Luis Herrera

Human Resources Director

Luis Herrera is a dedicated and experienced human resources leader with a proven track record of successfully developing and implementing global HR strategies. His expertise aligns HR functions with business objectives to foster organizational growth, improve employee engagement, and enhance overall operational effectiveness. Luis is known for his adaptability and results-driven approach, making him a trusted leader in various industries and international markets.

Luis has worked extensively in diverse global markets, including China, Brazil, Mexico, the UK, Canada, South Korea, and Germany, gaining a broad understanding of how HR strategies must be tailored to meet different cultural, regulatory, and operational needs. His experience in these regions has enabled him to lead HR initiatives that are both region-specific and globally aligned, ensuring that organizations maintain high-performance standards while respecting local nuances.

Over his career, Luis Herrera of Racine has built a strong foundation of expertise across high-tech manufacturing, consumer goods, food production, supply chain management, and B2B distribution. His work in transportation and foundry operations has also equipped him with a comprehensive view of how HR practices can support and drive performance in various business sectors. Luis’s experience goes beyond traditional HR functions, with a strong focus on mergers and acquisitions, talent management, organizational development, and employee relations.

Luis holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from Southern Illinois University and an Executive Master of Business Administration from Michigan State University. These qualifications have provided him with a robust understanding of leadership, strategic thinking, and management, all of which have been instrumental in his success as an HR leader.

Before entering the field of human resources, Luis served in the United States Marine Corps, where he developed essential leadership skills, discipline, and resilience. His time in the military shaped his approach to HR, emphasizing accountability, teamwork, and the ability to remain adaptable in challenging situations.

Luis began his career at Motorola, Inc., as an HR Business Partner and Manager. In this role, he understood how HR can drive business growth and support the company’s goals. He then moved on to Kellogg Company, where he served as Senior HR Business Partner and Senior Employee Relations Consultant. At Kellogg, Luis helped manage the company’s global workforce, contributing to developing HR strategies that supported the company’s expansion and success.

In 2005, Luis joined Grainger Industrial Supply as Senior HR Manager, overseeing HR functions at 13 distribution centers across the U.S. and Mexico. He was key in improving employee engagement, enhancing performance, and implementing lean methodologies to drive operational efficiency. Luis also led the transition to a “pay for performance” culture at Grainger, which impacted the company’s workforce dynamics and helped boost overall productivity.

Luis’s next significant role was at Navistar, a global manufacturer of trucks and defense vehicles, where he served as HR lead for the Components Division. Luis launched a joint venture with Janghui Automotive Corporation during his assignment in China. His experience in China allowed him to develop and implement HR strategies for the new venture, manage expatriate infrastructure, and oversee HR due diligence for multiple acquisitions.

In 2015, Luis joined Brunswick, a leader in the marine industry, as HR Director. He managed HR for a division with $750 million in revenue, spanning six locations across the U.S. and Canada. Under his leadership, employee engagement improved, turnover decreased, and productivity increased. Luis’s efforts also earned the company “Employer of Choice” recognition for three locations, highlighting his commitment to creating an exceptional workplace environment.

Luis then worked as HR Manager and Strategic HR Business Partner at Wheels, Inc., a fleet management company. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Luis was critical in managing the transition to remote work, ensuring business continuity, and implementing health and safety protocols. He also led diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, contributing to developing a more inclusive and supportive workplace.