W.K. Kellogg Foundation Names New Regional Director for Programs in Latin America and the Caribbean
MEXICO CITY, August 5, 2009 — The W.K. Kellogg Foundation of Battle Creek, Michigan, USA, has named Alejandro Villanueva to be its new regional director for programs in Latin America and the Caribbean.
Villanueva, a Mexico City resident, began his new duties on August 3, 2009, providing leadership and strategic direction for programming initiatives in the region. In addition to planning and management responsibilities, he will supervise and coordinate the work of staff assigned to the region.
“Alejandro brings significant experience and expertise to our ongoing work in Latin America and the Caribbean,” said Sterling Speirn, the Kellogg Foundation’s president and chief executive officer. “His background in business, communication and marketing will help advance our efforts to improve opportunities for children, families and communities throughout the region.”
Villanueva previously was marketing director at AXA in Mexico, and was responsible for advertising, strategic marketing, customer management and various other projects. He also was head of Communication and Corporate Affairs at the ING Group of Mexico City, a position that included designing and implementing a strategy for corporate philanthropy.
Prior to holding these positions, he worked as engagement manager at McKinsey & Company in the United States, Spain, the Netherlands, India, Morocco, Mexico, Central America and South America. He also represented 12 suburbs as city counselor for the municipality of Alvaro Obregon in Mexico City, an elected position that he won as an independent candidate.
“These broad experiences have given Alejandro a solid connection to communities throughout the region and beyond, as well as a working knowledge of how to effectively communicate with people and with the makers of policies that affect their lives,” said Gail McClure, vice president for international programs at the Kellogg Foundation. “He has worked with a variety of nonprofit organizations and government agencies, and has consulted with them on a variety of social projects that have improved opportunities for residents of Mexico.”
