Luis Herrera

Luis Herrera’s career in human resources was shaped early on by his service in the United States Marine Corps. His time in the military instilled in him a strong sense of discipline, accountability, and leadership—values that would guide him throughout his professional journey. These foundational experiences gave Luis the resilience and strategic thinking necessary for navigating the complexities of global HR leadership in the corporate world. The leadership lessons he learned in the military would later influence his approach to leading HR teams and managing large-scale organizational transformations.

Early Career and HR Development at Motorola

Following his military service, Luis began his professional career as an HR Business Partner and Manager at Motorola, Inc., in Florida. At Motorola, Luis was tasked with shaping HR strategies that supported business growth and fostered employee engagement. His ability to collaborate closely with senior management allowed him to implement HR practices aligned with organizational objectives. At Motorola, Luis discovered his passion for HR and realized its potential to influence business outcomes, laying the groundwork for his future roles in the HR field.

Global Experience at Kellogg and Grainger

Luis’s journey continued at Kellogg Company, a global food manufacturing leader. As a Senior HR Business Partner and Senior Employee Relations Consultant, Luis worked with over 33,000 employees across various regions. In this role, he was responsible for managing employee relations and developing HR strategies that addressed the unique needs of a multinational workforce. His time at Kellogg honed his ability to manage HR functions on a global scale and enhanced his understanding of how to align HR initiatives with a company’s strategic business goals.

Luis Herrera of Racine later joined Grainger Industrial Supply, a $10.5 billion global B2B industrial supply company. As Senior HR Manager, Luis oversaw HR operations at 13 distribution centers across the U.S. and Mexico. He led initiatives to enhance employee engagement, foster better team collaboration, and drive performance improvement. His work to develop a “pay for performance” culture was instrumental in improving individual and team performance, further showcasing his ability to create and implement HR strategies that positively impacted business results.

Leadership Roles at Navistar and Brunswick

Luis’s career reached a new level when he joined Navistar, a global manufacturer of trucks and defense vehicles. As HR leader for the Components Division, Luis managed HR functions for a joint venture with Janghui Automotive Corporation in China. He spent six months in China, leading HR strategy, setting up expatriate infrastructure, and conducting HR due diligence for acquisitions. His ability to navigate the challenges of an international assignment further strengthened his reputation as an HR leader with global expertise.

Luis continued his career at Brunswick, a $4.1 billion marine industry manufacturer, where he served as HR Director for a $750 million division. He was responsible for HR operations across multiple locations in the U.S. and Canada. Under his leadership, employee engagement increased, turnover decreased, and productivity improved. Additionally, Luis was responsible for leading HR due diligence for a major merger and acquisition involving a heavy-gauge aluminum boat business, demonstrating his capacity to manage HR functions during corporate transactions.

HR Leadership at Wheels and Hendrickson

After his time at Brunswick, Luis joined Wheels, Inc., a fleet management company, as HR Manager and Strategic HR Business Partner. Luis focused on talent acquisition, leadership development, and employee retention in this role. His leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic was particularly notable, as he ensured business continuity by transitioning employees to remote work while implementing necessary safety protocols and maintaining employee engagement.

Luis then moved to Hendrickson International, a leading commercial vehicle trailer and suspension system manufacturer, where he served as HR Director. He was responsible for HR strategy across eight locations in North America. His work focused on talent acquisition, leadership development, and employee engagement, ensuring Hendrickson remained competitive in a highly demanding labor market.

Current Role at Reynolds Consumer Products

Luis’s most recent role was Senior HR Director at Reynolds Consumer Products, overseeing HR for the Hefty Waste & Storage and Hefty Tableware business units. In this capacity, Luis has been instrumental in improving employee engagement, retention, and community involvement. His leadership in these areas has created a more positive work environment and reinforced Reynolds’ commitment to employee satisfaction and well-being.

Educational Background and Professional Growth

Luis’s educational achievements have played an important role in his career development. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, Illinois. To further enhance his leadership and strategic management skills, Luis completed an Executive Master of Business Administration from Michigan State University. This combination of formal education and practical experience has provided Luis with the skills and knowledge needed to navigate complex HR challenges in large, multinational organizations.

Community Involvement and Volunteer Work

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Luis is passionate about giving back to his community. Since 2016, he has volunteered with "By the Hand," an organization that supports inner-city youth in Chicago by providing educational and community services. Luis is also involved with a volunteer group that travels to northern Michigan’s Owassipie campground twice a year to repair equipment for Boy Scout facilities. These efforts reflect his deep commitment to positively impacting his community and helping others succeed.

Personal Interests and Hobbies

Outside of his work and volunteer commitments, Luis enjoys a variety of personal hobbies. He is passionate about welding, home brewing, and gardening, where he cultivates vegetables and flowers. Luis is also an avid scuba diver who enjoys underwater exploration, biking on local trails, and kayak fishing on serene lakes. These activities allow him to unwind and maintain a healthy work-life balance, offering him relaxation and personal fulfillment.

Luis Herrera’s career in human resources has been marked by his leadership, global experience, and ability to drive positive change within organizations. His work in managing HR functions across diverse industries and regions has made him a respected leader in the HR field. From his early military service to his current role in a leading consumer products company, Luis has demonstrated his commitment to creating high-performing, engaged workforces. His dedication to professional growth, community service, and personal development highlights his well-rounded approach to leadership. Luis’s continued success reflects his ability to adapt, innovate, and make a meaningful impact in human resources.