About me
Guatemalan. Chief Executive Officer of AgroAmerica
Since 1991 I have helped build one of the leading diversified agricultural and food companies in Latin America, with interests in bananas, vegetable oil, food ingredients, vegetable protein, transportation, logistics and renewable energy. AgroAmérica has operations in Guatemala, the United States, Continental Europe, Mexico, Ecuador, Peru, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Argentina and Panama.
For the past 20 years, I have also led strategic investments in the Food and Beverage industry, Precision Agriculture, Entertainment Business, and the Energy Sector.
Other Activities
Professor of Business Strategy at two of the main universities in Guatemala.
Member of the Board of Directors and treasurer of the Guatemalan American Chamber of Commerce, President of the Chapter of the Organization of Young Presidents (Guatemala Chapter) YPO.
Member of the Board of Directors of EcoLogic (Cambridge, Massachusetts).
Member of the Board of Trustees of the Bolar Foundation (www.fundacionbolar.org).
Executive President of the Family Foundation "Fundación José Fernando Bolaños" leading the Implementation of the "Better Families Program" and Human Development Center in 19 communities throughout Guatemala, benefiting more than 50,000 people (mainly women and children).
President of the Chamber of Free Enterprise.
Recipient of the SEN Award in Sustainability in the Community and Inclusive Businesses category.
Member of the Board of Fundesa (Foundation for the Development of Guatemala).
I have held numerous positions on the boards of nonprofits throughout the region.
Member of the Los Angeles Valley Orphanage (www.valleyoftheangels.com) and other non-profit organizations.
Education
MBA Southern Methodist University - 1991
Bachelor of Economics, Francisco Marroquín University - 1989
What do I believe in?
I believe in alliances with interest groups (stakeholders) and local actors. Working hand in hand is the only way to resolve local development issues.
The communities near the operations of the company I run (AgroAmérica) have little or no access to basic public services and most of our workers live in those communities. I understood that we cannot be successful and sustainable in the area, in the long term, if our immediate communities do not develop with us. I learned that if our people have health, education and opportunities, they will perform better. Therefore, social investment benefits us all.
The reason for this Blog
Through years of work experience and as a speaker at world conferences, I have learned that sustainability must be in the DNA of companies to be successful. Through this blog I want to share my knowledge and experiences in sustainability, which can help and inspire large entrepreneurs, but also small entrepreneurs who start their businesses and do not know which route to take.