaac fought to preserve the company’s “soul”—a uniquely Mexican blend of flexibility, creativity, and an unwavering people-first, customer-first culture.
That fusion became a powerful differentiator. It also delivered a strategic commercial advantage: USMCA compliance, which allows premixes to enter the U.S. with zero tariffs. In a cost/quality/service sensitive industry with rising ingredient prices and long lead times, this benefit has boosted competitiveness for WIN America and its clients.
Bruno Sánchez
The journey, however, wasn’t without challenges. As a Latino entrepreneur, Isaac confronted the extra scrutiny and perception hurdles often faced by minority leaders entering competitive U.S. markets. “We had to prove that a Latino-founded company could operate with the highest quality standards,” he notes. Access to networks, supply chains, and capital required persistence and resilience—but each barrier became fuel. His ability to navigate both Latin American and U.S. ecosystems turned into a strategic edge. “We transformed obstacles into opportunities to build something authentic, trusted, and globally relevant.”
Today, WIN America stands apart in a crowded category because of what it delivers: custom vitamin, mineral, and functional-ingredient premixes/blends engineered for brands demanding performance, great taste, safety, rapid innovation and pricing certainty. The company’s model combines U.S.-level regulatory rigor with Latin American agility and cost-efficiency. “We offer something rare,” Isaac explains. “The precision of a U.S. operation with the creativity, flexibility, and innovation culture of Latin America.”
WIN America’s multi-certified facility, strong scientific foundation, and collaborative approach have positioned it as a partner that moves quickly and transparently. Customers come seeking a supplier; they stay because they find a partner, a co-creator ca pable of solving cost stability, formulation challenges and accelerating time to market.
Innovation at WIN America begins with listen ing—to customers, to suppliers, to trends, and to consumers. The team closely tracks global nutrition movements, ingredient science, sensory expecta tions, and regulatory shifts. “Whether brands want clean-label finished products with exceptional taste, high-performance sports formulas, plant-based in novations, or science-backed functional blends, we translate insights into premixes that deliver.”
The company’s cross-border model is a core strength. Manufacturing in Mexico enables iff-free cost advantage, faster prototyping and more flexible scaling, while U.S. operations en sure compliance, proximity, and commer cial alignment. This hybrid structure has earned trust from brands seeking both innovation and reliability.
The past few years brought unprecedented supply chain disruptions. WIN America confronted them head-on—diversifying suppliers, strengthening partnerships, enhancing traceability, and elevating QA/ QC standards. “Manufacturing in Mexico gave us flexibility when others struggled,”
“CUSTOMERS COME LOOKING FOR A SUPPLIER — THEY STAY BECAUSE THEY FIND A COCREATOR WHO HELPS THEM WIN.”
Isaac notes. Rather than a setback, the disruptions became an opportunity to reinforce trust and position the company as a dependable safeswitch anchor in volatile times.
Looking ahead, Isaac sees the nutrition industry shifting toward personalization, holistic solutions, and formulations that address comprehensive wellbeing—brain health, immunity, emotional balance, and long-term vitality. “Consumers are more informed and more demanding than ever. They want better taste, products that truly work, and absolute transparency.” With technology reshaping supply chains and formulation science, WIN America is well-positioned to deliver stable cost structure, speed, precision, and innovation at scale.
Isaac believes Latino-founded companies have a critical role in shaping the future of American business—not only as participants, but as leaders, through creativity, global awareness, and a deep commitment to people. “We bring grit, empathy, and a global mindset.” he says. WIN America is a reflection of that philosophy: a blend of scientific rigor, entrepreneurial drive, and cultural intelligence.
His leadership is based in collaboration and purpose. “My role is to empower others, protect our vision and ensure we innovate boldly.” His ambition is clear: transform WIN America into a global leader in human nutrition, bridging markets, cultures, and scientific advancement. Growth isn’t measured only in revenue or scale, but in impact, trust, and the redefinition of what a Latino-led organization can achieve at a global level.
WIN America began as an idea shaped by heritage, science, and opportunity. Today, under Isaac’s leadership, it is redefining what cross-border excellence looks like. It is not simply producing premixes—it is strengthening manufacturing for North America, elevating Latino entrepreneurship, and shaping a future where nutrition innovation flows seamlessly across borders.
BUILDING BRIDGES OF TRUST:
PATRICIO J. GUTIERREZ ON GUIDING GLOBAL ENTERPRISES INTO THE U.S.
For Patricio J. Gutierrez, the law has never been just about courtrooms and litigation. It has always been about guiding international enterprises and investors by bridging cultures, building trust, and bringing clarity to a landscape that can feel unfamiliar and complex. As the Founder and Managing Partner of Gutierrez Law Group and Of-Counsel to the Spanish-based global firm Ontier, Gutierrez has built a practice that advises foreign enterprises, investment groups, and family offices as they structure, operate, and expand within the United States.
“I’VE ALWAYS strived to translate complexity into clarity, to turn an intimidating system into a bridge to opportunity,” he reflects. “Growing up as a first-generation immigrant, I learned early how language, trust, and relationships work differently across borders. That perspective, combined with my passion for cultures, history, and travel, is what led me into international law.”
That early understanding of cultural nuance has become the foun-
dation of his professional life. Today, his firm represents clients from around the world, with a strong presence in Latin America and Europe, advising them through complex cross-border structuring, governance, and transactional matters that can easily overwhelm even the most sophisticated organizations.
“The U.S. is an attractive but complex market. Companies entering the United States must navigate
a completely different set of legal standards, governance expectations, and business culture,” Gutierrez says. “My job is to simplify that complexity. Because we’re bilingual and multicultural, we explain the U.S. framework in plain language and context. That gives clients clarity, confidence, and the ability to move quickly and succeed, investing, building, and creating opportunities here in the United States.”
Jesse nogales
At Gutierrez Law Group, clarity is rooted in a boutique, white-glove model that prioritizes accessibility, agility, and direct senior-level involvement. Clients receive tailored guidance from experienced counsel throughout their cross-border journey. “Being boutique is a strength,” he explains. “Cultural fluency isn’t an add-on; it’s the foundation of every deal and relationship we foster.”
That philosophy resonates deeply with international business leaders navigating the intersection of law, culture, and growth. Whether supporting a family-owned company establishing its first U.S. subsidiary or advising a multinational through a complex merger or acquisition, Gutierrez approaches each matter with a blend of precision and empathy that reflects both his legal training and his lived experience across cultures.
As corporate governance evolves globally, Gutierrez has seen a shift in what true cross-border success requires. “Deals today are more global, interconnected, and scrutinized than ever. It’s no longer about documents alone; it’s about navigating cultural, political, and regulatory dynamics,” he explains. “The U.S. continues to set the benchmark for rigor and compliance,
TRUST COMES FROM UNDERSTANDING;
UNDERSTANDING A CLIENT’S LANGUAGE, CULTURE, STRATEGY, AND AMBITIONS. WHEN YOU OPERATE AT THAT LEVEL, THE LAW BECOMES MORE THAN A FRAMEWORK; IT BECOMES A STRATEGIC ADVANTAGE.
and companies entering this market must rise to meet it. Cross-border expertise becomes essential; aligning not only with the law but with U.S. values, business culture, and expectations to build trust and long-term growth.”
This awareness of governance and cultural context has also shaped his work with family offices, where legacy and long-term value are central to decision-making. “Family offices think in generations, not quarters,” he says. “That mindset shapes how I serve them. My work goes beyond completing transactions; it’s about designing structures that endure, protect legacy, and strengthen the relationships that sustain it.”
In these engagements, Gutierrez often works closely with multiple generations, helping them define succession plans, corporate structures, and investment strategies that will preserve both their assets and their family cohesion.
“One of the most rewarding aspects of my work is collaborating closely with families, seeing how different genera-
GUTIERREZ SEES ENORMOUS POTENTIAL FOR MULTINATIONALS, ESPECIALLY THOSE WITH STRONG GOVERNANCE AND ADAPTABLE STRUCTURES, TO THRIVE IN THE U.S.
tions approach decisions, understanding their priorities, and becoming a trusted advisor they can rely on as their legacy evolves,” he adds.
Looking ahead, Gutierrez sees enormous potential for multinationals, especially those with strong governance and adaptable structures, to thrive in the U.S. “The United States, and Texas in particular, is still the world’s gateway market,” he says. “It’s where capital, talent, and consumer demand converge. The greatest opportunities will go to companies that move with agility, structure themselves correctly, navigate regulations wisely, and leverage cultural intelligence. That’s how global companies enter or expand into the U.S., thrive, and become part of the American story.”
That idea, that success depends not just on legal accuracy but on cultural understanding and partnership, defines the essence of his approach. In every engagement, Gutierrez sees himself not only as legal counsel but as a bridge between worlds. His firm’s bilingual, multicultural foundation embodies what cross-border work truly requires: the ability to translate not just documents, but values.
