Latest news with #RobertoRamos
Yahoo
03-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Culture+ Group Expands Leadership and Services to Help C-Suite Leaders Unlock Growth in the $7 Trillion Omnicultural Mainstream
Building on its leadership in Cultural Intelligence® and proprietary intellectual property, Culture+ Group unveils a consultancy-inspired transformation, expanding its leadership and investing in AI, data, and agile hubs to help brands grow at the speed of culture. MIAMI, June 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Culture+ Group, the Cultural Intelligence® solutions network, today announced a strategic evolution of its structure and business model, aligning agencies and leadership under a unified Business Transformation Model. This next phase strengthens Culture+'s ability to serve brands and C-suite leaders navigating cultural complexity, economic shifts, and the growing influence of high-growth diverse audiences that make up the $7 trillion Omnicultural New Mainstream. "This is about solving what keeps executives up at night, growth, relevance, and staying ahead," said Lili Gil Valletta, CEO and co-founder of Culture+ Group. "For over a decade, we've delivered Cultural Intelligence® solutions that turn cultural and market shifts into strategic advantage, powered by proprietary IP, data, and insight. In today's AI-driven economy, brands need more than creativity; they need business solutions rooted in a Cultural Intelligence® mindset. "We are in the business of creative innovation, not just for campaigns, but as a force for solving complex business problems. Whether the solution is a bold idea, a structural shift, or a data-driven strategy, our integrated network brings together technology, human capital, and cultural insight to help clients grow at the speed of culture. This evolution also sets the stage for our global expansion into LATAM and EMEA, extending our proven model to help brands lead in the world's most dynamic, high-growth markets." Structuring for Transformation Culture+ is redefining what it means to be a partner in today's marketplace. Rather than siloed departments, we've built Business Transformation Hubs, unified, insight-led teams designed to solve business problems, not just respond to briefs. Each hub integrates strategic planning, creativity, client service, and execution in agile units aligned by industry verticals, regional markets, and transformation goals. This structure enables upstream strategy with downstream impact, powered by Cultural Intelligence® and proprietary IP. Whether the solution is a campaign, a structural shift, or a data strategy, our hubs operate as solution centers, helping brands grow at the speed of culture. To lead this next chapter, two senior executives have been appointed as Managing Directors with full P&L ownership, reporting directly to Group President Roberto Ramos, who joined in October 2024 to drive this transformation forward. Ivan Sánchez returns to Culture+ as Managing Director of CIEN+, bringing deep expertise from leadership roles as former CEO of PHD Media (Omnicom Media Group) and Dentsu across Latin America. With a blend of global strategy, media, and marketing leadership, Ivan will lead transformation across brand and health, including CIEN+ Health, the fast-growing healthcare vertical. To strengthen this expansion, Raj Iyer has been appointed Head of CIEN+ Health, reporting to Ivan. Together, they are building a leading healthcare innovation and communications consultancy to deliver better outcomes and tap into shifting health economics, empowering communities to live healthier lives. "Ivan's return to Culture+ is a powerful validation of the model we're building," added Ramos. "He brings strategic rigor, deep experience building future-ready, culture-first brands, and the creative-operational versatility to lead our largest engagements and drive transformative growth." "I came back because this model is unlike anything in the market," said Sánchez. "Culture+ fuses consulting discipline with cultural creativity, and does it with real agility. That's what modern brands are looking for: transformation that reflects the world they're trying to reach." Caroline Brethenoux, Culture + Group Chief Strategy Officer, steps into an expanded role as Managing Director of Human Dot Plus. Under her leadership, the consultancy is evolving into a global insights and foresight partner, going beyond research tech to deliver human-centered innovation strategies. By blending behavioral science, data, AI, and cultural understanding, Human Dot Plus connects the dots between human needs and business outcomes. "Caroline's ability to turn data and human insight into foresight and business design is exactly what our clients need," said Ramos. "It's at the intersection of empathy and data where real innovation happens, helping brands anticipate change, unlock growth, and build strategic and culturally relevant solutions." Leadership Expansion and Strategic Focus Areas Culture+ has also elevated key executives to lead across finance, talent, and operations: Felipe Arenas, Chief Financial OfficerWith nearly three decades of finance and deal-making experience, Arenas brings a $ 700 million+ track record in M&A and asset management across Latin America, Asia, and the U.S. He will lead financial strategy and partner with clients on value creation, partnership models, and new impact metrics. Jackie Brown, Chief Talent OfficerBrown will lead Culture+'s people and talent strategy, including organizational design for clients and scaling human-centered culture expertise across the network. Cristina Jaramillo, Chief Operations OfficerWith 20+ years across CPG and global agencies (McCann, VMLY&R), Jaramillo will lead delivery excellence, launch the AI Innovation Lab, and expand regionally. She is known for operational