5 CEOs Driving Innovation in Latin America

Innovation in Latin America is being driven by business leaders who have successfully combined creativity, technology, and sustainability in their corporate strategies. These CEOs are making a significant difference in their respective industries, promoting substantial changes, and setting new trends. Here we highlight five visionary leaders, detailing their careers, accomplishments, and how their work has impacted the region.

Juan Luis Bosch Gutiérrez: Innovation and Sustainability at CMI Capital

Juan Luis Bosch Gutiérrez, Chairman of CMI Capital, has been a transformative figure in the growth and modernization of CMI, Corporación Multi Inversiones. As a member of the third family generation, alongside Juan José Gutiérrez Mayorga, Chairman of CMI Foods, his leadership has been instrumental in positioning CMI Capital as a multinational entity with a presence in more than 16 countries, known for its focus on sustainability and innovation.

In 2018, Bosch was appointed Chairman of CMI Capital, a business group focused on impact investments that drive sustainable development. Since then, he has led significant projects in renewable energy, real estate development and finance to promote sustainable and responsible business practices.

Under his leadership, CMI Capital has implemented several renewable energy projects that  have had a positive impact on the environment and local communities. Notable among these is the Renace Hydroelectric Plant in Guatemala, with four cascaded hydro power units and a total capacity of 301 MW. Other projects include the Choluteca Solar Park in Honduras, a solar power project with 70 MW, and the Cerro de Hula Wind Farm, also in Honduras, with 126 MW.

Bosch's commitment to sustainability is reflected in his goal to expand the renewable energy matrix by at least 330 MW, reduce the carbon footprint, and prevent the emission of 500,000 tons of CO2 per year. His vision and leadership have positioned CMI Capital as a leader in renewable energy solutions and sustainable development in the region, demonstrating that innovation and sustainability can work hand in hand to create a positive impact on society.

Alexis Ospina: Creativity in Service of Social Change

Alexis Ospina, Creative Leader at Grey Mexico, has shown how creativity can change lives. Ospina has been the mastermind behind award-winning campaigns addressing issues such as child safety and social reintegration. His work on campaigns for Save The Children and Reinserta has stirred emotions and called for action, solidifying his reputation in the industry.

He has won more than 300 awards worldwide and has been recognized as one of the 10 most admired creative professionals by clients and other agencies. His focus on effective and inspiring creativity continues to make an impact at various levels throughout the region.

Andrea Bonilla: Innovation in Bioplastics and Sustainability

Andrea Bonilla, Ph.D. in Physics and co-founder of BioPlaster Research, has found an innovative way to turn the Caribbean Sea's algae problem into a sustainable solution. Her technology transforms these algae into biodegradable materials, such as thermoplastic pellets and hydrogels for agriculture.

With a Ph.D. in Physics from Oxford University, Bonilla has led the design and development of advanced polymeric materials at BioPlaster. Her focus on nanotechnology and biopolymers has strengthened the company’s activities, promoting sustainability and innovation in the field of biodegradable materials.

Cristóbal Valenzuela: AI Pioneer

Cristóbal Valenzuela, co-founder and CEO of Runway, was recognized by Time magazine as one of the 100 most influential people in the field of Artificial Intelligence. His company, founded in 2018, specializes in AI-generated videos and has raised more than $200 million in funding..

Runway’s technology has been used in Oscar-winning films such as "Everything Everywhere All at Once." Valenzuela is committed to democratizing AI technology to make filmmaking more accessible, allowing more people to share their stories through this tool.

Emilio Veliz: Innovating to Make a Social Impact

Emilio Veliz, Executive Director of the Appropedia Foundation, is dedicated to promoting access to knowledge on sustainability and poverty alleviation. His career has focused on the intersection of innovation, design, and technology for social impact.

Veliz has developed initiatives such as Reacción, an open hardware project for environmental and social resilience. His work at the Appropedia Foundation and other organizations has significantly contributed to solving global problems, ranging from community violence to climate change.

These five CEOs have shown that innovation and sustainability can go hand in hand to make a positive impact in the region. From creativity in advertising to AI technology and sustainability, these leaders are making a difference in Latin America. Their focus on transformation, sustainable development, and social responsibility continues to inspire future generations of entrepreneurs and business leaders across the region.