“In the end, law is about trust,” he reflects. “And trust comes from understanding; understanding a client’s language, culture, strategy, and ambitions. When you operate at that level, the law becomes more than a framework; it becomes a strategic advantage. That is how we help international enterprises build a lasting presence in the United States.”
LATINOS ON BOARDS 2025 UPDATE LIST
This list recognizes newly appointed Latino board directors during the second half of 2025. Those who serve on corporate boards, shaping governance, ensuring accountability, and driving long-term value.
Age: 54
New York, NY Natl.:
MILENA ALBERTI-PEREZ
Independent Director
Alberti-Perez was the former CFO of 3 media and technology companies: Getty Images, MediaMath, and Penguin Random House. She currently serves on one public company board where she chairs the Audit Committee and is a member of the Compensation Committee. She serves on two private corporate boards of directors and is a member of the Audit Committee. Her business and board experience spans from technology, finance, digital transformation, media, international M&A, cybersecurity, enterprise sales, DEI, and digital marketing. She is a member of Latino Corporate Directors Association, National Association of Corporate Directors, and sits on the non profit boards of Jumpstart (early education) and the Wild Bird Fund. Alberti-Perez is a native Spanish speaker.
Almeida Jr. is a seasoned global leader with over 40 years of experience in financial services, fintech, technology, and consumer goods. He excels in driving strategic growth, overseeing acquisitions, and leading digital transformations across diverse international markets. Currently, he serves as Managing Principal at AJ. Holdings Co., operates as an Operating Partner at Advent International, and sits on the boards of NCR Atleos, BV, Vanto Group, Amerant Bank and Viscaya Museum and Gardens. Previously, Odilon was President and CEO of ACI Worldwide and held key roles at Western Union, including President of Western Union Global Money Transfer. He holds an MBA and a Bachelor's in Civil Engineering from Sao Paulo, Brazil, and has further education from Harvard Business School, The Wharton School, and the International Institute of Management.
ALEJANDRO ASMAR
Christian is the co-founder and Managing Partner of Impactive Capital. Christian also served on the Board of Avid Technology, Inc. Prior to founding Impactive, Christian was a Managing Director and Investing Partner at Blue Harbour Group, a leading activist investment firm. Prior to joining Blue Harbour, Christian was a founding team member of Morgan Stanley Infrastructure Partners (MSIP).
Luis has over 20 years of expertise and leadership in global ETF markets and traditional finance, Berruga’s extensive experience in ETF’s and asset management is expected to provide critical insights and business development opportunities as Sol Strategies continues its growth trajectory and advances the development of its institutional Solana Staking platform.
Leon Brujis is Partner & Co-Head of U.S. at 65 Equity Partners, a Temasek-backed global investment firm providing non-control capital to founder- and family-led companies. He serves on the boards of Kendra Scott and Allied OMS and chairs the New America Alliance, a national organization advancing Latino economic mobility and capital access. With 20+ years in private equity, Leon focuses on supporting entrepreneurs through growth, succession, and long-term value creation.
Age: 60 Fort Lauderdale, FL Natl.:
Carlos Campoy is a retired public company CFO and independent board director with 25+ years of global leadership in the life sciences industry. A Qualified Financial Expert and Audit Chair, he brings expertise in governance, strategy, capital markets, and M&A. He serves on the board of Zymeworks and Hunter Industries. He held senior roles across the Americas, Europe, and Asia at CytomX, Alder, Allergan, and Eli Lilly, driving transformation and growth. Fluent in three languages, he champions governance, DEI, and leadership development, and is active in NACD, LCDA, and LGBTQ+ board networks.
Age: 60 Los Altos, CA Natl.:
Eugenia Corrales is a seasoned technology executive with more than 25 years of experience leading innovation, operations, and product strategy in Silicon Valley. She has held leadership roles at HP, Cisco, Bell Labs, and ShoreTel, and previously served as CEO of Nefeli Networks. Corrales holds a B.A. in Physics from Grinnell College and an M.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Stanford University. Known for her expertise in scaling global technology businesses, she now serves on the board of VIAVI Solutions and contributes to several tech and med-tech companies.
ANTONIO FILOSA
CEO – Stellantis
Age: 56 Auburn Hills, MI
Antonio is currently Stellantis's Chief Executive Officer, Americas and American Brands. A 25-year veteran of the company, his tenure has spanned leadership across manufacturing, quality, and regional operations, including prior roles as Chief Executive Officer of the Jeep brand, Chief Operating Officer of Stellantis South America, and Head of Purchasing for FCA Latam (Fiat Chrysler Automobiles). Filosa is known for operational restructuring, market growth, and manufacturing leadership.
Former
62
Gregorio has been appointed to the Board of Directors at Eagle Materials Inc. (NYSE: EXP). He currently serves as the President of Performance Materials and Coatings at Dow, overseeing a business with annual sales of $9 billion, delivering innovative solutions globally in infrastructure, transportation, and other sectors. With a career spanning 35 years at Dow, Gregorio has held various leadership roles, including Vice President for the Dow Corning integration, where he successfully integrated silicones businesses and achieved significant synergies. He also leads Dow's operations in Latin America.
Age: 50
HELENA HERNANDEZ
Helena Hernandez is an energy-industry executive with over 25 years of experience in solar operations, battery storage, wind operations, and smart-grid innovation. She previously held senior leadership roles at Florida Power & Light / NextEra Energy and earlier in her career worked for General Electric. She holds an engineering degree from Florida International University and an MBA from the University of Miami. At Everus, she serves on the Compensation and the Nominating & Governance Committees.
MAURO GREGORIO
Stellantis Boards
EUGENIA CORRALES Board Member
VIAVI Solutions, Arenal Medical Boards
CARLOS CAMPOY Independent Director
Zymeworks Inc, Hunter Industries Boards
Age: 57 Florida Natl.:
CATHERINE HERNANDEZ-BLADES
CoreCivic, Inc., The RepTrak Company Boards
Catherine Hernandez-Blades serves on the Board of Directors of CoreCivic, Inc. (NYSE:CXW). An expert in crisis and issues management with over 15 years of Fortune 500 C-suite experience in regulated industries, leading boards and executive leadership through high stakes reputation events, including litigation, she is the U.S. representative on the World Communications Forum–Davos Advisory Board, on the Executive Board of Tri Delta Fraternity (Delta Delta Delta Corporation), and a Trustee of the Institute of PR. She is the former Chair of CASA/New Orleans, Operation Homefront, and The Seminar.
Age: 56 Seattle, WA
Jay Malave is a distinguished finance executive in the aerospace and industrial sectors. Earlier in his career, Malave held senior finance roles at Carrier, UTC, and L3Harris. Known for his expertise in financial strategy, corporate planning, and large-scale organizational transformation, he brings decades of leadership to GE Vernova’s board.
JESÚS
B. MANTAS
Age: 56
Austin, TX Natl.:
Chair of Compensation & Management Development in Biogen board, and vice chair of HITEC board; Senior Advisor to leading companies and investor. He retired as Global Managing Partner leading an $11B service unit of IBM. Prior to this, he led Strategy, Innovation and Corporate Development, acquired 14 companies, was Global General Manager of IBM Business Operations, led IBM Consulting in Latin America and led relationships with global clients. Before IBM Jesus was a partner in the High Technology Practice of PwC Consulting in California. Jesus holds degrees in Telecommunications and Business by Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, was a professor at University of California, Irvine; and served as an officer in the Air Force of Spain.
Biogen, International Flavors & Fragrances Boards
MARIO J. MARTE
Age: 48
San Francisco, CA
Marte led the successful IPO of Chewy in 2019 and leads all finance, accounting and investor relations functions for the company. Prior to becoming CFO, he led financial planning and analysis and treasury in three successful private fundraisings and the sale of Chewy to BC Partners in 2017. He has almost two decades of experience in finance at American Airlines, Hilton Worldwide and Chewy. He has experience in growth and transformation, having established the financial planning, operations finance and treasury functions at Chewy Inc. He also worked closely with the leadership team to reengineer the company’s financial strategy and long-term growth plan in the first six months after joining. He has worked in Spain and the UK, while leading teams across Asia Pacific, Latin America, North America and Europe.
Age: 68
Los Angeles, CA Natl.:
Independent board director for more than 30 private companies and in the board of many that have been acquired by private equity or public companies. Former GM of HP Software, CEO Polivec, President Finjan, VP Avnet, EVP Akana, Executive Sun Microsystems, ICO Advisor. Executive with 5 public companies, 3 of them were private when I joined. Executive in the information technology field of cybersecurity, Artificial Intelligence, Blockchain, IoT, governance, compliance, software, cloud, and enterprise architecture. ICO and board advisor for several Blockchain, AI and cloud companies. Expertise in SaaS, healthcare, fintech, consumer, B2B, B2C, marketing, operations and engineering.
ROBERTO MEDRANO CEO – Beach View Capital
Linker, Earth Lab Holdings, Cyvatar, Lief Boards
Best Buy Co., FIGS, Gozney Group Ltd Boards
MALAVE
Vernova Boards
NELLY MOLINA
Age: 53 San Diego, CA Natl.:
CEO & President – Opal Energy Partners
Corporacion Inmobiliaria Vesta Boards
LUIS MULLER
CEO & President – Cohu, Inc.
