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Fernando Avilés

@fernandoavils

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Executive CHRO driving AI-ready culture, talent transformation, and workforce strategy.

Ecuador

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What I'm looking for

I’m looking to lead people strategy that strengthens culture and performance, while using AI and HR analytics to redesign work for the future. I want to partner closely with executives to reduce turnover, grow talent, and improve wellbeing through measurable outcomes.

I’m a bilingual CHRO and strategic HR business partner with 20+ years of experience shaping people strategy, organizational culture, and talent transformation across Ecuador and Panama. I focus on aligning human capital strategy with business objectives and building workplaces where engagement and wellbeing are measurable outcomes.

Most recently, I lead people strategy as Head of Human Talent (CHRO equivalent) at CEDIA, where we achieved Great Place To Work certification for two consecutive years and earned the Healthy Workplace Award from Prevencionar. I’m designing a 90-degree performance management system integrating EFQM 2020, OKRs, and Balanced Scorecard—work connected directly to institutional certification goals.

Previously, as Corporate Head of HR (CHRO) at Almacenes Juan Eljuri, I reduced voluntary turnover through targeted training, performance management, compensation redesign, and recognition programs. I also built HR capabilities from the ground up as Corporate HR Manager for a 5,000+ employee, multi-company group, and I’ve continued to support mid-career professionals through my consulting practice, Avilés SFT, using my MINTA Methodology to help people navigate AI-disrupted careers.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Head of Human Talent

Current

CEDIA

Nov 2023 - Present (2 years 8 months)

Led people strategy and HR business partnership for CEDIA; achieved Great Place To Work certification for two consecutive years (ranked #12 nationally in Ecuador) and earned the Healthy Workplace Award for employee engagement and wellbeing. Designed an EFQM 2020–aligned 90-degree performance management system integrating OKRs and Balanced Scorecard.

People & Strategy HR Business Partnership Organizational Culture Performance Management OKRs Balanced Scorecard Employee Engagement Workforce Transformation

Current

Founder, Talent Consulting

Current

Avilés SFT

Jan 2016 - Present (10 years 6 months)

Founded and led Avilés SFT, delivering talent acquisition, executive search, change management, and workforce redesign for mid-career professionals navigating AI-driven career disruption. Developed the MINTA methodology and presented an AI-powered talent diagnostic tool (Talent Check).

Talent Acquisition Executive Search Change Management Organizational Culture AI For HR People Analytics Career Transformation Employer Branding

Corporate Head of HR

Almacenes Juan Eljuri

Dec 2018 - Jun 2020 (1 year 6 months)

Designed and implemented a comprehensive financial and psychological support program for 5,000+ employees and their families during COVID-19 to maintain workforce stability.

Crisis HR Support compensation programs HR strategy Stakeholder Management

Corporate Head of HR

Almacenes Juan Eljuri

Nov 2013 - Feb 2016 (2 years 3 months)

Developed and executed people strategy to improve organizational climate and reduce voluntary turnover through targeted training, performance management, compensation redesign, and recognition programs.

People & Strategy Performance Management Compensation Design Talent Management HR Business Partnership Organizational Development

Human Resources Manager

Cooperativa JEP

Jan 2013 - Oct 2013 (9 months)

Led full-cycle talent acquisition and organizational development, including HR strategy design, onboarding, and performance-focused workforce planning for an Ecuador savings and loan institution.

Talent Acquisition Onboarding HR strategy Organizational Development Workforce Planning Employee Relations HR Operations

Corporate HR Manager (CHRO)

Grupo Ortiz (Go Corp)

Jun 2010 - Sep 2012 (2 years 3 months)

Built the corporate HR function from the ground up across 22 companies and plants, establishing HR policies, HRIS processes, onboarding, talent development frameworks, and performance management for a 5,000+ employee workforce.

HRIS HR Policies Onboarding Talent Development Performance Management Workforce Operations HR Analytics