Luis Herrera

Luis Herrera is a skilled and experienced human resources professional recognized for his global HR strategy and workforce development expertise. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated an exceptional ability to align human resources practices with overall business objectives, driving operational excellence and employee engagement. With extensive experience leading teams across diverse industries and regions, Luis has consistently adapted HR strategies to meet the unique needs of global organizations. Luis is known for his results-oriented approach, which focuses on creating positive, productive work environments. He is proven to collaborate effectively with executives, managers, and teams, building strong relationships that enhance organizational culture and foster growth. Over the years, Luis has worked in various international markets, including China, Brazil, Mexico, the UK, Canada, South Korea, and Germany. His global experience has given him a comprehensive understanding of managing HR functions across different cultures, regulatory frameworks, and business environments. Luis’s career spans several industries, including high-tech manufacturing, supply chain, consumer goods, and food. His broad background in B2B distribution, transportation, and foundry operations has given him valuable insights into how HR can support diverse business functions. In addition to his core HR skills, Luis has extensive experience in mergers and acquisitions, employee relations, talent management, and organizational development. His expertise has been critical in guiding companies through change and improving employee satisfaction and organizational performance. Luis holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from Southern Illinois University and an Executive Master of Business Administration from Michigan State University. These academic achievements have provided him with the leadership and strategic skills required to thrive in high-level HR roles and contribute to the success of the organizations he works with. Before entering the human resources field, Luis Herrera of Racine served in the United States Marine Corps, where he developed valuable leadership skills, discipline, and adaptability. His military service has profoundly influenced his approach to leadership and HR, instilling a strong sense of responsibility, resilience, and the ability to tackle challenges head-on. Luis’s professional journey began at Motorola, Inc., where he worked as an HR Business Partner and Manager. At Motorola, he gained valuable experience aligning HR strategies with business goals, contributing to the company’s overall growth and success. He then moved to Kellogg Company as Senior HR Business Partner and Senior Employee Relations Consultant. In these positions, Luis was responsible for supporting a global workforce and implementing HR practices that helped Kellogg meet its business objectives. In 2005, Luis joined Grainger Industrial Supply as Senior HR Manager, overseeing HR for 13 distribution centers across the U.S. and Mexico. He played a key role in improving employee engagement and enhancing team performance. One of his major achievements was leading the transition to a “pay for performance” culture, which helped foster a more accountable and high-performing workforce. Luis’s next significant role was with Navistar, a global manufacturer of trucks and defense vehicles. As HR lead for the Components Division, Luis was responsible for launching a joint venture with Janghui Automotive Corporation in China. His six-month assignment in China allowed him to develop and implement HR strategies for the new venture, manage expatriate infrastructure, and lead HR due diligence for multiple acquisitions. In 2015 Luis joined Brunswick, a leading marine industry manufacturer, as HR Director. He managed HR for a division with $750 million in revenue across six locations in the U.S. and Canada. Under his leadership, employee engagement and productivity improved, and turnover decreased. His efforts were recognized when three Brunswick locations received the “Employer of Choice” designation, highlighting the company’s commitment to fostering a positive workplace. Luis then worked at Wheels, Inc., a fleet management company, as HR Manager and Strategic HR Business Partner. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he ensured business continuity by transitioning employees to remote work and implementing necessary safety protocols. Additionally, Luis led diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts, helping the company create a more inclusive and supportive environment for its employees. At Hendrickson International, a commercial vehicle trailer and suspension company, Luis served as HR Director, overseeing HR for eight locations across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. He focused on leadership development, talent acquisition, and employee engagement, driving significant employee satisfaction and retention improvements. Luis’s most recent role was Senior HR Director at Reynolds Consumer Products, where he led HR for the Hefty Waste & Storage and Hefty Tableware business units. He focused on enhancing employee engagement, retention, and community involvement, ensuring the organization remained aligned with its core values. Outside of his professional life, Luis is passionate about giving back to the community. He has been actively involved in volunteer work with the "By the Hand" organization, which supports at-risk youth in Chicago, and he participates in volunteer projects in northern Michigan, helping to maintain Boy Scout facilities. In his personal life, Luis enjoys a variety of hobbies that help him unwind and maintain a healthy work-life balance. He enjoys welding, home brewing, gardening, and outdoor activities such as scuba diving, biking, and kayaking. These activities allow him to relax and recharge, giving him the energy and focus needed to continue excelling in his career.