Age: 55 San Diego, CA Natl.:
Nelly Molina brings over 25 years of experience in the Oil & Gas and energy infrastructure sectors across the United States and Mexico, having held senior leadership roles at companies such as Sempra, Kinder Morgan, and California Resources Corporation. In 2025, she became CEO of Opal Energy Partners guiding the development of its LNG and pipeline projects and promoting a regional impact in North American energy infrastructure. As an entrepreneur, she co-founded GraphTwins in 2025. She is an independent corporate director of Vesta, listed at BMV and NYSE.
Müller has nearly three decades of technical and business leadership in the semiconductor equipment industry. He co-founded a startup (Kinetrix, Inc.), worked at Teradyne, and since 2014 has led Cohu, a Nasdaq-listed global provider of semiconductor back-end equipment and services. His background combines engineering (he holds a PhD in Mechanical Engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and a BSc + MSc from Universidade Federal Santa Catarina) with executive and governance experience, making him a frequent board member in public tech/hardware firms.
Ralliant Corporation, Celestica, Cohu Inc Boards
PABLO PERVERSI
President, Europe – Danone
Age: 55
Zurich, CH Natl.:
Pablo Perversi is a senior consumer-goods executive with more than 30 years of global experience. Before joining Danone as Europe President, he served as Chief Innovation, Quality & Sustainability Officer at Barry Callebaut and spent over two decades at Unilever in leadership roles across Europe and Latin America. He holds degrees in Industrial Engineering and Economics from the University of Birmingham and is recognized for driving transformation, sustainability, and product innovation within major FMCG organizations.
Mettler-Toledo International Inc, FoodDrinkEurope, Lucciano's Boards
Age: 63
Vice Chairman – JPMorgan Chase
Age: 55
Daniel Pinto is Vice Chairman of JPMorgan Chase and a long-time leader in global finance. Over his career, he has held key roles across trading, markets, and international management, eventually becoming CEO of the Corporate & Investment Bank and later President and COO of the firm. He now supports the CEO on major strategic initiatives and client relationships. Pinto holds a degree in Public Accounting and Business Administration and serves on the boards of Johnson & Johnson and the Institute of International Finance.
Max Rangel is a global consumer-products executive with over 25 years of leadership experience in brand, retail, and multi-market operations. He served as Chief Executive Officer and Global President of Spin Master from 2021 to 2024, previously holding senior roles at SC Johnson, Mars, and Procter & Gamble. Rangel is known for driving consumer engagement, digital expansion, and global brand strategies.
MAX RANGEL
Beauty, Spin Master Boards
DANIEL PINTO
DAVID (DAVE) ROSA
President – Intuitive Surgical
Age: 57
San Jose, CA Natl.:
David Rosa is President of Intuitive Surgical and a member of its Board of Directors. He joined the company in 1996 and has held leadership roles across engineering, marketing, and commercial strategy. Rosa holds degrees in mechanical engineering from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and Stanford, and serves on the boards of Kardium, Arterys, and Intuitive’s China joint venture with Fosun Pharma.
Intuitive, Kardium Inc, Intufosun Boards
Age: 52
Las Vegas, NV Natl.:
CARLOS RUISANCHEZ
Founding Partner – Sorelle Capital
Carlos is a finance and entertainment executive with more than 25 years of experience. He served as the president and CFO and a director of Pinnacle Entertainment, Inc. an owner and operator of gaming, hospitality and entertainment businesses, from 2016 through its 2018 acquisition by Penn National Gaming, Inc. Prior to becoming president in 2013, he served as executive vice president since 2008 and executive vice president of strategic planning and development from 2008 to 2011. Before joining Pinnacle Entertainment, Inc., Ruisanchez was senior managing director at Bear Stearns & Co., Inc. As senior managing director of Bear, Stearns & Co., he was responsible for corporate clients in the gaming, lodging and leisure industries, as well as financial sponsor banking relationships.
Southwest Gas Holdings, PENN Entertainment, Inc Boards
ANELISE SACKS
Board Member
Age: 55 Boston, MA Natl.:
Anelise Sacks is a senior technology and semiconductor executive best known for her tenure as Executive Vice President and Chief Customer Officer at Analog Devices. She has extensive experience leading global customer strategy, commercial operations, and market expansion across high-tech sectors. Sacks has also served as a senior advisor to Boston Consulting Group, contributing to digital and commercial transformation strategies. She now serves on the board of Ralliant Corporation, bringing deep expertise in technology-driven growth.
Ralliant Corporation Boards
Age: 51 Reno, NV Natl.:
Governor Sandoval served two terms as the 29th Governor of the State of Nevada, having held office from 2011 to 2019. He is currently the President of the University of Nevada, Reno, a position he has held since 2020. His current role as President of the University of Nevada, Reno – the first Hispanic and University alumnus to serve that role – is the most recent of his public service posts. Before serving as Governor, he served as a District Judge of the United States District Court for the District of Nevada, Attorney General of Nevada, and in the Nevada Assembly. He served as Chairman of the National Governors Association from 2017 to 2018, National Council of State Governments in 2015, Western Governors Association in 2014 and the Education Commission of the States from 2013 to 2014.
Age: 51 Miami, FL Natl.:
SVP, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary – Fresh
Effie D. Silva, SVP, General Counsel & Corporate Secretary at Fresh Del Monte Produce since 2022, advises boards and senior leadership on governance, compliance, transactions, and disputes. With prior executive roles at Cargill and Tyson Foods and 20+ years at global firms, she brings deep expertise in corporate governance and cross-border matters. A Fellow of CIArb and qualified arbitrator, Effie holds a JD from UF Levin College of Law and a BA from Wellesley College.
EFFIE D. SILVA
Del Monte Produce
The Braille Institute of America Boards
BRIAN E. SANDOVAL President – University of Nevada
Resorts World Las Vegas, The
Age: 55 Mexico City, MX Natl.:
CONSTANTINO SPAS
Board Member
Constantino brings over 25 years of global executive experience across the consumer goods and beverage industries. He currently serves as Chief Executive Officer of the Proximity Americas and Mobility Division at FEMSA and previously held key leadership roles including Chief Financial Officer and Strategic Planning Officer at Coca-Cola FEMSA. His career includes senior positions at Bacardi, SABMiller, and Kraft Foods.
Age: 55 USA Natl.:
President and COO – Kimberly-Clark
DENICE M. TORRES
Age: 58 New Hope, PA Natl.:
Russ Torres serves as President and Chief Operating Officer of Kimberly-Clark, overseeing the company’s global business segments, Supply Chain, R&D, Global Growth, and Digital Technology. Previously, he led Kimberly-Clark’s North America business and its Professional division, driving growth, margin expansion, and commercial transformation. With more than 25 years of experience in consumer packaged goods, Torres has held senior roles at Newell Brands, Bain & Company, and Mondelez International. He holds an MBA from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management and a magna cum laude physics degree from Dartmouth College.
Founder and CEO – The Ignited Company
GARY L. TRUJILLO
Age: 64 Phoenix, AZ Natl.:
Founder, President & CEO – Southwest Harvard Group
Denice has 25 years of management experience in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and consumer healthcare. She served in senior leadership roles at Johnson & Johnson, including Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer for the global medical device business. She is credited for leading one of the most significant transformations in J&J history. She was of President, McNeil Consumer Healthcare. She also led the recovery of OTC brands, including the iconic Tylenol portfolio. At J&J, she also served as President of Janssen Pharmaceuticals where she drove turnaround growth. Before joining J&J, she had a 14-year career at Lilly where she was the executive director of global neuroscience and director of U.S. women’s health.
Trujillo has been a serial entrepreneur for over 30 years with significant experience as a CEO, financier, operator, and independent corporate board member. MTrujillo is the founder of Southwest Harvard Group Venture Capital (SHG), an investment firm and Family Office since 1990. SHG has a proven track record of creating and investing in businesses for growth and profitability with an average return on investment of 40%. SHG recently acquired Standard Printing Company, of which he currently serves as its Executive Chairman. Trujillo also has three decades of independent board experience, including serving on four publicly traded company boards and multiple privately owned company boards. Mr. Trujillo has extensive board experience in the technology, healthcare, auto finance, real estate, and banking industries.
Age: 52 Austin, TX Natl.:
ROBERT WELBORN Founder & Partner – ROI Media Partners
Robert turns data into strategic advantage. From leading Reality Labs data science at Meta to developing GM's first data monetization products and pioneering mobile tools at USAA, he's spent 25 years at the intersection of AI, product innovation, and business transformation. Currently serving on NOV and Onity boards, Robert brings expertise in generative AI and decision science to guide organizations through digital transformation. An engineer by training (Texas A&M) with an MBA from UC San Diego, he combines tech depth and business acumen. He's deeply proud of his Puerto Rican heritage.
