October 10, 2024October 10, 2024
The Wilbur O. and Ann Powers College of Business’ School of Business recently hosted an event for students across the university to learn more about business in Latin America. The event consisted of discussions on sustainability and economic growth in Costa Rica, supply chain logistics, and the impact of soccer, and concluded with a Q&A-style panel discussion where students could ask questions of the panelists.
José Sagalnaga Castillo, associate professor in the School of Business Administration, organized the event. “In today’s interconnected world, understanding business from a global perspective is essential. By interacting directly with experienced executives from Latin America, students learn about diverse markets, emerging trends, and unique These connections will broaden your knowledge and prepare you to navigate the complexities of international business with greater cultural awareness and strategic acumen.”
Panelists/Speakers
Pedro Beirut
Former CEO of PROCOMER Costa Rica Trade and FDI Bureau
Pedro Beirut is a highly accomplished executive with a global career in Latin America, the United States and Europe, and is recognized as one of Costa Rica’s top 25 business leaders. He served as CEO of PROCOMER, leading Costa Rica’s export and investment strategy for three governments and leading PROCOMER to the title of “World’s Best Trade and Investment Promotion Organization” for eight consecutive years. Beirut also promotes Costa Rica’s brand globally, driving large-scale tourism and foreign direct investment, which now accounts for nearly 40% of the country’s GDP. Prior to entering public service, he held senior positions at Intel, rising from an accounting clerk in Silicon Valley to CEO 2, overseeing 8,000 employees worldwide.
Jose Maroto
Sporting Football Club Owner and President – Costa Rican National League
Jose Maroto is a 30-year veteran of the food service industry with expertise in distribution, cash-and-carry retail, and international market expansion throughout Latin America. He founded the largest food service agency in Costa Rica and Panama and expanded his retail operations to 22 stores in both countries. Maroto is also a partner in Mexico’s leading independent food service distributors. In addition to earning a degree in business administration from the University of Minnesota, he has been co-owner of Costa Rica’s Sporting Football Club with his brother since 2019, becoming president in 2023 and managing both the men’s and women’s teams. Oversaw social organizations. Initiatives and specialized departments.
Connecting students to global learning opportunities through events and discussions like this supports Clemson Elevate’s strategic goal of providing the No. 1 student experience in the nation. By planting seeds of knowledge and understanding the world around them, students are better equipped to make a difference in the world.
Julio Hernandez, Assistant to the President for Community Outreach and Engagement
Luis Ramirez
Grupo Tical CEO
With more than 27 years of experience as Chairman of the Board and CEO of Grupo Tical, a leading logistics and transportation company in Latin America, Mr. Ramírez is a leader in innovation, customer service and ESG responsibility through his vision and leadership of his team. He has led the Tikal Group in Central America. . Grupo Tical was founded in 1973 as a 100% Costa Rican-owned company specializing in land freight transportation, creating solutions for trade in Central America. Tikal started its business with high expectations for growth and expansion with the conviction of becoming a strategic ally of its customers, integrating its subsidiaries, processes, human capital and technology as a 3PL integrated logistics service provider. We have been at the forefront of the industry.
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