Luis Herrera

Luis Herrera’s path to becoming a successful human resources (HR) leader began in the United States Marine Corps, where he cultivated discipline, leadership, and a keen sense of responsibility. His military service gave him essential skills such as decision-making, strategic planning, and managing teams in challenging situations. These experiences laid the foundation for his future career, providing him with the resilience and leadership acumen to serve him well in the corporate world.

Launching His HR Career

Luis entered the corporate sector after his military service, beginning at Motorola, Inc. in Florida. As an HR Business Partner and Manager, he developed a deep understanding of how HR functions can support broader organizational goals. His work at Motorola allowed him to shape HR strategies directly tied to business growth and employee engagement. Luis quickly established himself as a results-driven HR professional, skilled at navigating the complexities of HR operations while supporting business objectives.

Expanding HR Expertise at Kellogg and Grainger

Luis’s next significant move was with Kellogg Company, a global leader in food manufacturing. As a Senior HR Business Partner and later as Senior Employee Relations Consultant, Luis worked with a large and diverse workforce of over 33,000 employees across various countries. He focused on employee relations, organizational development, and aligning HR strategies with Kellogg’s business goals. Luis’s work in this global environment helped him refine his skills in managing employee relations while fostering a positive workplace culture.

Following his time at Kellogg, Luis Herrera of Racine joined Grainger Industrial Supply, a global leader in B2B industrial supply. As Senior HR Manager, he managed HR functions at 13 distribution centers across the U.S. and Mexico. In this role, Luis introduced strategies that enhanced employee engagement, improved team performance, and promoted a performance-based culture. His efforts to implement lean methodologies resulted in significant improvements in both operational efficiency and employee satisfaction.

Leading HR Strategy at Navistar and Brunswick

Luis’s career reached a new milestone when he joined Navistar, a global manufacturer of trucks and defense vehicles, as HR leader for the Components Division. He was tasked with managing the HR strategy for a joint venture with Janghui Automotive Corporation in China, where he spent six months overseeing the HR infrastructure for expatriates and conducting HR due diligence for several acquisitions. Luis’s ability to navigate the complexities of working in an international market showcased his expertise in managing HR functions on a global scale.

In his next role at Brunswick, a $4.1 billion manufacturer in the marine industry, Luis served as HR Director for a $750 million division. He led HR efforts across multiple locations in the U.S. and Canada, implementing strategies that improved employee engagement and reduced turnover. His work in HR due diligence during a significant M&A transaction involving a heavy-gauge aluminum boat business further demonstrated his ability to manage complex HR operations during organizational changes.

HR Leadership at Wheels and Hendrickson

Luis continued to build his career at Wheels, Inc., a fleet management company, where he worked as HR Manager and Strategic HR Business Partner. He was responsible for talent acquisition, leadership development, and retention strategies in this role. He also played a critical role in ensuring business continuity during the COVID-19 pandemic, overseeing the transition to remote work while implementing safety protocols and maintaining employee engagement.

At Hendrickson International, a leading manufacturer of commercial vehicle trailers and suspension systems, Luis served as HR Director, managing HR functions across eight locations in North America. His leadership in this role focused on talent acquisition, leadership development, and employee engagement, helping Hendrickson attract and retain top talent in a competitive market.

Recent Role at Reynolds Consumer Products

Luis’s most recent role was Senior HR Director at Reynolds Consumer Products in Lake Forest, IL, where he managed HR for the Hefty Waste & Storage and Tableware business units. His responsibilities included overseeing employee engagement initiatives, fostering a positive work environment, and implementing retention strategies. Under his leadership, Reynolds Consumer Products strengthened its HR practices, improved employee satisfaction, and enhanced overall company performance.

Educational Achievements and Professional Development

Luis’s academic background has played a pivotal role in his career progression. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, Illinois. In addition to his undergraduate studies, Luis pursued an Executive Master of Business Administration from Michigan State University, where he further honed his leadership and strategic management skills. This advanced education gave him the tools to address complex HR challenges and lead organizations focusing on business growth and employee well-being.

Volunteer Efforts and Community Engagement

Luis has significantly contributed to his community through volunteer work outside his professional life. He has been involved with "By the Hand," an organization that supports inner-city youth in Chicago. Since 2016, Luis has worked to provide educational and community services to underserved youth in the area. Additionally, Luis is part of a volunteer group that travels to the Owassipie campground in northern Michigan to repair equipment for Boy Scout facilities. His volunteer efforts reflect his commitment to helping others and making a meaningful impact beyond his professional endeavors.

Personal Hobbies and Interests

When he is not working or volunteering, Luis enjoys engaging in personal hobbies that allow him to unwind and stay active. He is passionate about hands-on activities such as welding, home brewing, and gardening. These hobbies not only give him an outlet for creativity but also allow him to connect with nature and explore new skills. Luis is also an avid scuba diver, enjoys biking on local trails, kayaking, fishing in quiet lakes, finding peace outdoors, and maintaining a healthy balance between work and personal life.

Luis Herrera’s career in human resources has been marked by his leadership, strategic thinking, and commitment to creating positive work environments. With extensive experience managing HR functions across multiple industries and countries, Luis has developed a reputation for aligning HR strategies with business goals while fostering employee engagement and development. His ability to lead in times of change and his dedication to community service and personal growth reflect his well-rounded approach to leadership. As Luis continues his professional journey, he remains a strong advocate for the power of effective HR in driving organizational success and improving the lives of employees.