Venture Capital, LLC
Heluna Health Boards
ByHeart Inc., Seaport Therapeutics, 2seventy bio (TSVT), Thirty Madison, Glaukos Corporation (GKOS), and National Resilience, Inc., Celldex Inc. Boards
RUSS TORRES
Kimberly-Clark Boards
AutoZone Boards
LCDA Marks a Decade of Boardroom Leadership: Modern Governance in a New Era
SAN FRANCISCO set the stage for a milestone moment in corporate leadership as the LCDA convened more than 300 members, CEOs, board directors, senior executives, and corporate partners for its 10th Annual Board Leaders Convening: Modern Governance in a New Era. Over three days of high-impact programming, the Convening delivered what many attendees described as LCDA’s most comprehensive agenda to date—one built for the realities of today’s boardroom: faster decision cycles, heightened scrutiny, transformative technology, shifting markets, and rising expectations of directors.
Founded to increase Latino influence in U.S. boardrooms, the LCDA is a national, membership organization of corporate directors and executives committed to governance excellence. The Board Leaders Convening was launched a decade ago to create a dedicated forum where directors and executives could engage in candid, peer-to-peer dialogue on the responsibilities and complexities of board service. It was also founded to connect a growing community of leaders creating space to build trusted relationships, learn from one another, and align around a shared mission to strengthen corporate governance.
A Full-Circle Moment for a Growing National Community
The 10th anniversary Convening carried full-circle significance. LCDA returned to California where its first Convening was held in 2016 to mark a decade defined by progress and purpose: elevating corporate leadership, strengthening governance practices, building community, and reshaping who is represented in America’s boardrooms. The program reflected LCDA’s expanding national reach and influence, pairing strategic dialogue with practical insight and the kind of peer exchange that turns a convening into a trusted network.
BOARD UPDATE 2025
This year also introduced several notable firsts, signaling LCDA’s continued evolution alongside the governance landscape it helps shape. Attendees witnessed the debut of the 2025 Board Insights, our annual report tracking Latino impact on public Fortune 1000 boards; the launch of the inaugural Chair’s Award; expanded governance certifications through Diligent; and a new emphasis on board transformation underscored by a featured session on geopolitical risk and strategic preparedness.
Where Growth Meets Leadership: Visionary Voices at the Convening
If the 10th Annual Convening had a defining trait, it was range across topics, perspectives, and lived leadership experience. The Convening featured a curated group of influential leaders who have governed through market volatility, CEO transitions, and global disruption. Among the anchor voices were Mellody Hobson, Co-CEO & President of Ariel Investments; Fernando Aguirre, director at Synchrony, CVS Health, and Barry Callebaut; Linda Findley, President & CEO of Sleep Number; Tarang Amin, Chairman & CEO of e.l.f. Beauty; Michael Brown, former CEO of NortonLifeLock, Inc., and Ana M. Chadwick, former CFO of Insulet and director at Dollar General. They were joined by additional CEOs, former CEOs, CFOs, and seasoned public-company directors spanning consumer, financial services, technology, healthcare, and global markets bringing real-world perspective to the challenges boards are navigating today.
Program highlights reflected the evolving demands of board service in today’s environment. Conversations examined courageous leadership and CEO transition readiness, with directors sharing candid lessons from moments of crisis and change. Sessions also explored the strategic implications of AI and emerging technologies, emphasizing the board’s role in overseeing transformation, talent, and risk. Discussions on national
security and geopolitics underscored how external forces are reshaping boardroom priorities, while a focus on holistic performance, including leader wellbeing, reinforced the connection between human capital and long-term enterprise value.
Collectively, the discussions underscored LCDA’s ability to bring leaders together for candid, experience-driven dialogue on the issues shaping today’s boardrooms.
LCDA’s Corporate Visionary Awards provided a powerful counterpoint to the Convening’s agenda recognizing organizations whose sustained partnership and contributions have meaningfully advanced LCDA’s mission.
The awards recognized Wells Fargo, TPG, and Heidrick & Struggles for their longstanding partnership with LCDA and the meaningful, measurable impact they have made on the organization and its community.
A highlight of the evening was the presentation of LCDA’s inaugural Chair’s Award by LCDA Board Chair José R. Rodríguez. The award recognized Susan Angele, LCDEF Board Member and former Senior Advisor of Board Governance at the KPMG Board Leadership Center, for her exceptional leadership, longstanding service, and a transformative partnership model that has significantly expanded LCDA’s reach and impact.
Data-Driven Momentum: The Release of 2025 Board Insights
A convening focused on modern governance demands measurement, not just momentum. The release of LCDA’s 2025 Board Insights served as a cornerstone moment grounding the Convening in data that tracks Latino impact on public Fortune 1000 boards.
The annual report analyzes representation across multiple dimensions, including director age, tenure, and board leadership participation. The findings highlight areas of progress while underscoring persistent gaps across industries providing directors, companies, and stakeholders with a clear-eyed assessment of where advancement is occurring and where urgency remains.
A Decade In—and a New Era Ahead
The 10th Annual Board Leaders Convening was more than an event; it was a statement about both the future of governance and the power of community. From AI and national security to CEO transition readiness and holistic performance, the agenda reflected a world in which the responsibilities of boards and the expectations of those who serve on them have expanded in both scope and consequence.
At ten years, LCDA’s Convening represents what is possible when a community of leaders comes together with a shared purpose. The organization has grown in size and national influence without losing what makes it powerful: a commitment to excellence, an insistence on accountability, and a belief that stronger boardrooms and stronger relationships build stronger companies and a more resilient economy.
Participation in LCDA events is reserved for LCDA members and partners. To learn more about membership qualifications, visit: latinocorporatedirectors.org.
Courtesy of Florian Pestoni
HUMAN LEADERSHIP IN THE AI ERA
FLORIAN PESTONI
CO-FOUNDER AND CEO AT INORBIT.AI
What inspired you to start InOrbit?
FP: I started InOrbit.AI after learning about how robots were getting smarter and entering new spaces that previously would not have been possible. This convinced me that it was a transformational technology ready for massive commercial adoption.
But it was still early days, and deployments of smart robots were still limited. I started thinking: what would it take to get to thousands of robots? Then a million, and ultimately a billion robots operating reliably in the physical world?
There was a very clear gap: when robots leave the R&D lab for the real world, they encounter complexity—unpredictable environments, changing conditions, unexpected failures. Companies were getting stuck trying to move past pilot projects.
This is where my background in high-scale cloud products kicked in. We needed to bring the principles of massive scale, observability, and rigorous operations from the cloud world directly into robotics. InOrbit.AI was born to build that essential operational infrastructure for operating robots at massive scale. I called this RobOps, repurposing the term DevOps from the software world.
How do you explain robot operations at scale in simple terms?
FP: The simplest way to put it is that the real world is messy, and even the smartest robots need a little help.
An individual robot is a brilliant piece of technology: it senses the environment, reasons about it, makes a plan, and then executes that plan, running through this cycle over and over. But when it encounters an unexpected situation, like a wet floor, an unexpected obstruction, or a reflection off a window, it may fail to interpret it properly. It gets stuck, executes the wrong plan, or simply fails to complete its mission.
Now, broaden the scope from one robot to thousands. You’re no longer managing a gadget; you are managing an industrial-scale workforce. This workforce needs management, just like a human team.
Robot Operations, just like People Ops, provides this critical layer of management. It ensures that the robots have the context they need to work effectively. It allows us to measure their performance, at the individual and fleet level; resolve incidents as they occur by nudging the robots back to operation; train them properly by updating their behavior and software; and coordinate the work of many, diverse robots to orchestrate their work efficiently. In essence, InOrbit ensures that an entire fleet of robots is reliable, efficient, and is doing the job it was hired to do.
“THE FOCUS ON EDUCATION AND FUTURE TALENT MEANS I'M CONSTANTLY REMINDED THAT WE ARE NOT JUST BUILDING A PRODUCT FOR TODAY, BUT FOR A FUTURE WHERE ROBOTS WILL BE EVERYWHERE.”
What has been the hardest part of helping companies manage large robot fleets?
FP: The hardest part is that the robotics industry is still moving incredibly fast and hasn't matured in terms of standards.
When a company scales, they want to use different types of robots for specialized tasks. But every vendor's platform, operating system, and data format are unique. There's no unified language, and integrating these different systems becomes a massive, custom engineering project every single time. Companies get stuck because they spend all their time building custom integrations instead of achieving operational efficiency.
InOrbit acts as a sort of 'Google Translate for robots.' We abstract away the chaos of those different languages and proprietary systems, giving companies a single, unified operational layer. Once we can talk to every robot, and put them all on the same map, InOrbit Space Intelligence offers software-defined orchestration for the physical world. We can apply high-level logic to coordinate the work of an entire heterogeneous fleet, ensuring efficient workflows and mission completion across the whole operation.
What AI or robotics trend is impacting your work the most right now?
FP: InOrbit is innovating at the intersection of Agentic AI and Physical AI, two of the hottest trends in technology. Everyone has heard about Generative AI by now, but we are focused on how that intelligence translates into action in the physical world.
