Words of Wisdom from Chairman of Mexico's Largest Food Corporation

My MBA class recently had the privilege of hearing from Don Roberto Servitje, the Chairman of Grupo Bimbo, the fourth largest packaged foods company in the world (after Nestle, Kraft and Unilever).

His presentation focused on Ethical Leadership and was organized by our professor of Liderazgo y Manejo de Cambio (Leadership and Change Management). Mr. Servitje explained thatBimbo focuses on “la persona humana” – the human being…focusing on employees, competitors, consumers, stockholders, and vendors – all aspects of its work depends on people.  He spoke extensively about the importance of motivating staff and keeping employees (doing everything else to save money except laying off workers.)

Ethic Business Values
He addressed several important values that he holds and that Bimbo honors, including respect, a culture of growth, innovation, quality...but he emphasized INTEGRITY.  He likened integrity to being pregnant - you aren't a little or a lot pregnant - either you are are you aren't.  Therefore, integrity is key to all business decisions and you either have it and act upon it, or you don't.

Bimbo in the US Market...
Acquisitions in the US market, under the US-based company name, Bimbo Bakeries USA: George Weston Bakeries, originally a Canadian company, with brands such as Boboli (pizza), Thomas (English muffins), Arnold’s (breads), Entenmann’s (packaged pastries); Mrs. Baird’s Bakery (still has five plants in Texas); and most recently Sara Lee’s North American Fresh Bakery (Nov. 9, 2010).

From L to R: my professor, Dr. Jose Luis Rivas; the Dean of the Business Dept at ITAM, and Robert Servitje, Grupo Bimbo Chairma

Mexican Corporation Grupo Bimbo Chairman