The conference will explore the development of Latin America through three lenses: leadership in business and government, the societal demands of a burgeoning middle class, and the globalization of Latin American companies.
The contradictions of Latin America make it a compelling region both for study and for business. Nearly 30% of the world's female heads of state are leading Latin American countries; yet according to a study by the Americas Society and Council of the Americas, women account for only 7% of Latin American corporate boards. In the past decade, the middle class has increased by 50%; yet inequality, both economic and social, remains a prominent issue across the region. Historically, Latin American business was focused on commodities, and dominated by foreign companies; yet at present, the region's market growth is driven by growing domestic businesses in manufacturing, retail, and other non-commoditized industries. To operate successfully in Latin America, businesses must understand the interplay of economic, cultural, and historical forces that has created these regional tensions.
The 2015 Latin American Business Conference will explore the development of Latin America through three lenses: leadership in business and government, the societal demands of a burgeoning middle class, and the globalization of Latin American companies. Following a macroeconomic overview of the region, esteemed leaders from varied industries and countries will discuss these three issues, covering both the current situation and forecasting what is to come.
Keynote speaker
The Honorable Liliana Ayalde
Ambassador of the United States to Brazil
Schedule
12:00 - 1:00pm REGISTRATION AND CHECK-IN
1:00 - 1:15pm WELCOME REMARKS
Sebastian Edwards | Henry Ford II Chair in International
Judy D. Olian | Dean, John E. Anderson Chair in Management,
UCLA Anderson
1:15 - 1:30pm KEYNOTE ADDRESS
The Honorable Liliana Ayalde | Ambassador of the U.S. to Brazil
1:30 - 2:00pm LATIN AMERICA: A MACRO-ECONOMIC OVERVIEW
Sebastian Edwards | Henry Ford II Chair in International
Management, UCLA Anderson
2:00 - 3:00pm PANEL DISCUSSION I
Latin America - Leadership: The Role of Women
Ambassador Cecilia Nahón | Ambassador of the Argentine
Republic to the United States
Ambassador Jeffrey Davidow | Senior Counselor, The Cohen
Group; Former U.S. Ambassador to Mexico and Venezuela
Fernanda Vicente | President and Co-Founder, Mujeres del Pacifico
MODERATOR: Judy D. Olian | Dean, John E. Anderson Chair in
Management
3:00 - 3:30pm BREAK AND REFRESHMENTS
3:30 - 4:30pm PANEL DISCUSSION II
Latin America - Globalization: Growth Beyond Commodities
Alejandro González (’01) | Chief Financial Officer, Falabella SACI
Richard Lark ('94) | Founder and Managing Partner, Endurance
Capital Partners, Brazil; Board Director GOL Airlines
Fernando Suárez Gerard (’02) | Chief Financial Officer, Volaris, Mexico
MODERATOR: Jeff Healy | Senior Vice President, City National
4:30 - 5:30pm PANEL DISCUSSION III
Latin America - Society: Why the Middle Class Matters
Martin K. Breidsprecher ('98) | Chief Operating Officer, Azteca America, Inc.
Jaana Remes | Principal, McKinsey Global Institute
Hernan Uribe ('92) | Board Director and Former Chief Financial
Officer, Ripley Corp., Chile
MODERATOR: Tracey Lewis Rendinelli | West Region
International Director, UPS
5:30 - 7:00pm NETWORKING RECEPTION
HOSTED BY THE PORT OF LOS ANGELES
Click here for Official 2015 LABA Conference website