Foundation models are driving the rise of Agentic AI, giving software the ability to sense, reason, and act toward a goal. When that intelligence is embedded into a robot, you create a Physical Agent. These agents are far more autonomous and intelligent than the robots of even a few years ago.
For InOrbit, this is game-changing. Our mission shifts from just monitoring robots to enabling sophisticated multi-agent orchestration. When a single robot is highly autonomous, the challenge becomes coordinating thousands of these independent agents in the same physical space, ensuring they don't interfere with each other but instead work together seamlessly.
InOrbit acts as the air traffic controller and mission control center for these Physical Agents. We ensure that a fleet of diverse, highly intelligent agents can share the same operational map, communicate their intents, and dynamically re-plan their collective actions to complete complex workflows. We are providing the software layer for multi-agent orchestration at scale.
What makes InOrbit different from other robotics platforms?
FP: Our uniqueness comes down to our focus on enabling true software-defined operations for the physical world. Many platforms are designed to help companies build or control a specific type of robot from a single vendor. Our mandate is different: we are purpose-built to coordinate every moving asset and piece of physical infrastructure in a facility, regardless of vendor.
When you scale, the biggest problem is complexity and lack of standards. We solved this by building the essential layer that abstracts away the proprietary systems. We connect any robot—from any vendor— and unify its operational data.
This vendor-agnostic foundation is the core of InOrbit Space Intelligence. This platform acts as the central nervous system, providing a Unified Command layer that connects the business planning systems—like the WMS or ERP, which know what work needs to be done—with the automation layer. We then perform multi-vehicle orchestration, which means we don't just coordinate robots. We coordinate the full environment: manual forklifts, delivery carts, gates, doors, and human staff. We apply high-level intelligence to ensure all these assets share the same map and communicate their intent, optimizing the entire operation for maximum throughput.
Can you share one example of how a customer uses InOrbit in the real world?
FP: Have you ever wondered what happens the moment you click the 'Buy' button when you order a product online? It triggers a cascade of activity in a fulfillment center, and that is a great way to show how InOrbit Space Intelligence can help.
Imagine a large warehouse with millions of items. In order to get your item picked, packed and shipped, a carefully orchestrated sequence of events must take place.
“I STARTED INORBIT.AI AFTER LEARNING ABOUT HOW ROBOTS WERE GETTING SMARTER AND ENTERING NEW SPACES THAT PREVIOUSLY WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN POSSIBLE.”
It usually starts in the digital domain: the enterprise system that knows where everything is in the warehouse receives the order, checks inventory, and adds it to the list of items to be picked. InOrbit Space Intelligence gets this data and must translate that into actions in the physical world. It intelligently coordinates the entire workflow, generating a mission and selecting
“THE HARDEST
PART
IS THAT THE ROBOTICS INDUSTRY IS STILL MOVING INCREDIBLY FAST AND HASN'T MATURED IN TERMS OF STANDARDS.”
the best robot to go to the specific aisle and rack in the warehouse where your product is, perhaps tasking a human worker to pick it up, then taking the item to shipping. As you consume inventory, you also need to restock it, which may involve a different robot or perhaps a manual forklift that must also be tracked. Maybe the stock is in a different part of the building, requiring traversing a door and then dropping off a pallet loaded with boxes at a machine called a “depalletizer” which breaks it down into the individual boxes. You can see how this could get really complicated, especially since a busy fulfillment center will process thousands of orders each hour.
The net result is that robots, human-driven vehicles, and fixed infrastructure are all operating in the same space, communicating through our platform, and working toward a shared goal. InOrbit ensures that the entire process flow happens without conflict, eliminating bottlenecks and dramatically increasing the speed and reliability of getting your order out the door.
How do you balance leading the company with staying close to product and technology?
FP: My background is in product management, and that DNA is deeply embedded in InOrbit's culture. For me, leading the company and staying close to the product are not two separate things; they are two sides of the same coin. Building a truly great product is how we scale our value and satisfy the needs of many customers efficiently.
To maintain that balance, I focus heavily on understanding the leading edge of technology and translating that into strategic product direction. Especially now, with the rapid advancements in AI, I make sure to stay on top of the trends, getting hands-on with emerging technologies like Agentic AI. Ultimately, I see my role as providing the overall strategic direction, the 'what' and most importantly the 'why', based on where the technology is heading and the value that we want to deliver to customers. Then, trust our world-class engineering and product team to execute the 'how.' That combination of high-level guidance and deep product empathy is what allows us to innovate quickly while scaling the business.
What’s next for InOrbit and robot operations in general?
FP: The future of InOrbit is driven by a massive ambition: to optimize everything that moves.
I expect that we will see a billion robots in operation in the next decade. They won't just be in factories or warehouses; they will be in every space, across every industry and will come in all forms and functions. Whether the robots have wheels, legs or propellers, are working indoors or outdoors, can move huge loads or assemble minute parts, they all need to be managed and optimized.
To handle that scale and diversity, InOrbit is leaning heavily into Agentic and Physical AI. We are transitioning from simply managing a physical machine to orchestrating whole workflows with autonomous agents. The next step for InOrbit Space Intelligence is creating a truly adaptive and self-optimizing environment where these agents—robots, manual vehicles, and infrastructure—are all dynamically coordinated.
This level of intelligent orchestration and optimization is the only way the industry will deliver on the
full promise of robotics. It means facilities will move beyond fixed automation to achieve fluid, software-defined operations, where efficiency is continuous and the operation is truly autonomous.
You also support startups and STEM education. How does that influence your leadership?
FP: My involvement with startups, the broader robotics community, and STEM education is absolutely central to my leadership philosophy. It's not a distraction; it's a vital feedback loop.
At the InOrbit Robot Space in the heart of Silicon Valley, we host the local robotics community and welcome visitors from around the globe: from Germany to Japan and from Latin America to the Middle East. Since we have a global ecosystem of robotics partners, we allow them to showcase their technology to the world. I like to call it the “United Nations of robots”, because we have robots from around the world and we show how they can all get along.
Advising startup founders allows me to give back and keeps me grounded in the acute, immediate problems new companies face. Building a company is hard; building and scaling a company in robotics is even harder. I can often provide a sounding board for first-time founders as they are getting started on their entrepreneurial journey.
I am also passionate about encouraging new generations to get involved in robotics. We frequently open our doors to the public, support non-profits, and collaborate with prestigious universities like UC Berkeley and Carnegie Mellon. This focus on education and future talent means I'm constantly reminded that we are not just building a product for today, but for a future where robots will be everywhere.
This external engagement gives me a panoramic view of the industry, influencing how I hire, how I think about future standards, and how I position InOrbit to not just lead, but to nurture the entire robotics ecosystem.
FOUNDER, CHAIRMAN AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF ILS
GROUP HEAD, ECONOMIC ADVISORY AND LATINO SEGMENT AT BMO
PRESIDENT OF HERNANDEZ DEVELOPMENT & CONSTRUCTION
NESTOR PLANA (NP)
EDUARDO TOBON (ET)
ALEX HERNANDEZ (AH)
ET: As many of you know, we have the privilege of interacting and interviewing some of the top CEOs and presidents of the largest Latino owned companies in the United States. In Miami, we had two top 100 companies with us on stage. Nestor Plana has built the largest healthcare provider of the Latino Leaders Index500. It is ranked number 17 on the list, and every year, it has been moving up. Alex Hernandez has also built a preeminent development and construction firm, not only in Florida, but across our country, and they have been growing every single year as well. These companies have thrived because of their leadership and their vision. The audience wanted to understand their trajectory and how mission-driven their companies have been.
NP: Thank you, Eduardo. I think that it's very important for me to talk a little bit about my background and how I got here. My parents came to this country in 1969 from Cuba. We lived in California for a couple of years. My mom was a housekeeper in a hotel, and my father sold cigars. They came to this country to work and to be able to give back. My mother would always tell me: "Never put me in a nursing home, help me stay in the community when I get old," because she would see her colleagues that worked with her in the actual hotel, that they would take their mothers or their family members, they had no other choice but to put them into the nursing homes.
With that in mind, I basically have built a company with a trajectory in healthcare that operates in about 27 different states to help people age in place and stay within the community. These are all people that are certified to be in nursing homes, and 27 states have now created special waivers to be able to help people age in place and stay within the community. So we've been very lucky in being able to build a very significant company, but our focus is to take care and help the most vulnerable population in this country. We have moved from the elderly to the developmental disabled population. There is a tremendous amount of people that have intellectual disabilities that are not getting help from their states. The State of Florida, being a leader, just created a pilot program to take about 53,000 people that are in that situation, and they've moved them into managed care programs. We have 23,000 folks in the state of Florida that have been waiting for services, and we're now starting to get them off those waiting lines and give them service. We have folks in our program today that have been on waiting lists for as long as 19 years. This vision has resulted in an amazing company with tremendous growth. The last couple of years of growth for us has been spectacular. In 2018, before we won a contract in Florida, we were about a $100 million company. This year, we will do about $1.8 billion in revenues, and we'll probably double that within the next 18 months. The most important thing is that we are helping people that have the greatest needs. So I feel very proud of what we have built, and
one of my goals is to continue to help young entrepreneurs.
