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At Hispanic Executive, we turn our spotlight on business’ most influential Latinos to shape the dialogue on Hispanic leadership and amplify the voices of those driving growth in the global marketplace.
In this editing of our Executives to Watch series, we’re showcasing eleven Hispanic and Latino founders, CEOs, and executive leaders across the technology, retail, media, healthcare, and food & beverage industries.
Know a Hispanic leader that should be part of the Hispanic Executive network? Introduce us.
Maria Bracho
Chief Technology Officer, Latin America
Red Hat Inc.
Maria Bracho, a Venezuelan-born engineer, built a global tech career by embracing change, cultural diversity, and open-source innovation. She thrives in international roles and uses her bilingual expertise to bridge markets with resilience, curiosity, and a deep commitment to global collaboration and impact.
Connect with Maria Bracho on LinkedIn.
Miguel Gutierrez
Global Chief Procurement Officer
Foundever
Miguel Gutierrez is a bilingual procurement executive with more than twenty years of global experience driving innovation, cost savings, and operational excellence. From earning a US patent at PepsiCo to leading AI-powered transformation at Foundever, his career reflects a commitment to strategic sourcing, team development, and measurable impact across industries.
Connect with Miguel Gutierrez on LinkedIn.
Alejandro “Alex” Kahan
CEO
iKahan Media
With decades in media and a deep understanding of multicultural audiences, Alejandro “Alex” Kahan has built a career on connection. The founder of iKahan Media has reimagined out-of-home advertising to reach overlooked communities. Kahan, a proud Mexican American, balances business impact with family, golf, and a love for all things sports.
Connect with Alejandro “Alex” Kahan on LinkedIn.
Are you an expert in your industry? Introduce yourself! We’d love to meet you.
Kenneth Barela
CEO
Hispanic Health Council
Kenneth Barela channels decades of nonprofit and public service into advancing Hispanic health through the new National Hispanic Health Research Institute. A military veteran, former mayor, and published author, he blends leadership values, community insight, and strategic execution to shape impactful, equity-driven initiatives nationwide.
Connect with Kenneth Barela on LinkedIn.
Luis Fernando Fuentes
SVP of R&D Process Development, Technology Innovation & Productivity
Mondelēz International
Luis Fernando Fuentes, a mechanical engineer from Mexico, has built a versatile career across R&D, consumer insights, and operations. His global journey—from Procter & Gamble to private equity and now Mondelēz—reflects resilience, adaptability, and deep technical expertise. Luis credits his niche pharmaceutical background and family’s support for shaping his success.
Connect with Luis Fernando Fuentes on LinkedIn.
Rodrigo Matsumoto Varella
IT Director of Data Engineering & Integrations
BJ’s Wholesale Club
Rodrigo Matsumoto Varella oversees global data engineering and integrations, ensuring 24/7 data access and system connectivity. A twenty-five-year IT veteran from Brazil, he champions AI-driven data democratization. His journey from Staples Brazil to US corporate life reflects adaptability, cultural pride, and a deep commitment to innovation and family.
Connect with Rodrigo Matsumoto Varella on LinkedIn.
Arnie Lopez
SVP and Chief Customer Officer
New Relic
Arnie Lopez climbed from IT support to the C-suite through grit, curiosity, and persistence. A proud Bolivian American, he champions Latino representation in tech and urges future leaders to keep learning, stay resilient, and build networks that open doors often closed to underrepresented talent.
Connect with Arnie Lopez on LinkedIn.
Don’t Miss Out
Be part of our Latinos in HR series, launching in September 2025. Introduce yourself or an HR thought leader today.
Marcos Ortiz
Payroll & Benefits Director
Varonis
Marcos Ortiz, a first-generation Puerto Rican executive, oversees payroll and benefits across nine countries at Varonis. Known for building trusted, collaborative teams, he successfully transitioned US payroll operations in-house. His people-first approach, shaped by family values, centers on listening, inclusion, and fostering cultural pride in and outside of work.
Connect with Marcos Ortiz on LinkedIn.
Kembly Valencia
Director of People
Guayakí Yerba Mate
An immigrant and lifelong learner, Kembly Valencia built a cross-continental HR team grounded in inclusion, values alignment, and second-chance initiatives. Her people-first approach supports employees across North and South America. As a Latina executive and mother of three, she proudly proves that women can thrive as both leaders and caregivers.
Connect with Kembly Valencia on LinkedIn.
Vivian Santos-Buch
HR Director
OSI Group
Proud Puerto Rican-Cuban Vivian Santos-Buch balances career, family, and faith while driving impact in food manufacturing and community service. She revitalizes OSI’s foundation to better serve others, guided by purpose and connection. Santos-Buch is known for her resilience, passion for continuous learning, and values-driven leadership.
Connect with Vivian Santos-Buch on LinkedIn.
Jesse Ceja
Executive Director of Talent Management
US Army
Colonel Jesse Ceja’s journey reflects grit, purpose, and deep pride in his heritage. A first-generation American and son of Mexican immigrants, he built a distinguished twenty-eight-year Army career rooted in humility and service. Today, he empowers others to rise beyond circumstance and expectation.
Connect with Jesse Ceja on LinkedIn.
This article was produced with the assistance of AI.
