Luis Herrera’s leadership in HR builds strong, productive global teams.pdf

Luis Herrera is a highly skilled and accomplished human resources leader with over 20 years of experience designing and implementing HR strategies that drive organizational growth, enhance employee engagement, and improve overall business performance. His career is defined by his ability to align human resource functions with business objectives, ensuring that organizations are equipped to thrive in ever-changing markets. Luis has built a strong reputation for his strategic thinking, leadership, and adaptability across diverse industries and global markets.

Luis’s expertise spans various industries, including high-tech manufacturing, consumer goods, supply chain management, and food production. He has also worked in B2B distribution, transportation, and foundry operations, understanding how HR practices can support various business functions. In addition to his core HR expertise, Luis has specialized in mergers and acquisitions, talent management, organizational development, and employee relations. His focus on these areas has enabled him to successfully guide companies through transitions and transformations, driving employee satisfaction and organizational success.

Luis has significant international experience, having worked in numerous countries including China, Brazil, Mexico, the UK, Canada, South Korea, and Germany. His global exposure has allowed him to navigate the complexities of managing human resources across different cultural and legal environments. Luis’s ability to adapt HR strategies to local market needs while aligning with global business goals has been instrumental in his success in multinational organizations.

1. Biography of Luis Herrera


Luis Herrera’s career as a human resources leader has been shaped by his
experiences across various sectors and countries. With a solid foundation built
through his service in the United States Marine Corps, Luis developed crucial
leadership skills that would later influence his professional trajectory. His time in
the military instilled a strong sense of discipline and an ability to adapt to
challenging environments. These qualities have been vital throughout his career,

2. enabling him to lead diverse teams and manage complex HR functions in global
settings.

A Strong Start in HR

Luis’s professional journey in human resources began at Motorola, Inc. in Florida.
As an HR Business Partner and Manager, Luis supported business growth
through effective HR strategies. His work at Motorola helped him gain valuable
insights into shaping and executing HR initiatives that align with organizational
objectives. Luis’s ability to collaborate with senior leadership and contribute to
business development marked the beginning of his successful career in HR
leadership.

After Motorola, Luis joined Kellogg Company, a $19 billion global leader in food
manufacturing. At Kellogg, he worked as a Senior HR Business Partner and later
as a Senior Employee Relations Consultant. His role allowed him to work with
more than 33,000 employees globally, allowing him to hone his skills in workforce
management and employee relations. His strategic approach to HR helped the
company better align its workforce with its overall goals, and his ability to
manage complex HR issues on a global scale was recognized across the
organization. Experience Across Diverse Industries

2005, Luis transitioned to Grainger Industrial Supply, a $10.5 billion global B2B
industrial supply company. As Senior HR Manager, he oversaw HR operations for
13 distribution centers across the United States and Mexico. One of his key
achievements at Grainger was the development of strategies that improved
employee engagement while aligning HR practices with the company’s business
objectives. His leadership in implementing lean methodologies improved team
performance and contributed to a culture of continuous improvement.

One of the most significant chapters in Luis’s career came during his time at
Navistar, a global manufacturer of trucks and defense vehicles. Luis was tasked
with leading HR for the Components Division, and his role included overseeing a
joint venture with Janghui Automotive Corporation in China. During his six-month

3. assignment in China, Luis managed HR strategy, established expat
infrastructure, and led HR due diligence for acquisitions. His work in China,
alongside creating the Components Division through multiple acquisitions,
earned him a promotion and highlighted his ability to lead HR in a rapidly
changing global landscape.
Leading HR Initiatives in the Marine Industry

Luis’s career further expanded when he took on the role of HR Director at
Brunswick, a $4.1 billion marine industry manufacturer. In this position, he was
responsible for HR operations across a $750 million division across several U.S.
and Canadian locations. He successfully improved employee engagement,
reduced turnover, and enhanced overall productivity. His initiatives led to three
company locations receiving the Employer of Choice award. Furthermore, his
work on HR due diligence for acquiring a heavy-gauge aluminum boat business
demonstrated his expertise in handling mergers and acquisitions.

Luis’s next significant move was at Wheels, Inc., a fleet management company,
where he served as HR Manager and Strategic HR Business Partner. He worked
closely with executives to develop human capital strategies, ensuring the
company attracted, retained, and developed top talent. Luis also played a pivotal
role in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring business continuity by
overseeing the transition to remote work and implementing safety protocols. His
leadership in Wheels' diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives highlighted his
commitment to fostering inclusive workplaces. Expanding Leadership at Hendrickson International and Reynolds
Consumer Products

Luis's experience continued to grow when he joined Hendrickson International, a
company specializing in commercial vehicle trailers and suspension systems. As
HR Director, he developed HR strategies for eight U.S., Canada, and Mexico
locations. His focus on leadership development, talent acquisition, and employee
engagement helped Hendrickson maintain a competitive edge in a challenging
labor market.

4. Luis's most recent role was Senior HR Director at Reynolds Consumer Products
in Lake Forest, IL. He oversaw HR operations for the Hefty Waste & Storage and
Tableware business units. His responsibilities included fostering employee
engagement, retention, and community within the organization. His leadership in
improving HR practices and implementing effective employee engagement
strategies was central to the company’s success.
Educational and Professional Development

Luis’s education has been an important part of his career development. He
earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from Southern Illinois
University in Carbondale, Illinois. His desire to further develop his leadership
capabilities led him to pursue an Executive Master of Business Administration
from Michigan State University, where he gained additional insights into strategic
management and leadership. This combination of practical experience and
formal education has equipped Luis with the skills necessary to excel in human
resources leadership across various industries. Commitment to Community and Volunteerism

Besides his professional responsibilities, Luis has always remained dedicated to
giving back to his community. Since 2016, he has volunteered with "By the
Hand," an organization that provides educational and community services to
inner-city youth in Chicago. Additionally, Luis is part of a group that regularly
travels to northern Michigan’s Owassipie campground, where they repair
equipment for Boy Scout facilities. These volunteer efforts reflect his deep
commitment to community service and his belief in supporting youth
development. Personal Interests

Luis enjoys engaging in hands-on activities when he is not working or
volunteering. He has a passion for welding, home brewing, and gardening, where
he grows vegetables and flowers. An avid scuba diver, Luis enjoys exploring
underwater, while his love for outdoor activities extends to biking local trails and
kayak fishing in quiet lakes. These hobbies allow him to unwind and maintain a
balanced approach to his personal and professional life.

5. Luis Herrera’s career in human resources has been defined by his leadership,
global experience, and commitment to improving HR practices across various
industries. His ability to adapt to new challenges and implement effective HR
strategies has earned him a reputation as a respected HR leader. His diverse
experiences in the military, corporate world, and community involvement illustrate
his well-rounded approach to leadership and his dedication to positively
impacting both in and outside the workplace. Luis continues to be an influential
figure in the HR field, and his commitment to continuous learning and personal
growth ensures that he will remain at the forefront of HR leadership for years to
come.