ET: Thank you, Nestor, very inspiring. The development and construction sector is the number one sector in the entire Index500 list, and what Alex has been able to build with his company is absolutely amazing. Let us also have him share his story.
AH: Yeah, absolutely, thank you. My dad was a surgeon that came from Cuba with my mom, both of my older brothers were born in Cuba, I was the only one born in the US. But for my dad to get his internship, he had to go to redo his internship in Columbus, Ohio. So I'm Alex Hernandez, a Cuban born in Columbus, Ohio, and every time everybody sees it on my passport, they're trying to piece it together. After my dad got his internship, we moved down to Miami when I was four years old. I remember every one of my dad's friends was somehow involved in the business community, banking, and other sectors. Growing up around that, it had an unbelievable impact. When we talk about community, it is so important. After graduating from college, I moved 45 minutes up the road to Fort Lauderdale. It might have been a different world, because it really was very different. I got the opportunity to work at Stiles, and I was able to rise through the ranks. Later, they became my seed money; they invested in me to go out and open my company. Terry Stiles was a pillar of Fort Lauderdale, and you could not get around not knowing him. Working at Stiles became part of my foundation.
Hernandez Development and Construction started 23 years ago with a primary focus in construction. I was a one-man band and we just grew from there. Our first few years, we grew by doing some government work. When the global financial crisis hit the industry, it was absolutely devastating to many players and we had to go through that process. We subsequently moved to the next phase or 2.0 as we were coming out of 2012, and that is when we really started really growing in our industrial offerings. We have built over 17 million square feet of industrial. If you have a product at your home here in South Florida, there is a good chance that it was a building that we somehow participated in building. We then started focusing on growing our development platform, with selfstorage as a key catalyst. We own self storage in Chicago, so anything between Chicago and South Florida is what we considered our primary area and focus. Now in our third growth phase or 3.0, we are leaning in more to behaving as an industrial developer, focused primarily on more infill and small bay and strategically placed assets. It is getting tougher and tougher to find land in South Florida, we all know that. Those million square foot buildings are getting tougher to do, so I think the infill is a good opportunity. They serve smaller type business and communities better, and I think that's what we need now, so that is what we are leaning into as a developer.
ET: With the healthcare sector, people have strong opinions, but they are not living it day-to-day the way you are. Nestor, can you please talk about the trends that are happening?
NP: As a matter of fact, I was at a session recently, and the name of the session was the sick puppy, because the industry is going through a lot at this point. You have seen what has happened in the public markets in health plan situations. The Big Beautiful Bill is going to take a significant amount of dollars off people that are insured in the system. There will be 16 million people that are part of the Affordable Care Act that could lose their insurance policy. I think that healthcare is going to go through some changes, the hospital industry is going to go through some changes, the pharmaceutical industry is going to go through some changes, but I think that we're going to be okay.
ET: Both of you need and have requested access to capital in your careers as well as within your trajectory with your respective companies. When you look for a partner, and you have multiple options for partners when it comes to financial institutions that provide that access to capital, what do you look for?
NP: Look, I think that, at the end of the day, when you are looking for a financial partner, you are looking for a relationship.You are not looking to be an account number with the last four digits of your account, you are looking for personal relationships. Eduardo, look, I have to tell you, you guys did
an amazing job to be able to come into our credit facility. When you are able to have a financial institution that you have the vice-chairman of the bank call you and say, "I want to become your partner," that is what it is all about. I have a philosophy that people do business with people, people don't do business with institutions, people don't do business with brickand-mortar, people do business with people, and that's what you look for.
ET: That's great advice, thank you for sharing. What about you, Alex?
AH: So as somebody that founded this company from scratch, starting with community banks and as we have evolved over 23 years, you get to the point that you start outgrowing your partners. But the essence of your question is, what are you looking for in that partner, and at the end of the day. I think it is really important that your financial partner knows what your vision is when helping you. That is one of the things since we have joined BMO, that I think it's fantastic. We are not only meeting new people but also seeing new resources all the time. You can see that there are real resources available for M&A and other key topics to have a real and meaningful discussion. Those resources being readily available are the game changer for us to make important financial decisions.
ET: Thank you for that. We are here to celebrate each and every company regardless whether they bank with us or not. We obviously would love to have many more companies banking
HERNANDEZ DEVELOPMENT AND CONSTRUCTION STARTED 23 YEARS
AGO WITH A PRIMARY FOCUS IN
CONSTRUCTION.
with us, and we have the expertise to do so, but each and every company goes through their own journey. Therefore, we are ready when they are. Let us talk about the future, AI, and technology. What are your companies looking at when it comes to AI?, What are you seeing your competitors do when it comes to AI?
NP: I think AI in healthcare is extremely important. Like I mentioned, we manage very vulnerable populations. Some of our care managers today take six hours with a patient to develop a care plan and a model of care. We need to be able to reduce that to be a lot more efficient. We have also had to play a little bit of defense, because AI is becoming very aggressive with providers and being able to bundle and uphold claims that we are going to have to pay, so we have to play defense for that. So it's extremely important for us to be able to have better data and a much better AI to be able to provide better care for folks. With the information that we are seeing, we are able to get a medical record for a patient, and go back seven or even ten years, and really come up with a care model and a care plan for that patient. We could understand who are the patients that are likely early-onset of dementia or Alzheimer's. They are going to have a lot more care than they are having today. It becomes extremely important to be able to manage the population and be able to provide better care. We have invested a lot of money and invited people from the Ritz-Carlton service culture to come in and create a leadership
ONE OF EDUARDO TOBON'S KEY LESSONS IS THE IMPORTANCE OF HUMAN CAPITAL. RECRUITING AND DEVELOPING A GREAT TEAM IS THE KEY TO SUCCESS.
program with our company and train every one of our employees. I tell my employees, "When you go to a Ritz-Carlton and you ask for the elevator, they don't point the finger, they stop what they're doing and they walk you to the elevator." That is the care that I want for my patients. We need a lot more data and leverage AI to be able to get those ideal outcomes. We're going to see a huge change in healthcare around AI opportunities.
ET: Thank you so much. Any insights on the future or any innovations you're looking at, Alex, or perhaps any utilization of AI in your business.
AH: Yeah. I think on both sides, development and construction, data is going to be key. The competition is tight, margins are tight, and the access to data is where that focus is going to be.Traditionally, construction has been one of the slowest adopters of technology. It is historically a very fragmented industry, but it is getting a positive utilization of technology. With private equity and venture capital coming in and trying to find efficiencies, there is investment in technology. We are flying over our sites with drones. We have the ability to have facial recognition for employees. I could go on and on, we all hear the headlines, but the fact is that technology is being adopted
and brought into construction. Around development, I think it is just imperative to be able to scrape data. We used to have to do it manually. For instance, when finding land owners to try to increase your odds of success or source untapped opportunities. I think that is where the focus is going to be.
ET: Well, thank you both. I'd love to get a final perspective from you. If you could give one piece of advice to your younger self, what would that be?
AH: Study technology and AI, that's where all the money is going to be in the future.
NP: I would spend more time with my three kids.
ET: Your families are here. Many of our guests are family, and that is a very special moment for people to be here celebrating what they have accomplished. Sometimes, like for these two incredible founders, in one generation businesses get built to these tremendous sizes. Sometimes, they are multi-generational businesses. The next generations grow their businesses with their families, and sometimes, they pass the baton and continue to be on advisory boards. That is a phenomenal aspect of this Latino business community that we have built and continue to build.
You can follow this podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app by visiting www.bmocm.com/marketsplus
A LIFE BUILT ON DISCIPLINE, PURPOSE, AND UNYIELDING DRIVE
DAVID
W. SHEVES, THE LAW OFFICES OF DAVID W. SHEVES, PLLC
Courtesy of David Sheves
Some careers are the result of opportunity. Others are forged through relentless discipline, sacrifice, and an unwavering belief in what is possible. For Dallas-born attorney David W. Sheves, Attorney at Law and founder of The Law Offices of David W. Sheves, PLLC, the law was not simply a profession waiting to be chosen — it was a destiny he carved out for himself long before most children even imagine what they want to become.
RAISED in an education-driven household, Sheves grew up surrounded by expectations that pushed him to be better, faster, and more self-reliant. It was the kind of environment that allowed him to envision himself as an attorney in the third grade — a dream he took so seriously that he still remembers “graduating” as an attorney in a school ceremony. “At a very young age, I knew that I wanted to become an attorney,” he recalls, emphasizing the discipline that has followed him throughout his
life. “When I set goals in my life, I strive 24/7 to achieve those goals.”
