About

About Luis Herrera

Luis Herrera of Racine began his career in the United States Marine Corps, developing crucial skills that would shape his approach to human resources management. The discipline, leadership, and strategic thinking he gained during his service gave him a solid foundation for navigating the complexities of corporate environments. His military service instilled in him a deep understanding of the importance of team cohesion, effective communication, and mission-driven leadership, qualities that would guide him throughout his career in human resources.

Professional Dawns at Motorola

After transitioning from military service to the corporate world, Luis started his career at Motorola, Inc. in Florida. As an HR Business Partner and Manager, he worked closely with senior leaders to align human resource strategies with Motorola’s business goals. His primary focus was improving employee engagement and ensuring that HR functions supported the company’s objectives. Luis was instrumental in helping build a work culture that valued performance, collaboration, and operational excellence. His success at Motorola marked the start of a distinguished career in human resources.

Expanding HR Expertise at Kellogg and Grainger

Luis’s next step in his career took him to Kellogg Company, a global leader in food manufacturing. As a Senior HR Business Partner and Senior Employee Relations Consultant, Luis worked with over 33,000 employees globally. His role involved managing employee relations, enhancing organizational development, and aligning HR practices with the company’s strategic goals. Luis’s work at Kellogg was vital in shaping HR policies that fostered positive employee relations while helping the company meet its operational objectives.

Following Kellogg, Luis joined Grainger Industrial Supply, a global B2B industrial supply company. As Senior HR Manager, he managed HR functions at 13 distribution centers across the United States and Mexico. Luis’s leadership helped implement a “pay for performance” culture and promoted lean methodologies, significantly improving employee engagement and productivity across the distribution centers. His success at Grainger showcased his ability to manage HR at a large scale while ensuring alignment with business goals.

Leadership in HR at Navistar and Brunswick

Luis’s career took a significant step forward when he joined Navistar, a global truck and defense vehicle manufacturer, as HR leader for the Components Division. He was tasked with managing HR for a joint venture with Janghui Automotive Corporation in China. Throughout his six-month assignment in China, Luis led HR strategy, established expatriate support structures, and conducted due diligence for multiple acquisitions. This international experience significantly expanded Luis’s global HR expertise, cementing his ability to manage HR functions across various regions and cultures.

Following his work at Navistar, Luis moved to Brunswick, a $4.1 billion manufacturer in the marine industry, where he served as HR Director for a $750 million division. In this role, Luis led HR operations across multiple locations in the U.S. and Canada. His efforts led to significant improvements in employee engagement and productivity. Luis also prompted HR due diligence for a major acquisition involving a heavy-gauge aluminum boat business, demonstrating his expertise in managing HR functions during mergers and acquisitions.

Further HR Leadership at Wheels and Hendrickson

Luis continued his professional journey at Wheels, Inc., a fleet management company, where he worked as HR Manager and Strategic HR Business Partner. In this role, he was responsible for talent acquisition, leadership development, and enhancing employee retention strategies. Luis also played a pivotal role during the COVID-19 pandemic, leading the transition to remote work while maintaining safety protocols and business continuity. His leadership ensured that the company remained resilient during significant uncertainty.

At Hendrickson International, a leading commercial vehicle trailer and suspension system manufacturer, Luis served as HR Director. Luis managed HR functions across eight locations in North America, focusing on leadership development, talent acquisition, and employee engagement. His work helped Hendrickson maintain a competitive edge in an increasingly complex labor market while fostering a culture of high performance and collaboration.

Current Role at Reynolds Consumer Products

Luis’s most recent role was Senior HR Director at Reynolds Consumer Products in Lake Forest, IL, where he led HR for the Hefty Waste & Storage and Tableware business units. His leadership in improving employee engagement, retention, and community involvement contributed to a stronger company culture and better overall performance. Luis also spearheaded initiatives that enhanced employee satisfaction and helped align HR practices with Reynolds’ business strategy.

Educational Background and Continued Professional Development

Luis’s educational background has been essential to his professional success. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, Illinois. To further enhance his leadership skills, Luis earned an Executive Master of Business Administration from Michigan State University. This combination of academic and practical experience has equipped Luis with the skills to navigate complex organizational structures and drive effective HR strategies across global companies.

Volunteerism and Community Commitment

Besides his professional accomplishments, Luis is passionate about giving back to his community. Since 2016, he has volunteered with “By the Hand,” an organization that provides educational and community services to underserved youth in Chicago. Additionally, Luis is part of a volunteer group that travels to the Owassipie campground in northern Michigan twice a year to repair equipment for Boy Scout facilities. His volunteer work highlights his commitment to positively impacting his community and supporting initiatives that foster youth development.

Personal Hobbies and Interests

Luis enjoys a variety of personal hobbies that help him maintain balance and recharge outside of his professional life. He is passionate about hands-on activities such as welding, home brewing, and gardening, where he grows vegetables and flowers. An avid scuba diver, Luis enjoys exploring underwater ecosystems while biking on local trails and kayak fishing in tranquil lakes. These activities allow him to connect with nature and maintain a healthy work-life balance.

Luis Herrera’s career in human resources has been characterized by his strong leadership, strategic thinking, and ability to drive organizational success. His global experience, extensive HR knowledge, and ability to adapt to diverse business environments have made him a respected leader in the HR field. Luis’s dedication to professional development and community service exemplifies his well-rounded approach to leadership. As he continues his career, his expertise in HR and commitment to fostering positive organizational cultures ensure that he will remain a key figure in human resources for years.