Glenda Rivera

Bilingual (English/Spanish) Senior Executive with 20+ years of international leadership experience spanning supply chain, operations, human resources, and business transformation. Proven track record of driving operational excellence, margin expansion, and organizational growth across diverse sectors including manufacturing, retail, distribution, food & beverage, and medical devices. Well-versed in leading cross-functional teams, managing complex M&A integrations, and launching startup ventures across LATAM and the U.S. Highly skilled in coaching high-performing teams, executing global HRIS and Total Rewards strategies, and delivering multimillion-dollar cost savings through strategic sourcing, restructuring, and lean initiatives. Recognized as an Entrepreneurial leader with a hands-on, results-driven approach and a passion for building scalable, efficient operations that align people, process, and performance.

Global HRIS Implementation: Led the successful transition from PeopleSoft to Workday across 120 countries, ensuring on-time, issue-free go-live.  Operational Excellence & Cost Reduction: Designed and implemented an Operational Excellence program across facilities in Costa Rica, Puerto Rico, and New Jersey, resulting in multimillion-dollar savings. Negotiated improved product mix and shipping terms with key partners, reducing the cost of products by 10% and positively impacting EBITDA.  Facility Start-Up & FDA Certification: Project managed the start-up of a contract manufacturing facility in Costa Rica, overseeing staffing, equipment, and government relations. Secured FDA certification for a separate facility to complete full product assembly.  M&A and Business Restructuring: Led due diligence and financial modeling for the Grupo Colón Gerena acquisition of Grupo Trigo, including investor presentations to secure bank approval. Directed restructuring efforts for Grupo Colón Gerena and Medical Card Systems, enhancing operational efficiency.  Total Rewards & Talent Strategy: Developed and implemented Total Rewards strategies for Abbott and AbbVie across LATAM and the Miami regions. Managed Aon Hewitt’s Best Employers & Top Leaders of the Industry program as Project Manager for two consecutive years.  Leadership & Talent Development: Managed Aon Hewitt’s consulting and sales teams from Puerto Rico to Brazil. Conducted executive-level headhunting and coached C-suite leaders to integrate successfully into new corporate cultures.  Entrepreneurial Success: Founded and scaled four startups to revenue-generating businesses across logistics, consulting, distribution, and retail sectors.  Supplier & Quality Systems: Created and implemented a Supplier Qualification Program to ensure compliance with operational and regulatory standards.

University of Phoenix – Guaynabo, PR Master of Business Administration (MBA), Global Management & Human Resources Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA), Certified Professional Coach.