That early sense of direction became the engine that defined his entire adolescence and early adulthood. While others took holiday breaks, enjoyed summers, or returned home for family celebrations, Sheves did none of that. “I took every summer school available, every winter school available, never came back for Thanksgiving, never saw my family for Christmas,” he says. His focus was absolute,
his sacrifices intentional. The reward: graduating law school early and becoming one of the youngest attorneys in the state of Texas at just 24.
But even reaching that milestone came with emotional suspense. He vividly remembers driving on US-75 with his father when the bar exam results were released. A friend texted him the link without any hint of good or bad news. “I assumed I didn’t do too hot,” Sheves admits. But scrolling through the list, he saw his name —
and everything changed in an instant. They pulled over, stepped out of the car, and celebrated quietly on the side of the road. It remains one of the most meaningful moments of his life.
Part of what pushed Sheves to carve his own path was the lack of mentorship available to him in his early years. Despite joining programs designed to support young attorneys, he found that many experienced lawyers had little interest in helping someone younger, hungrier, and moving at a faster pace. That resistance didn’t discourage him — it ignited him. Most people would view that lack of support as a barrier. For Sheves, it became motivation. “That kind of built a fire in me,” he says. Instead of waiting for someone to open a door, he built his own. And once he did, he committed himself to helping others — clients, employees, and even young athletes who needed guidance. For five years, he sponsored a rugby team made up mostly of foreign students who needed far more than athletic support. “They need places to live. They need clothes. They need mentorship,” he explains. Helping them wasn’t a gesture — it was a reflection of who he is.
Ask Sheves what it takes to become a great lawyer, and his answer bypasses any sense of ego or rhetoric. For him, it is simple: hard work. Law school teaches the foundation, he says, but the work ethic you bring determines how far you go. He started in personal injury, then expanded into family law, criminal law, business litigation, and eventually became outside counsel to large corporations — some
“I
THANK MY LATINO ROOTS,”
he says, proud of the connection that continues to strengthen his practice.
publicly recognized for their business success. What sets him apart is not just versatility but availability. His clients can call him at any time. “Whatever time of the day, whatever time of the night, I do the work for them,” he says.
Part of his approach includes creating deeper relationships with clients than other firms typically allow. His boutique structure at The Law Offices of David W. Sheves, PLLC lets him meet weekly with clients, check progress together, and maintain active participation in every case. In a world where many firms sign a client and only resurface at settlement, Sheves takes pride in staying connected. Some clients eventually become close friends — something he considers a natural extension of trust and authenticity.
One of the most defining moments of his career came with a major settlement for an immigrant family from Mexico. The husband had worked tirelessly for his family until an incident disrupted everything. Winning that case wasn’t just another legal victory — it was a life-changing event for the entire family. Sheves remembers the husband falling to the floor in tears when the result came in. The moment was transformative for Sheves as well. “You feel a real satisfaction that you’ve changed someone’s life — not only their life, but generationally as well.” Seeing the impact confirmed his ability to perfect and handle high stake litigation cases or other highest-value cases fueled his drive for even greater challenges.
In litigation, Sheves embraces an aggressive yet disciplined approach: stay on offense. Big firms often try to overwhelm smaller ones with paperwork meant to exhaust resources. But the strategy doesn’t intimidate him — it energizes him. The harder they push, the harder he pushes back. “I feel like I’m controlling the case,” he says. “They’re unable to push me into a defensive mode.” His background in finance and economics made the legal learning curve more demanding for him, but diligence compensated for difficulty. Despite the challenge, he has never lost a case in court — proof, he says, that effort outweighs natural ease.
Today, his firm continues to grow without any advertising. Calls come in daily from clients who were referred by others — a testament to trust built one case at a time. His goal is clear: to become one of the leading litigation attorneys in the Metroplex and eventually dominate the market. With the pace he has set, he believes it may take twenty years — or perhaps much less.
If young lawyers look to him as a model, Sheves hopes they remember one thing: set goals, then work relentlessly to achieve them. “Put your head down. Do whatever necessary,” he says. Whether it’s 3 AM or 5 AM, the only way forward is through effort. Hard work, in his view, solves everything.
Being Latino has never been an obstacle for him — in fact, he believes it’s a competitive advantage. It allows him to connect with clients in ways others cannot. Language, culture, and shared experiences build trust quickly, especially in the communities he serves. “I thank my Latino roots,” he says, proud of the connection that continues to strengthen his practice.
In every part of his journey — from a third-grader declaring he would be a lawyer, to a young adult skipping holidays to study, to a litigator fighting fiercely for his clients — one word defines David W. Sheves: unstoppable.
ELEVATING LATINOS —THROUGH A BOTTLE:
CLAUDIA ROMO EDELMAN BETS ON SOTOL
Claudia Romo Edelman has long been known to Latino Leaders readers as a social entrepreneur and coalition builder. She founded We Are All Human, helped galvanize the Hispanic Star movement, and has spent years persuading corporate leaders and communities to invest in Latino advancement. In 2026, she will add a new title: spirits entrepreneur.
Romo Edelman is launching Sotol Romo, a premium expression of sotol—the traditional spirit of Northern Mexico made not from agave but from dasylirion (desert spoon). In Mexico, sotol carries a Denomination of Origin (2004) restricted to Chihuahua, Coahuila, and Durango. “Sotol is the next big thing after tequila and mezcal,” she says. “But with one-third fewer calories—because it is literally just plant and water. The leanest, purest spirit in the market. A natural triple-skinny margarita.”
How is sotol different from tequila and mezcal?
Tequila and mezcal come from agave—a plant that grows in the flat, sunny regions of southern Mexico and reproduces asexually, cloning itself. Sotol, or dasylirion, grows wild in the rugged, high-desert terrain of the Sierra Madre, with male and female plants that must reproduce through pollination. The plant endures extreme heat, cold, drought, and wind, so it matures much more slowly—15 to 20 years, compared with agave’s 7–10 years.
“Sotol survives the desert for years. By the time you harvest it, the plant has produced everything it needs— its own sugars—so the result is clean, lean, and pure. It’s resilience in a bottle, like diamonds. Sotol is the treasure of the Sierra Madre, but no one knows about it yet.”
Sotol’s roots stretch back 800 years, with modern distillation introduced during Spanish colonization. But the category endured decades of prohibition before legalization returned in the 1990s. Mexico granted its Denomination of Origin in 2004, later than tequila (1974) and mezcal (1994). Now, sotol is re-emerging as bartenders and consumers look for distinct spirits beyond agave. “People are drinking less but drinking better. They want sustainable, organic, artisanal products—with a real, authentic story.”
Romo Edelman believes sotol will scale faster than its predecessors—and even surpass mezcal. “It took 30 years for tequila to mainstream—and now it’s a $12B industry. Mezcal took 15. Sotol will be in every bar, restaurant, and home in the next 3–5 years.”
What is Sotol Romo?
Sotol Romo comes from a four-generation family tradition in Chihuahua. “I am the first woman in my family to get into the business—and the first one to make it a business,” she says. By the Latino Leaders Magazine Courtesy of Claudia Romo
“SOTOL IS RESILIENCE IN A BOTTLE, LIKE DIAMONDS. SOTOL IS THE TREASURE OF THE SIERRA MADRE.”
“WE WILL RESPECT AND ENHANCE THE COMMUNITIES WHERE WE OPERATE. WE WILL ADOPT INNOVATIVE WASTE-USAGE PRACTICES
TO HELP BUILD SCHOOLS IN THE REGIONS WHERE SOTOL GROWS. SUSTAINABILITY AND PURPOSE ARE AT THE CENTER OF THE STRATEGY.”
She began exploring sotol three years ago. “I brought 500 bottles to the U.S. to see people’s reactions—constant focus groups at the gatherings I hosted. We perfected the formula, updated the branding, and found the partner to launch a real company.” That period aligned with her transition to Executive Chair at We Are All Human, allowing her to continue advocacy while building the venture.
This year, Sotol Romo was launched as a joint venture with CKBG, Casa Komos Beverage Group, a platform with distribution across 50 U.S. states and 40 countries that also produces Tequila Komos, the third-largest ultra-premium tequila in the world. “In alcohol, the product is only half the story—you also need the distribution. CKBG has the experience, the infrastructure, and the respect for Mexico and for the land where they operate.”
Sustainability at the center
“Sustainability is not a side note to the company—it is the strategy,” she says. “We will respect and enhance the communities where we operate. We will adopt innovative waste-usage practices to help build schools in the regions where sotol grows. Sustainability, purpose, and inclusion are at the center from the start.”
Inclusive investment
Financial inclusion was also key. Romo Edelman raised a seed round this summer. “The investors we attracted are simply incredible, and Latinos hold roughly one-third of our cap table. In addition, we created a dedicated SPV so Latinos can micro-invest. Too often, we’re shut out of the
best deals. I want Latinos to be investors and feel like investors—because ownership is elevation.”
