Fernando has deep experience and a proven record of leading diverse international teams in all business functions that drive sustainable profitable growth. From his teen-age immigrant start in Rochester, NY, the necessity of being self-taught in English and navigating a new culture and environment, he learned the traits that have served him well ever since – adaptability, resilience, hard-work, and perseverance. These traits were the foundation to achieve RIT’s Scholar of The Year Award, top 5% in his business school class and being awarded six (6) U.S. patents that helped create thousands of jobs.

Fernando is currently the President and CEO of Wild Fork Foods Mexico, a JBS Company, and a leading company in the food retail industry. With a strong background in engineering and business leadership, Fernando has been instrumental in expanding the brand’s presence in Mexico, U.S., and Canada. His responsibilities go beyond omni-channel retailing to overseeing manufacturing and distribution. His strategic vision and commitment to excellence have positioned Wild Fork as a key player in the market to fulfill the company’s purpose of Nourishing a Better Life.

Prior to Wild Fork Fernando was Executive Vice President of Albertsons Companies – the second largest grocery chain in the U.S. He was responsible for omni-channel operations with a revenue of more than $30B and over 950 stores in 21 states. He drove the strategy of Locally Great-Nationally Strong and played a pivotal role in driving growth and operations success during his tenure at Albertsons, where his leadership significantly enhanced business performance.

During his tenure at Best Buy, Fernando served as President of Best Buy Mexico, Senior Vice President of the Southeast U.S. Territory, and Senior Vice President of Best Buy’s Private Label Brands. He is credited for establishing Best Buy as the #1 Top-Of-Mind brand for consumer electronics in Mexico - resulting in market-share gains for ten straight years. Before taking the leadership responsibilities in Mexico, Fernando was recruited to be the SVP of Best Buy’s Private Label business. He led a multi-national team in Europe, China, Taiwan, Mexico, and U.S. in strategy, product development, sourcing, and branding of Insignia, RocketFish, and Dynex products – growing the business to more than $2B. Before joining Best Buy Fernando held numerous global leadership roles for Eastman Kodak in the U.S., Brazil, and Japan. From an engineering co-op he rose to be Vice President of consumer products where he led the development and commercialization of new imaging systems to President and General Manager of a Kodak subsidiary.

Fernando is currently Executive Board Member of Alani360, he also serves on RIT’s Kate Gleason College of Engineering National Council; previously he was Vice President and Executive Board Member of the American Chamber of Commerce Mexico.