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At Hispanic Executive, we spotlight on business’ most influential Latino leaders—those shaping strategy, driving innovation, and redefining what leadership looks like across industries.
In our February Executives to Watch 2026 list, we highlight a powerful group of Hispanic and Latino executives who are leading transformation in technology, finance, legal, and beyond—proving that impact comes from both vision and execution in today’s global marketplace.
Know a finance leader that should be part of the Hispanic Executive network? Introduce us.
Adriana Ehiar
Director, Legal LAM Region
BIC
Adriana Ehiar built her career in global in-house roles after discovering she could make a greater impact by bringing legal thinking directly into the business. Born and raised in São Paulo, she leads BIC’s Legal strategy across Latin America with a people-first mindset—combining high standards, commercial focus, and a deep sense of justice. Recognized among Brazil’s Top 50 Legal Executives, Adriana is known for cutting through bureaucracy, empowering teams to make better decisions, and proving that principled leadership and practical business sense can thrive together.
Connect with Adriana Ehiar on LinkedIn here.
Maria Ferreras
Global Head of Partnerships
Netflix
Maria Ferreras built her career at the intersection of technology, media, and global growth, bringing a partnership-driven mindset to some of the world’s most influential platforms. Since joining Netflix in 2017, she has led strategic alliances across regions, drawing on more than a decade at Google, where she shaped partnerships for YouTube in Southern Europe and emerging markets. With a foundation in telecom engineering and marketing, Maria blends technical expertise with commercial vision—proving that long-term relationships and innovation are central to scaling global entertainment.
Connect with Maria Ferreras on LinkedIn here.
Mariana D’Andrea
Associate General Counsel Business & Legal Affairs – International
Roku
Mariana D’Andrea has turned her legal career into a force for both business growth and social impact. Promoted to an international role in 2023, she supports Roku’s global expansion while leading a large, high-performing team. She also founded and chairs the company’s in-house pro bono program, delivering legal services to small businesses and families and earning multiple awards for its impact.
A strong advocate for representation and mentorship, Mariana is a leader within Roku’s Latino ERG and an active mentor with ALPFA. She serves on the board of Sounds of Savings and on the alumni board of New York University. Recently recognized by Latino Leaders and The Legal 500, she shows that success is defined by impact, not just title.
Connect with Mariana D’Andrea on LinkedIn here.
Ed Ayala
Founder & CEO
Ayala Coaching Experience
Ed Ayala built his career around one core belief: self-awareness is the foundation of success. After spending three decades at Strategies for Wealth—where he led recruiting, training, and development as Chief Development Officer—he launched Ayala Coaching Experience to focus full-time on coaching advisors, leaders, and executives nationwide. Known for creating safe, honest spaces for growth, Ed blends clarity, mindset, and accountability to help people define and reach their goals. Outside of work, he gives back through youth mentorship and coaching, proving that success is about lifting others as much as achieving your own.
Connect with Ed Ayala on LinkedIn here.
Ramiro Vázquez
Senior Vice President
BNY
Ramiro Vázquez built his career at the intersection of engineering and collaboration. Raised in Guadalajara, Mexico, he pursued technology as a practical way to apply math and problem-solving, eventually moving from telecom and consulting roles at Tata Consultancy Services to leading complex banking platforms in the U.S. Today, he designs secure client technology solutions for major financial institutions, known for connecting technical and business teams and keeping people at the center of every solution.
Connect with Ramiro Vázquez on LinkedIn here.
Julian Díaz Morales
Product Corporate Counsel
Microsoft
Julian Díaz Morales built his career by embracing pivots and people. Raised in San Juan, Puerto Rico, he moved from political science to law, earning his degree from the University of Puerto Rico and later an LL.M. at George Washington University. After roles in private practice, public policy, and startups, he found his home in-house, where law meets innovation.
Today, Julian supports Microsoft’s Windows organization, helping teams navigate compliance and risk while building inclusive communities through mentorship and employee networks. Proud of his Puerto Rican roots—and a fan of Bad Bunny—he shows that careers don’t have to be linear to be meaningful.
Connect with Julian Díaz Morales on LinkedIn here.
Luis Polanco Rodríguez
Senior Corporate Counsel – Compliance
Dormakaba
Luis Polanco Rodríguez is an Ethics and Compliance leader for the Americas at Dormakaba who has built his career around integrity, service, and cultural connection. Born in the Dominican Republic and raised in Chicago, he was inspired by a family rooted in community leadership—both parents are pastors—and pursued political science at Northern Illinois University before moving into law and compliance. After early roles in ethics and compliance and service on the board of Franciscan Outreach, he joined Dormakaba, where he oversees ethical concerns, conflict-of-interest issues, and compliance training across the U.S., Canada, and Latin America. A bilingual, bicultural leader, Luis also founded the company’s Hispanic and Black ERG in 2023 to strengthen a speak-up culture and improve employee experience—bringing the same values of mentorship and responsibility to his work and to fatherhood.
Connect with Luis Polanco Rodríguez on LinkedIn here.
Francisco Sánchez
Partner
Holland & Knight
Francisco Sánchez built his career at the intersection of public service, global business, and cultural connection. Raised bilingual and shaped by early travel across five continents, he developed a lifelong focus on international markets and multicultural leadership. After serving in senior U.S. government roles, including Undersecretary of Commerce for International Trade, he founded and led CNS Global Advisors, helping companies expand across the Americas. Now a partner at Holland & Knight, Francisco brings that global perspective to clients navigating complex international and trade challenges. A longtime leader within the Aspen Institute Latinos & Society initiative, he is known for listening first, leading with inclusion, and proving that culture and strategy must move together to create lasting impact.
Connect with Francisco Sánchez on LinkedIn here.
Bernardo Franco Millán
CFO US Chemicals & Products
Shell
Bernardo Franco Millán built his career through determination, global perspective, and a commitment to family-first values. Raised in Bogotá and educated in engineering in the U.S., he began in consulting and finance before joining Shell’s graduate program and moving into corporate M&A and treasury roles across the Americas. Today, he leads the finance function for Shell’s U.S. chemicals and refining business, guiding strategy, investments, and large-scale operations with a team spanning multiple regions. A sponsor of Shell’s Hispanic network and an active mentor, Bernardo is known for empowering leaders, creating accountability, and returning the support he once received—proving that grit and community can grow side by side.
Connect with Bernardo Franco Millán on LinkedIn here.
Guillermo Garcia
VP of IT/CIO
TMEIC
Guillermo Garcia built his career by turning technology into a true business growth engine. As Vice President of Information Technology at TMEIC, he shapes enterprise strategy at the intersection of digital, AI, and manufacturing—helping the business scale profitably through automation, intelligent systems, and modern platforms. With experience leading large-scale transformations across the U.S., Latin America, Europe, and Asia, Guillermo is known for aligning people, processes, and technology to deliver measurable results. A bilingual, business-first leader, he focuses on making innovation practical—proving that modern IT can drive execution, resilience, and long-term value.
Connect with Guillermo Garcia on LinkedIn here.
This article was produced with the assistance of AI.