HOW SOTOL DIFFERS FROM TEQUILA AND MEZCAL
Tequila and mezcal come from agave, a plant that grows in the flatter, sunnier landscapes of southern Mexico and reproduces asexually, cloning itself. Sotol grows wild in the rugged, high-desert terrain of the Sierra Madre. Its plants are male and female and must reproduce through pollination. Because sotol endures extreme heat, drought, cold, and wind, it takes 15 to 20 years to mature, double the timeline of agave.
Sotol Romo will officially launch at the Super Bowl in February 2026, beginning commercial availability in four markets: New York, Florida, Texas, and California. “It is a steep curve ahead and I know it. I am counting on my community to be with me. It is a male-dominated industry with few Latinas at the helm—and with the big challenge that no one knows sotol yet. I will need all the help I can get in opening doors and educating the world about it. We need more Latinas succeeding. And in this case, if we hit it right, we hit it big.”
Claudia’s mission is bold: to make the world know sotol so the North of Mexico can benefit from the same jobs, education, pride, and prosperity that tequila and mezcal created for the South—but without repeating environmental harms and learning from past mistakes.
This is Claudia’s “why.” For decades she has mobilized brands, institutions, and communities to elevate Hispanics through We Are All Human, Hispanic Star, and A LA LATINA. Now she is using those same superpowers—awareness, storytelling, coalition-building, and impact—to do it through a bottle. With an ultra-premium product that positions Latinos at the highest level, she aims to elevate the narrative of Latinos in the United States while giving back to the communities where sotol grows.
GUARDING THE LEAF: HOW TO PROTECT YOUR CIGARS WHEN TRAVELING, WORKING, OR PLAYING GOLF
There is a special kind of pleasure in taking your cigars with you, whether you're jetting off for a weekend escape, heading to a business retreat, or simply teeing off on a misty Saturday morning. Cigars are more than tobacco leaves; they are companions to our finest moments, golf swings, great conversations, sunsets, weddings, and milestone celebrations. And just like any fine companion, they deserve protection.
PRESERVING A CIGAR’S integrity during travel is not just about humidity, it is about temperature, movement, exposure, and time. Once removed from proper humidor conditions, a cigar begins to change. Oils evaporate, wrappers dry out, flavors flatten, and aromas fade. But with the right preparation, equipment, and habits, you can confidently carry your cigars anywhere, in full elegance and full protection.
The Four Enemies of the Traveling Cigar
Whether on the golf cart, in your carry-on bag, or in your truck's console, cigars are vulnerable to:
1. Temperature Fluctuation:
Heat dries the wrapper and accelerates fermentation. Cold makes the cigar brittle. The ideal range: 65–70°F (18–21°C).
2. Humidity Loss:
Cigars travel best at 65–70% RH, preserving oils, aroma, and smooth burning. Anything below 60% begins to affect flavor and combustion.
3. Physical Damage:
A single impact can crack a wrapper, loosen the filler, or compromise the draw. Most damage occurs due to rolling around inside bags, golf carts, glove compartments—or even inside pockets.
Francisco Arias Certified Cigar Sommelier
4. Exposure to Scents & Surroundings: Cigars are like sponges. Leave them unprotected around leather gloves, cologne, food, gasoline, golf bag canvas—and they will quietly absorb it all.
Your Cigar Travel Toolkit
If you invest in premium cigars, you should also invest in how you carry them. These three travel categories cover most real-life scenarios:
The Everyday Carrier – The 2–5 Cigar Case Slim, elegant leather or crush-proof travel case. Ideal for meetings, weddings, after-work lounge visits, or a casual evening with friends. Pair with a single Boveda 8g or 4g humidity pack.
The Golf Day Case – The 5 to 10 Cigar Hard Case
Durable, waterproof, shock-resistant. Must fit easily in the golf cart cup holder or ride safely in the bag divider. Prefer one with foam separation and a tight-lid seal. Always include a humidity pack.
The Travel Vault – The 25+ Extended Trip Case
A small portable humidor or travel chest for business trips, bachelor weekends, resort vacations, or destination weddings. Features: airtight latches, foam cushions, locking option, and humidity control for weeks or even months.
On the Golf Course: The Most Common Mistakes Golf is the worst and best place for cigars—depending on your preparation.
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
• Leaving cigars in the cart cup holder (sun + vibration = cracked cigars)
• Storing in glove compartment (temperature changes)
• Removing humidity packs during the round (big mistake)
• Lighting cigars with torch lighters on windy tees— overheating the foot
Best Practices:
• Use a magnetic cigar clip for carts (never set cigars directly on surfaces)
• Always travel with a windproof soft flame lighter and punch cutter combo
• Keep cigars sealed until ready to smoke
• Bring an extra humidity pouch—your cigars will thank you at hole 18
On Flights: The Smart Traveler Checklist
• Never check cigars in luggage—temperature & pressure damage them.
• Carry-on, in a sealed humidor case, with a small humidity pack.
• If traveling for more than 5 days, add a small digital hygrometer.
• Avoid keeping cigars near external backpack pockets or leather pouches.
Final Thought: Cigars Travel Like Gentlemen
A cigar is not a disposable product. It is a crafted artifact. A hand-touched, carefully aged, patiently rolled piece of heritage and tradition. Traveling with cigars is an act of respect—not just for the product, but for the moment you're saving it for. Because some moments are worth more when they happen with the right cigar—protected, preserved, and perfectly ready.
Francisco Arias, Cigar Sommelier, is a proud supporter of the Back the Blue Golf Tournament in Dallas and the USO, where he serves on the Board of Advisors. He enjoys sharing the game of golf with members of the Dallas Police Department and the USO community.
LATINO LEADERS CELLAR
2025: OUT WITH A BANG!
Jorge Ferráez @ JFerraez_Latino @ferraez.wine
Mi Sueno "Lorena" Red Wine, 2019 Selection.
• A Napa red wine as good as you can find! A fantastic blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot, looking bright, expressive and bold with earthy notes, blackberry, mint and dark chocolate. Sumptuous, elegant and complex, with a great personality and a warm character. A tribute to Lorena, the wife of Rolando Herrera!, a Mexican winemaker from Michoacan who came to Napa more than 40 years ago to fulfill "His Dream" of making wine. Only available online: www.misuenowinery.com
Remirez de Ganuza, Blanco Gran Reserva, 2013.
• Fernando Remirez de Ganuza was a great Rioja producer who left a fabulous and innovative legacy in his winery. This white wine shows a character with ripe white fruit, white pepper and creamy texture. White floral notes and rose petals in a complex and medium body structure. The wine is a sophisticated and elegant expression of Viura, with nuances of beeswax, almonds and a certain mineral touch that gives power to its acidity and dry personality. This one must be eaten with a salted fish, shrimp a la diablaor a ceviche campechano.
• A very pleasant and peculiar white wine, at first it shows aromas of fresh and aromatic citrus flowers, ripe pineapple and molasses. It has a complex and sophisticated character, with layers of flowers and fruits that evolve into notes such as vanilla, rosemary and white pepper. Medium bodied and succulent, this wine is a delight with sophisticated dishes such as fish with béchamel sauce, rotisserie chicken or a salad with grilled salmon.
Chateau Nenin, Pomerol, 2014.
• This Bordeaux has always been a gem, with lingering, ripe notes of red fruit with the classic Bordeaux approach; certain hints of green pepper. Powerful, big and slow to open, but after a while it develops notes of red currant, black pepper, cherry and licorice on a complex and layered structure. Deep and complex Bordeaux with a classic and elegant personality. Ideal with a filet mignon with green peppercorn sauce, roasted pork leg or lamb chops.
Bouchard Pére & Fils Volnay, Clos des Chênes, Premier Cru, 2019.
• A succulent and elegant Burgundy that shows a medium-bodied, refined structure showing ripe red fruit, ripe cherry and soft, spicy accents. Complex, sophisticated and seductive, it evolves infinitely once poured in the glass. I had it with a homemade salami and ham sandwich! Delicious!! But the wine has a silkiness that would be perfect with a Christmas Turkey or smoked chops.
Cervantes Family Vineyards, Napa Valley, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2022.
• It shows incredible concentration with fruity notes, cherry, dark chocolate and blueberries. Powerful, deep and complex. It is a blow to the palate, with its complexity and fruitiness. A delicious and succulent wine to accompany a large juicy steak, complex dishes or a beef stew. This vineyard was founded by the Mexican, Chilango, Jerónimo Cervantes and his family a few years ago in Napa. His passion for doing things well has allowed him to bring together the elements to make an incredible wine that very few can. This is a cult wine and is only available online:
https://cervantesfamilyvineyards.com
Luis E. González
Una conexión que vale la pena celebrar
Thaddeus Arroyo, we celebrate you and the innovative leadership you’ve pioneered, changing both American Corporate Leadership and the international business landscape. You’ve spearheaded how hundreds of millions connect daily, while expanding connection to tens of millions more. Thank you for proving that Connecting Changes Everything.
| AT&T | Job# ACB GEN P5 4715 |
Congratulations Christian Ruiz
Your outstanding leadership in sales and ability to open doors for customers helps shape our company’s success.
ThaddeusArroyoCongratsAd_Arc_s.ai
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