Luis Herrera

Luis Herrera is an accomplished human resources leader with extensive experience developing and executing global HR strategies that align with organizational goals. Over his career, Luis has demonstrated his ability to navigate complex business landscapes and adapt HR practices to meet the needs of diverse industries and regions. His leadership approach focuses on building strong teams, enhancing employee engagement, and driving business results, making him a valuable asset to every organization he’s worked with.

Luis’s expertise spans various industries, including high-tech manufacturing, consumer goods, food production, supply chain management, and B2B distribution. He has also worked in transportation and foundry operations, gaining a comprehensive understanding of HR challenges across various sectors. Luis’s ability to implement effective HR strategies that drive operational performance and employee satisfaction has been crucial in helping businesses thrive, especially in times of change or transformation.

Luis Herrera of Racine has worked in several countries, including China, Brazil, Mexico, the UK, Canada, South Korea, and Germany, focusing on global markets. His international experience has given him a deep understanding of adapting HR strategies to different cultural and regulatory environments. Luis is adept at balancing the needs of global business operations with local market realities, making him a key leader in multinational organizations.

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 qualifications have provided him with the knowledge and leadership tools to excel in HR leadership roles, allowing him to successfully navigate complex business environments and deliver results-driven HR solutions.

Before transitioning to a career in human resources, Luis served in the United States Marine Corps, where he developed essential leadership skills and a disciplined, results-oriented mindset. His military background has shaped his approach to HR, emphasizing accountability, teamwork, and resilience.

Luis’s professional journey began at Motorola, Inc., where he worked as an HR Business Partner and Manager. This role gave him a strong foundation in aligning HR functions with business goals, helping him build his career as a strategic HR leader. From there, he moved to Kellogg Company, where he served as Senior HR Business Partner and Senior Employee Relations Consultant. At Kellogg, Luis worked with a global workforce, helping the company adapt HR strategies to its expanding international operations.

In 2005, Luis joined Grainger Industrial Supply as Senior HR Manager, overseeing HR functions for 13 distribution centers across the U.S. and Mexico. His role involved improving employee engagement, optimizing performance, and implementing lean methodologies to drive operational efficiency. Luis also led the shift to a “pay for performance” culture, which impacted the company’s workforce dynamics and overall productivity.

Luis continued his career at Navistar, a global manufacturer of trucks and defense vehicles, where he led HR for the Components Division. As part of his responsibilities, he was assigned to China to oversee the launch of a joint venture with Janghui Automotive Corporation. This experience allowed Luis to develop HR strategies for the new venture, manage expatriate infrastructure, and conduct HR due diligence for multiple acquisitions, further strengthening his expertise in global HR operations.

In 2015, Luis joined Brunswick, a leading marine industry manufacturer, as HR Director. He managed HR for a division with $750 million in revenue, overseeing six locations across the U.S. and Canada. At Brunswick, Luis focused on improving employee engagement, reducing turnover, and enhancing productivity. His leadership earned the company three "Employer of Choice" awards, recognizing the company’s commitment to creating an outstanding workplace.

Luis then served as HR Manager and Strategic HR Business Partner at Wheels, Inc., a fleet management company. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he was vital in transitioning employees to remote work and ensuring the company’s business continuity. He also led diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, fostering a more inclusive and supportive workplace.

At Hendrickson International, a global leader in commercial vehicle trailer and suspension manufacturing, Luis served as HR Director, overseeing HR functions at eight locations in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. In this role, he focused on talent acquisition, leadership development, and employee engagement, helping Hendrickson attract top talent and build a competitive workforce.

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. In this capacity, Luis focused on enhancing employee engagement, retention, and fostering a sense of community within the organization. His strategic HR leadership helped Reynolds maintain a strong organizational culture and achieve business success.

Outside of his professional career, Luis is passionate about giving back to his community. Since 2016, he has volunteered with the "By the Hand" organization, supporting at-risk youth in Chicago. Additionally, Luis participates in volunteer projects in northern Michigan, where he helps maintain Boy Scout facilities, ensuring that these spaces remain functional and accessible.

In his time, Luis enjoys a variety of hobbies that allow him to relax and unwind. He is an avid scuba diver, cyclist, and kayaker, and he enjoys welding, home brewing, and gardening. These hobbies not only provide him with an opportunity to recharge but also help him maintain a healthy work-life balance, ensuring that he remains focused and energized in his professional endeavors.