Recognizing Latin American CEOs
CEO, the most sought after position within any company. All the way at the top of the corporate totem pole. You might be familiar with names like Bill Gates of Microsoft and Jeff Bezos of Amazon.
With an increasing Hispanic population in the United States and continued workforce rate from the Hispanic and Latino community, representation in top positions in companies still remains low. The Latino Board Monitor reported that “[Latinos] have a 3% population growth compared to only a 1% increase in board composition.” Meaning that Latinos have the largest representation gap to close in that regard.
It was also reported by the LBM included data sharing that Latinas in particular were “Historically the least represented with 1% of board seats of the Fortune 500 companies.”
During this year’s Hispanic Heritage Month we wanted to shed light on some Latino and Latina CEOs you might not have heard of:
Geisha Jimenez Williams – Former CEO of PG&E
Williams former CEO of Fortune 500 PG&E a gas and power company for California. During her time serving as the company CEO she was the first and only Latina to hold the highly coveted position in a Fortune 500 company. From when she took the position in 2017 to her stepping down in 2019 she reigned as the lone Latina on the Fortune 500 list.
Maria Teresa Kumar – CEO of Voto Latino
Kumar is a Colombian American CEO of Voto Latino. Her background in political activism drew her to working to improve inclusive political participation. In her Bio from the National Women’s History Museum the company “uses media and technology to encourage younger generations of Latinx voters” and “has registered over quarter million voters.”
Joaquin Duato – CEO of Johnson & Johnson
Duato who is a dual citizen of both the United States and Spain is the recently appointed CEO of the Johnson & Johnson company. As his position requires a high level leader he works to push what is possible at the company. According to his company biography his “international perspective gives him a deep appreciation of diversity in all forms.”
Ramon L. Laguarta – CEO of PepsiCo
Laguata is the current CEO of the PepsiCo beverage company. The Barcelona native works to continue the PepsiCo mission towards a more sustainable future with consumer use and responsible packaging. He also hopes to “integrate purpose into its business strategy and brands, while advancing social equity in the company and its communities.”
