Board of Directors

The Board of Directors of Medellin Global Foundation, leads and evaluates the work performed by this non-profit organization, which is ruled by its mission, vision, strategy and budget, ensuring its leadership, resources and finances match its core values. The Board of Directors is composed of well-known business and social leaders who meet three times a year, or when necessary depending on events or circumstances, to carry out the objectives and work of the Foundation.

Ricardo Acevedo

Worked for world known hotel chains such as Hilton International and Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts in 11 different countries and 14 cities within North and South America, the Caribbean, Europe and Asia opening and managing luxury hotels. Has earned multiple international recognitions and awards such as Best Companies to Work for, AAA 5 Diamond, Robb Report and Forbes among others, and in Colombia, AMCHAM Executive of the Year, Premio Planeta Azul & Portafolio for his commitment to environmental efforts as the first service company to receive this honor.

Currently working as Executive Director at RAHA LLC Consulting providing counsel and expertise for openings and operations for luxury hotels.

Gustavo Lopez

Noted Economist, international consultant, professor in various universities in America and Europe, lecturer, speaker and author of several books and technical publications has earned recognition across the globe for his work in regards to Sustainable Development, Complex Thought, Economics, Science & Technology, and Culture & Education.

A pioneer in promoting a new thinking process and how to address complex issues related to humanity based on realistic future visions and the cultural background of each region, has held leading roles as General Director for UNESCO’s Global Program for Education in Paris, General Director at UNESCO in New York and Director at UNESCO-CRESALC Latin America & the Caribbean. Advisor to the Economic European Commission, the OCDE, ONU-HABITAT, Board member Of Multiversidad Edgar Morin-Mexico and Corporacion Nacional Complexus in Colombia.

Has been awarded the “Legion of Honor” by the French government, Outstanding Graduate from Universidad de Antioquia during its 200 year celebration and Medellin’s Gold Medal for “Model Citizen”. Currently working as VP for KIP (Knowledge, Innovation & Policies) in Rome, Italy.

Luis Guillermo Suarez

A graduate in Business Administrator from EAFIT, Medellin, specialized in steering committees at INALDE, and senior executive in the construction and electric sectors, has been a board member at EPM | Empresas Publicas de Medellin in Mexico, Panama and Chile, Medellin Chamber of Commerce, Comite Inter Gremial Antioquia, Camacol, Auteco, Index, Acierto, SENA, Consejo Superior Sapiencia, Universidad Bellas Artes y SMP | Sociedad de Mejoras Publicas de Medellin.

Advisor to the Mayor of Medellin 2016-2019 and board member of different entities within the municipality of Medellin such as Fonval, FFA | Fundacion Ferrocarril de Antioquia, Comite Infraestructura Plaza Mayor, Comite Ambiental Area Metropolitana, Tecnova, CUEE | Comite Universidad Empresa Estado de Antioquia y SAI | Sociedad Antioquena de Ingenieros.

Currently working at EYPO Colombia and also, professor at UPB | Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana in Medellin and media commentator for TV, radio and press.

Carlos Quijano

A graduate in Business Administration & Top Management from EAFIT, Medellin, with a Marketing Degree from Berkely, USA, has worked in the banking industry in Miami for Banco Ganadero, VP Private Banking at Riggs International and Manager at Helm Bank USA in Antioquia and Eje Cafetero.In the commercial arena, has held various positions such as Leonisa’s Marketing Director, General Manager Leonisa Ecuador and International Sales & Marketing at Tablemac.

Currently leading the American Chamber of Commerce | AMCHAM, for Antioquia & Caldas.

Has been a board member for different business such as Financiera Dann Regional, PQP | Productos Quimicos Panamericanos, Energia & Potencia S.A.S., Lineas & Disenos, Amcham Antioquia & Caldas, Comite Intergremial de Antioquia, Corporacion Club Campestre Medellin, Valores Industriales S.A.S, Multiport EU, Greenex S.A.S. and Museo de Antioquia.

Juan Salazar

A graduate in systems Engineering and International Marketing from EAFIT, Medellin, with extensive experience in international business, as Commercial Director at Touche, Proexport / Procolombia Country Manager in London, International Vice-President Solla S.A. and currently, Manager and Partner at Masterdent Ltda. in Medellin.

Board member for Zeus Group since 2013 and Comite Universidad Empresa Estado since 2010.

Jorge Echeverri

A business executive in the solid fuel sector with a degree in Electrical Engineering from Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana – UPB, Medellin and a MBA from Huron University in London.

His extensive career includes working for major corporations in USA and Europe, diplomat in Japan, developer, partner and manager for different projects in a handful of countries, mainly with the Mitsubishi Group in Great Britain, currently board member for different companies in Colombia.

MARITZA KAESTNER

A graduate of the University of California with a degree in Political Science and Economics, a Master in Business Management and 35 years’ experience in Merchandising, Product Development and Sourcing in the apparel industry across all product categories.

Successfully opened offices in HK, China, Seoul, India, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Jordan, Egypt, South Africa, Colombia and Brazil while working for 5 of the largest apparel companies and retailers in the US as Vice President of Levis, Limited Brands, Phillip Van Heusen (PVH) and Carters. Consulted for Inditex throughout Asia. Lived in HK, Shanghai, Mexico City, Bombay and Bogota among other cities.

As a partner of Echavarria Corporation based in Miami, developed and grew the trading companies of Coltejer, Fabricato and Fibratolima. Consulted for Proexport in creating an apparel specialist within the US and Canada offices, working in conjunction with Inexmoda and currently working as a consultant in Medellin.