About

About Luis Herrera

Luis Herrera Racine is a seasoned human resources director with extensive experience in global HR strategy and workforce development. Known for his strong operations background and ability to align HR functions with business goals, he has led cross-functional teams across diverse industries and regions.

Luis is a results-driven HR leader with a proven ability to collaborate with executives, managers, and teams, focusing on workforce engagement. He brings extensive experience managing strategic and operational HR functions across the U.S. and international markets, having worked in China, Brazil, Mexico, the UK, Canada, South Korea, and Germany. 

Luis has extensive industry experience in high-tech manufacturing, operations, sales, engineering, supply chain, consumer packaged goods, and the food industry. He also has proven expertise in B2B distribution, transportation, and foundry operations across diverse global environments.

Luis’s other specializations include mergers and acquisitions, divestitures, joint ventures, transformational change, and labor and employee relations. He also has a lengthy background in talent management, leadership development, and lean manufacturing principles.

Educational Background   

Luis earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, Illinois. He later completed an Executive Master of Business Administration from Michigan State University in East Lansing, Michigan, enhancing his leadership and strategic management capabilities.

Military Experience  

Luis served in the United States Marine Corps across multiple locations. His service enabled him to develop essential discipline, leadership, and operational skills that he has utilized throughout his career.

Professional Experience 

Luis Herrera began his professional journey at Motorola, Inc., in Florida, where he held roles as an HR Business Partner and Manager. These positions allowed him to gain valuable experience in shaping HR strategies and fostering business growth.

Luis’s next career step was with Kellogg Company in Battle Creek, MI, a $19 billion global food manufacturer with over 33,000 employees. He first served as the firm’s Senior HR Business Partner and later as a Senior Employee Relations Consultant.

From 2005 to 2008, Luis worked at Grainger Industrial Supply, a $10.5 billion global B2B industrial supply company with over 25,000 employees worldwide. 

As Senior HR Manager, Luis managed HR for 13 distribution centers across the U.S. and Mexico. He developed strategies that significantly boosted employee engagement and partnered on lean methodologies to improve team performance. 

Luis also led a major change initiative to shift the culture to “pay for performance.” His work had a lasting impact on both the HR functions and the company culture.

One of Luis Herrera’s proudest achievements was leading HR for the Components Division at Navistar, a global truck and defense vehicle manufacturer. He was selected to lead a major project that required him to live in China for six months, guiding the launch of a joint venture with Janghui Automotive Corporation. 

During this assignment, Luis developed and implemented the HR strategy, establishing expat infrastructure for employees and their families. He also conducted HR due diligence to form the Components Division from three acquisitions, ultimately earning a promotion as HR lead for the newly created business unit.   

From 2015 to 2018, Luis served as HR Director at Brunswick, a $4.1 billion marine industry manufacturer. He led HR for a $750 million division across six U.S. and Canadian locations, overseeing initiatives such as improving employee engagement, reducing turnover, and enhancing productivity. 

Luis also drove the Employer of Choice strategy, resulting in three locations receiving this award. Additionally, he successfully led HR due diligence for an M&A involving a heavy-gauge aluminum boat business. 

Luis’s next career stage was at Wheels, Inc., a fleet management company. As HR Manager and Strategic HR Business Partner, he led initiatives to attract, develop, and retain talent. He collaborated with executives on human capital strategies and managed a 4-member HR team. 

Notably, Luis ensured business continuity during the COVID-19 pandemic by transitioning employees to remote work and overseeing safety protocols. He also spearheaded diversity, equity, and inclusion strategies, developed training programs, and managed employee relations, facilities, and mailroom operations, all while focusing on compliance and operational efficiency.

Luis also served as HR Director at Hendrickson International, a commercial vehicle trailer and suspension company. He established and executed HR strategies for eight locations across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, focusing on leadership development, talent acquisition, and employee engagement in a competitive labor market. 

Luis’s most recent role was Senior HR Director at Reynolds Consumer Products in Lake Forest, IL, overseeing HR for the Hefty Waste & Storage and Hefty Tableware business units. His responsibilities include employee engagement, retention, and fostering community engagement within the organization.

Charity and Volunteer Work 

Luis has been dedicated to volunteer work since 2016. He volunteers with “By the Hand,” supporting inner-city youth in Chicago through educational and community services. He is also part of a group that travels twice a year to the Owassipie campground in northern Michigan to repair equipment for Boy Scout facilities. 

Personal Life 

Luis Herrera enjoys hands-on projects like welding, home brewing, and tending to his vegetable and flower gardens. He’s also an avid scuba diver, loves biking local trails, and finds peace kayak fishing on quiet lakes.