Luis Herrera

Luis Herrera is a highly experienced human resources professional specializing in global HR strategy and workforce development. His expertise in aligning HR initiatives with business goals and his operations-focused mindset have made him an asset in leading cross-functional teams across diverse industries and geographies. Throughout his career, Luis has shown a unique ability to adapt HR functions to the varying needs of international markets and has successfully worked with organizations worldwide.

With a results-oriented approach, Luis has built a career focused on enhancing workforce engagement and business outcomes. He has worked with executives, managers, and teams to foster a collaborative environment where people are empowered to contribute to the company’s success. Luis’s experience spans multiple countries, including China, Brazil, Mexico, the UK, Canada, South Korea, and Germany. This international exposure has given him a broad understanding of the complexities of managing human resources across different cultural and regulatory environments.

Luis's industry experience covers many sectors, including high-tech manufacturing, supply chain, consumer goods, and the food industry. His work in B2B distribution, transportation, and foundry operations has equipped him with diverse insights into the challenges and opportunities in global business environments. Additionally, he has honed his expertise in mergers and acquisitions, employee relations, and transformational change, which has helped organizations navigate major shifts and improve internal operations.

Luis Herrera of Racine earned his Bachelor of Science in Business Management from Southern Illinois University and later pursued an Executive Master of Business Administration from Michigan State University. These academic achievements have given him the necessary tools to lead complex HR functions while strategically thinking about organizational development.

Before his career in human resources, Luis served in the United States Marine Corps, where he developed essential leadership skills that have served him well in his professional life. His military experience instilled a strong sense of discipline and the ability to adapt quickly to new challenges.

Luis's career journey began at Motorola, Inc., where he worked as an HR Business Partner and Manager. This role gave him valuable exposure to HR strategies and processes, which he used to contribute to business growth. He later joined Kellogg Company, a global food manufacturer, where he held positions as Senior HR Business Partner and Senior Employee Relations Consultant, helping the company manage its workforce across multiple regions.

In 2005 Luis moved to Grainger Industrial Supply, where he worked as Senior HR Manager. He managed HR for 13 distribution centers across the U.S. and Mexico, focusing on improving employee engagement and performance. During this time, Luis was instrumental in implementing a "pay for performance" culture, which had a lasting effect on the company’s HR operations.

Luis's next significant role was at Navistar, a global manufacturer of trucks and defense vehicles, where he was selected to lead HR for the Components Division. He was assigned to live in China for six months to oversee the launch of a joint venture with Janghui Automotive Corporation. This experience allowed Luis to develop an HR strategy for the new venture, including managing expatriate infrastructure and handling HR due diligence for acquisitions.

From 2015 to 2018, Luis worked at Brunswick, a leading marine industry manufacturer, where he served as HR Director. He led HR for a division with $750 million in revenue, spanning six locations across the U.S. and Canada. His leadership helped improve employee engagement, reduce turnover, and enhance productivity. Under his guidance, three of Brunswick’s locations earned the “Employer of Choice” award, recognizing the company’s commitment to a positive work environment.

Luis continued his career as HR Manager and Strategic HR Business Partner at Wheels, Inc., a fleet management company. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he played a pivotal role in ensuring business continuity by transitioning employees to remote work and implementing safety protocols. He also focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion strategies to ensure the company remained a welcoming and supportive workplace.

In his next role as HR Director at Hendrickson International, a commercial vehicle trailer and suspension company, Luis led HR efforts across eight U.S., Canada, and Mexico locations. He worked on leadership development, talent acquisition, and employee engagement, particularly within a competitive labor market.

Most recently, Luis served as Senior HR Director at Reynolds Consumer Products, overseeing HR for the Hefty Waste & Storage and Tableware business units. His work focused on maintaining employee engagement and retention while fostering a sense of community within the company.

Outside of his professional work, Luis is dedicated to volunteering. He has been involved with the "By the Hand" organization in Chicago, which supports at-risk youth through educational programs and community services. Additionally, Luis volunteers twice a year to maintain and repair equipment for Boy Scout facilities in northern Michigan.

In his personal life, Luis enjoys hobbies such as welding, home brewing, and gardening. He also enjoys outdoor activities like scuba diving, biking on local trails, and kayaking in peaceful lakes. These activities allow him to unwind and maintain a healthy work-life balance.