GLOBAL EXECUTIVE EXCHANGE SESSION: Cemex and HR’s Role in Driving Productivity
Conventional wisdom and research link productivity to overall competitiveness. Unfortunately, Latin America is lagging behind developed countries in productivity by wide margins: in Mexico, 2,100 hours a year per worker generates a GDP of $10,000 while in Germany, 1,400 hours a year per worker generates a GDP of $38,000. At CEMEX, the role of HR is significant and can create compelling competitive advantages. HR-driven productivity solutions can be leveraged in the short- and medium-term and are quantitative in nature, all the more important for today’s CEO. This session will highlight CEMEX’s ongoing productivity initiatives including connecting engagement to productivity, implementing creativity initiatives that foster continuous improvement and more disruptive innovation, and productivity programs based on the participation of union employees.
Alberto Luis de Armas
As Vice President of Human Resources for CEMEX Mexico, Alberto Luis de Armas is responsible for all aspects of human capital management, as well as safety and security, labor relations and compensation and benefits. He has held a variety of positions in CEMEX, most recently as Vice President of Business Development, responsible for multiple businesses including construction materials distribution, lime production, micro-finance programs, and other service operations. Prior to CEMEX, Mr. de Armas worked in different capacities for WW Grainger, a Chicago based distribution business, and GE, primarily in the automotive side of its Plastics business. Mr. de Armas has a Masters degree in Management from Purdue University and a BS in Electrical Engineering from the University of Miami.