Experience

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  Decofrut inc

  Nov 2008 - Sept 2009

  Engineer head office quality control

  • Coordinated and conducted quality controls of a variety of fruit imported by Capespan Italy. Reformulated inspection and storage protocols, achieving an optimized quality control.• Supported the commercial areas of the company in making decisions for the final destinations of the produce.

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  Cencosud s.a.

  Nov 2010 - Mar 2012

  Perishables manager

  Managed all perishables for a 75,000 sq. foot store with 350 associates.Successfully reduced shrink by 30% through optimizing the operational process of on-deck produce reception and in-store produce replenishment. • 7 direct reports from area managers. • 14 indirect reports from area assistant managers.

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  It's fresh!

  Apr 2012 - May 2020

  Reporting directly to CEO.Responsible for expanding the company’s footprint in the Americas. Identified, developed and managed new business opportunities, including several large accounts. Charged with providing leadership, sales strategy and sales development of It’s Fresh! at key growers, packers, exporters and importers within the produce supply chain. • Built and trained successful sales force teams in the United States, Mexico and Chile- expanding operations to Colombia, Peru and Ecuador within one year.• Worked directly with the 55 largest growers and exporters in the United States, Mexico, Colombia, Chile, Peru and Ecuador. • In two seasons doubled It’s Fresh! Wal-Mart business.• Expanded the use of It’s Fresh! to multiple commodities, including the development of a $583,000 per year avocado export business to Asia, Europe and the United states. Show less Negotiated and managed the programs of all 36 stone fruit suppliers for Wal-Mart US, working closely with Wal-Mart-Global Food Sourcing to implement It’s Fresh! technology and achieve 100% compliance. Built relationships with the top Chilean fruit growers and exporters, ensuring they executed the retailer’s request of using It’s Fresh! technology.• Analyzed forecast data and purchase orders to achieve growth of 10% in 2013 over the previous year, followed by a 33% increase over forecast in 2014.• Worked closely with the growers to increase compliance, achieving 20% waste reduction on stone fruits.• Developed a $150,000 per year business exporting cherries from Chile to Asia. • Successfully negotiated, coordinated, and led domestic and international projects through coordination of multi-faceted trials on a variety of fresh produce, leading to the new business adoption of It’s Fresh!, and a significant expansion of current businesses. Show less

  • Director - Latin America & Exports

    Jan 2015 - May 2020

  • Director of Sales Chile - Grower Relations Manager

    Apr 2012 - Jan 2015
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  Villita avocados

  Sept 2020 - May 2022

  Director of business development

  Villita Avocados Inc., a vertically integrated powerhouse and the third-largest importer of Hass avocados in the United States, is a leader in the global avocado trade. My role as Director of Business Development was instrumental in driving strategic growth initiatives, securing high-value accounts, and fostering sustainability in operations. Strategic Account Acquisition: Negotiated and secured contracts with major industry players such as Target and Lidl to support their U.S. expansion strategies. Additionally, onboarded marquee clients including DRS (Subway’s primary supplier), Seald Sweet-Greenyard, Compass Group/Foodbuy, and What Chefs Want. Strategically penetrated the Canadian market by adding premier retailers Costco and Sobeys to the portfolio, strengthening Villita’s position in North America.Championed the introduction of compostable packaging solutions to replace conventional plastic nets and bags, aligning with global sustainability trends and reducing environmental impact. This initiative not only met stringent compliance requirements but also enhanced brand equity in an increasingly eco-conscious market. Show less

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  Avoworks

  Jun 2022 - Jul 2024

  Commercial director

  Avoworks Sales LLC, founded by three of Michoacan, Mexico's leading vertically integrated Hass avocado growers, packers, and shippers.As Commercial Director, I played a strategic role in driving Avoworks’ rapid growth and market expansion across North America, Europe, and the Middle East. My contributions encompassed innovative approaches to retail, food service, and wholesale operations, resulting in significant achievements and industry recognition.Instrumental in the remarkable business growth, increasing revenue from $27.4M in 2022 to $145M YTD in 2024—a 392% increase within two years.Secured over $24M in direct sales. This success stemmed from forging high-value partnerships and executing impactful contract negotiations.Led the development and launch of the first certified home-compostable avocado packaging in the U.S. market. Currently undergoing advanced trials with a top national retailer and a leading produce distributor.Expanded the company’s presence in the U.S. and Canada by securing high-profile clients such as Robinson Fresh, Westfalia U.S., Seald Sweet-Greenyard, Southern Specialties, Terra Export, and Global Citrus. These partnerships strengthened Avoworks’ market position and bolstered supply chain resilience.Successfully expanded the retail private label portfolio by establishing partnerships with top-tier retailers, including Costco U.S., Costco Canada, Sam’s Club, BJ’s/Wellsley Farms, and Robinson Fresh. These collaborations introduced custom packaging solutions tailored to client specifications.Designed and implemented an order management software system, optimizing operational workflows, improving end-to-end visibility, and enhancing order fulfillment efficiency.Spearheaded the company’s introduction into the Middle Eastern market, introducing a range of value-added products such as guacamole and frozen avocado. Show less