Luis Herrera is a highly skilled and accomplished human resources leader with a deep background in developing and implementing global HR strategies. Luis has demonstrated his ability to align HR initiatives with business goals throughout his career, fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation within organizations. His leadership style focuses on creating positive, engaged workforces while driving operational success, and he is known for his strategic approach to managing human resources in diverse and challenging environments.

Luis has accumulated extensive international experience, working in China, Brazil, Mexico, the UK, Canada, South Korea, and Germany. His exposure to different business cultures and regulatory environments has shaped his ability to craft HR solutions that work across regions while supporting the broader objectives of global organizations. His expertise in tailoring HR practices to meet the needs of diverse markets has been a key factor in his success as an HR leader.

Over the years, Luis Herrera of Racine has built expertise in various industries, including high-tech manufacturing, consumer packaged goods, supply chain, and food production. His background spans B2B distribution, transportation, and foundry operations, giving him a well-rounded understanding of how HR can impact different sectors. Luis has also specialized in mergers and acquisitions, employee relations, talent management, and organizational development, helping companies improve their HR functions and drive significant growth and transformation.

Luis earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from Southern Illinois University and an Executive Master of Business Administration from Michigan State University. These academic credentials have helped him hone his leadership and strategic management skills, providing a strong foundation for his successful HR career.

Before transitioning to human resources, Luis served in the United States Marine Corps, where he developed discipline, leadership, and adaptability—traits integral to his approach to HR leadership. His time in the military shaped his values, instilling a sense of duty, responsibility, and resilience that guided his career.

Luis’s professional journey began at Motorola, Inc., where he worked as an HR Business Partner and Manager. At Motorola, he gained valuable experience aligning HR strategies with business objectives, laying the groundwork for his future roles. He then moved to Kellogg Company, where he served as Senior HR Business Partner and Senior Employee Relations Consultant. Luis worked with Kellogg’s global workforce in this capacity, helping the company adapt its HR strategies as it grew internationally.

In 2005, Luis joined Grainger Industrial Supply as Senior HR Manager, overseeing HR operations at 13 distribution centers across the U.S. and Mexico. He was instrumental in developing strategies to improve employee engagement, streamline operations, and drive performance. Luis led the company’s shift toward a “pay for performance” culture, which impacted the organization’s HR practices and employee performance.

Luis's next career milestone came at Navistar, a global manufacturer of trucks and defense vehicles, where he served as HR lead for the Components Division. While at Navistar, he was selected for a six-month assignment in China to oversee the launch of a joint venture with Janghui Automotive Corporation. This role allowed Luis to develop HR strategies for the new venture, manage expatriate infrastructure, and handle HR due diligence for several acquisitions.

In 2015, Luis joined Brunswick, a leading manufacturer in the marine industry, as HR Director. There, he managed HR for a division with $750 million in revenue across six locations in the U.S. and Canada. Luis led efforts to improve employee engagement, reduce turnover, and enhance productivity. His leadership contributed to Brunswick’s recognition as an “Employer of Choice” at three locations, reflecting the company’s commitment to creating a positive workplace environment.

Luis later worked at Wheels, Inc., a fleet management company, as HR Manager and Strategic HR Business Partner. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he was critical in ensuring a smooth transition to remote work and implementing employee health and safety measures. He also led the company’s diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, helping create a more inclusive work culture that supported employee well-being.

At Hendrickson International, a global leader in commercial vehicle trailer and suspension manufacturing, Luis served as HR Director. He managed HR for eight U.S., Canada, and Mexico locations, focusing on leadership development, talent acquisition, and employee engagement. His efforts to enhance the company’s HR function helped Hendrickson maintain a competitive edge in a dynamic labor market.

Luis’s most recent role was Senior HR Director at Reynolds Consumer Products, where he led HR for the Hefty Waste & Storage and Hefty Tableware business units. He worked to drive employee engagement and retention while ensuring alignment with the company’s core values. His strategic leadership in this role helped maintain a positive and productive workplace culture.

Outside of his professional career, Luis is deeply involved in volunteer work. Since 2016, he has volunteered with the "By the Hand" organization, supporting at-risk youth in Chicago through educational programs and mentorship. Luis also participates in volunteer projects in northern Michigan, where he helps maintain Boy Scout facilities, ensuring these spaces remain functional and accessible.

Luis enjoys various activities that help him relax and recharge in his time. He has a passion for welding, home brewing, and gardening, which allow him to explore his creativity and unwind. He also enjoys outdoor activities such as scuba diving, cycling, and kayaking, which help him maintain a healthy work-life balance and energize him for personal and professional challenges.