Chemical Engineer
Univ. Of Texas, Austin
and ‘Univ. de los Andes’, Bogotá,
Diplomat in Finance
from Univ. ICESI, Cali.
15 yrs DOW Chemical (USA/COL.)
12 yrs PROESAL (COL.)
5 yrs NORAM (CANADA)
Sixteen years with DOW Chemical in USA and Colombia, holding positions in plant operations, project engineering and construction of petrochemical plants. Eight of those years as Regional Operations Mgr. for Colombia. In that role implemented in the region corporate programs like ‘Responsible Care’, ‘Total Quality and Continuous Improvement. – Those experiences provided not only technical depth and a global vision of the industry, but the implications of technology transfers across cultural differences. They also imprinted the importance of organizational development processes as well as nurturing the highest professional ethics and standards at all times.
Twelve years with PRODESAL SA, chlor/alkali producer for the pulp and paper industry in Colombia. As Operations Mgr. structured the operations organization, its selection and training, and was charged with the general coordination of the new plant startup, test-run, and acceptance. This was the first chemical process plant in Colombia entirely computer controlled (DCS) and it was the result of integrated effort and technology from Britain, Canada and Colombia.
– The operations roll evolved to a business development and production diversification effort overseeing the technical and financial evaluation for new investment alternatives which resulted in the construction of a consumer product facility at a new ‘Free-Trade’ industrial site.
In 2000 migrated to Canada and for six years joined NORAM Engineering in Vancouver, Canada – In the roll of business development for Latin America for Technology and specialty process equipment, developed a network of representatives and clients through Mexico, Costa Rica, Colombia, Venezuela and Chile. – Such experience contributed a keen appreciation for the ‘client needs and their service’ as well as for the value of commercial and interpersonal relationships. – Participated and presented at forums and ‘trade expo shows’, in some cases under the umbrella of CANADA’s EDC in Cancún, Mexico City and Antofagasta, Chile.