Fernando combines a rigorous doctoral and executive Ivy-League education from Wharton School and the Graduate School of Education of the University of Pennsylvania with hands-on business and human capital experience in a major retail Fortune 100 company, large oil & gas manufacturing group, consulting firms, chambers of commerce, professional associations, and non-profits organizations, serving leaders from more than 70 countries.

A former Chief People Officer (CPO) of The Home Depot’s Global Custom Commerce and the co-founder of its Institute for Leadership, Innovation, Advancement, and Development (ILIAD), Fernando was the 59th World President of Junior Chamber International (JCI) in 2004, as well as JCI Executive Vice-President assigned to Europe in 2001. He also served as a member of the Board of Directors of ATD, and was Vice-President of the US-Mexico Chamber of Commerce in Houston.

Fernando has shared his views on leadership, learning, cultural intelligence, diversity, change, and innovation in scientific, academic, and business congresses organized by prestigious entities such as the ICC (International Chamber of Commerce), WCF (World Chambers Federation), UNESCO, World Bank, Organization of American States (OAS), ATD (Association of Talent Development, WFPMA (World Federation of Personnel Management Associations), and CIPD (Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development of the United Kingdom).

Fernando is the author of a personal and professional leadership book and a guest contributor and columnist for digital and print newspapers and business magazines in different countries. He is fluent in English, Spanish, and Portuguese.

He held the position of Chief People Officer (CPO) and Head of Diversity, Learning, and Innovation during our incubation phase. He also serves as a Co-chair of  the Advisory and Academic Councils.