Mag. Lucas Gutierrez

Latin American Leader for the development and implementation of the corporate global Growth and Expansion Plan in the Americas. Created a new Business Unit for the export of 12,000 tons of Used Cooking Oil per year for biofuel production in the United States. Generating 18 US$ M in sales. Led strategic plan creation and development specific for South American expansion.

Responsible for the primary industrial operation in Colombia. Managed a headcount of 650 people and the transformation of 210,000 tons of reclaimed organic unconsumed by-products per year. Managed a yearly US$10M budget tied to industrial operations, Continuous improvements in quality, costs, process stability/capability, and productivity. Accountable for management of cross functional operational areas to ensure delivery of corporate targets.

Configured, consolidated and managed the Strategic Projects Office for the company after the merger process with the industrial operations in Colombia. Ensuring executive leadership optimal performance to promote business growth by maximizing company procedures. Assessed the efficiency of business procedures and existing operations according to organizational objectives in order to facilitate development and long-term success Developed, defined and implemented a 5-year strategy for the Colombian operation.

Created and managed a new Business Unit, transforming the company´s byproducts in natural chews and treats for the pet market. Developed the production processes, quality assurance, portfolio and sales. Expanded the business to the private label, and department stores market in the U.S. Resulting in annual sales of US$ 2 million.

Lead the development of new products to increase sales and segments in LATAM (Colombia, Venezuela, Argentina, Peru and Brazil) for additives and functional polymers in food applications. Developed specific applications and new products, as well as validation and performance protocols for the food industry, with clients such as The Coca-Cola Company, Unilever and Colgate. Developed the production processes, quality assurance, portfolio and sales.

Responsible for the international market R&D of specialized ingredients for animal and human nutrition. Provided technical sales and post-sale assistance in applications and performance. Delivered as a part of the sales and business development team for high revenue impact product lines in Thailand, Indonesia, Guatemala, Honduras, Colombia, Peru and Ecuador. Strategic participation in the creation of the portfolio across different business units; developing formulations and chemical additives