Alder Koten Assists Alsea in CEO Search

May 28, 2021 – Executive search and leadership consulting firm Alder Koten has assisted in the placement Fernando Gonzalez as CEO of Mexican restaurant operator Alsea. He succeeds Alberto Torrado, who will begin training him next month to oversee its various brands, including Starbucks, Domino’s Pizza and Burger King.

“Fernando’s track record and extensive knowledge and global experience in the retail sector made him an ideal candidate,” said Jose Ruiz, chief executive officer of Alder Koten. “He has a track record of success leading in highly complex environments. His insight into technological innovation will prove to be a vital asset in designing and enhancing the Alsea of the future.”


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Mr. Gonzalez, selected by Alsea’s board of directors, will initially join the company as deputy chief executive, Alsea said in a statement. Mr. Torrado said he would remain at the company’s helm “long enough to achieve an orderly, gradual succession,” without providing a timeline for the transition. After Mr. Gonzalez takes over, Mr. Torrado will keep his role as chairman, focusing on corporate governance and long-term strategy, according to Reuters.

Mr. Gonzalez has more than 20 years of experience in food retail companies. Most recently, he served as president of Colombia’s Koba, which operates discount stores. From July 2018 till May 2019, he managed real state and development at Corporacion Soriana in Mexico. Prior to that, Mr. Gonzalez managed Dia’s business unit in China.

Alsea is a restaurant operator in Latin America and Spain, with globally recognized brands within the fast food, cafeteria, fast casual and family restaurant segments. It has a multi-brand portfolio made up of Domino’s Pizza, Starbucks, Burger King, Chili’s, PF Chang’s, Italianni’s, Vips, El Portón, The Cheesecake Factory, Corazón de Barro, La Casa del Comal, Archies, Foster’s Hollywood, Cañas y Tapas , Vips Smart, Ole Mole, Gino’s and TGI Fridays. The company operates more than 4,000 units and has more than 80,000 employees in Mexico, Spain, Argentina, Colombia, Chile, France, Portugal, Uruguay, Brazil and Andorra.

Experienced Search Consultants

Alder Koten helps clients acquire, develop and transition leadership talent through a combination of research, executive search, cultural and leadership assessment, and other talent advisory services, which include career planning, outplacement, coaching and leadership training. The firm has offices in Bogota, Dallas, Guadalajara, Houston, Mexico City, Monterrey and New York.

Mr. Ruiz is involved in executive search work focused on board members, CEOs and senior-level executives; and consulting engagements related to leadership and organizational effectiveness helping clients create thriving cultures. An important part of his time is spent on research work focused on organizational effectiveness centered on leadership and culture. His professional experience also includes leadership positions in engineering and operations management for manufacturing organizations in the U.S. and Mexico.

Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief; Dale M. Zupsansky, Managing Editor; and Stephen Sawicki, Managing Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media

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