discipline and high-performance alignment. "These leaders represent what transformation looks like: multidimensional, insight-led, and built for cultural relevance and performance," said Ramos. "They ensure our structure is not just strategic, but scalable, sustainable, and future-facing." Powering the $7 Trillion Omnicultural Opportunity Culture+'s evolution directly responds to a fast-shifting landscape. Today's omnicultural mainstream, driven by Hispanic, Black, Asian, Gen Z, and intersectional audiences, accounts for 100% of U.S. population growth and wields $7 trillion in spending power. These communities represent over $30 trillion in cultural capital, redefining behaviors, business, and commerce. Through platforms like the Cultural Intelligence® Accelerator, Culture FWD™, Human Dot Plus' Next Gen insights, and CIEN+ HEALTH's Healthonomics™ Playbooks, Culture+ equips brands to activate this power through actionable strategies and transformation-ready solutions. About Culture+ Group Culture+ Group is an independent marketing solutions network built to help brands thrive in a fast-changing, diverse world where culture drives growth. With decades of expertise in Cultural Intelligence®, the group fuses business transformation, organizational design, and agile creative and innovation strategies. Its ecosystem of specialized agencies: CIEN+ (culture-first marketing), CIEN+Health (inclusive healthcare marketing), Human Dot Plus (AI-driven insights/ innovation consultancy), The Ideatelier+ (branding/ luxury/ trend foresight), and The Choice+ (shopper/experiential marketing), positions Culture+ Group to tackle business challenges at the speed of culture. By blending cultural insights, strategic foresight, and data-driven clarity, the group enables brands to adapt, evolve, and capitalize on new growth opportunities. As a certified minority- and woman-owned business and NMSDC Corporate Plus® Member, Culture+ Group is committed to advancing inclusion and innovation across all industries. The group has teams based across the U.S., Latin America, and Europe. Press Contact: Amalia Toro(972) 791-8792http:// View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Culture+ Group Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Newsweek
23-05-2025
- Business
- Newsweek
From Crisis to Catalyst: How Chemicals Are Powering Tomorrow
For the chemicals industry—so deeply embedded in the machinery of global trade—2025 is a reckoning. In conversations with executives across the sector, one theme surfaced again and again: uncertainty. But beneath the noise, a deeper shift is underway. The industry is no longer content to react; it is rethinking where it operates, how it builds resilience and what role it will now play in a fractured, fast-changing world. And nowhere is this upheaval more apparent than in the turning tides of geopolitics. With supply chain disruptions from the Red Sea to the Panama Canal, conflict from Ukraine to the Middle East and now sweeping tariffs under a second Trump administration in the U.S., the industry is recalibrating—adapting to a world tilting away from global integration toward fragmentation and self-protection. The old logic—low-cost global trade, predictable policy, centralized production—is breaking down. In its place, a new playbook is emerging: one rooted in resilience, reinvention and a sharper sense of long-term purpose. But pressure doesn't just disrupt—it accelerates change. In chemistry, as in life, higher pressures lead to faster reactions. This report captures that pivot, in the voices of those confronting it firsthand. Roberto Ramos, CEO, Braskem. Credit: Coutesy of Braskem. Roberto Ramos, CEO, Braskem. Credit: Coutesy of Braskem. The most significant change is the demise of the European producers, particularly after the Russian invasion of Ukraine. This affected the availability of gas for power generation, causing energy prices to triple. Companies in Europe simply couldn't compete with the rising energy costs. Roberto Ramos, CEO, Braskem. Jean-Yves Parisot, CEO, Symrise. Credit: Courtesy of Symrise. Jean-Yves Parisot, CEO, Symrise. Credit: Courtesy of Symrise. Our biggest challenge is balancing customer needs with innovation. Despite economic pressures and rising tariffs, we're committed to investing in innovation, particularly in health, well-being and beauty. Sourcing natural raw materials is also a challenge, especially with climate change impacting agriculture. Jean-Yves Parisot, CEO, Symrise. This report has been paid for by a third party. The views and opinions expressed are not those of Newsweek and are not an endorsement of the products, services or persons mentioned. Click here to download the full report
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Braskem SA (BAK) Q1 2025 Earnings Call Highlights: Surging EBITDA and Strategic Expansions Amid ...
Release Date: May 12, 2025 For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript. Braskem SA (NYSE:BAK) reported a consolidated recurring EBITDA of $224 million, a 121% increase compared to the fourth quarter of 2024. The company maintained a high level of operational safety with an average global accident frequency rate of 0.92 events per million hours worked. Braskem SA (NYSE:BAK) ended the first quarter of 2025 with a cash position of $2 billion, sufficient to cover debt maturities over the next 33 months. The company celebrated 15 years of its green bio-based portfolio, emphasizing its leadership in biopolymers and sustainability. Braskem SA (NYSE:BAK) inaugurated the ethane import terminal in Mexico, enhancing its operational capacity and reducing logistics costs. The company experienced an operating cash consumption of approximately 936 million barrels due to negative variations in working capital. Braskem SA (NYSE:BAK) reported a corporate leverage of 7.92 times at the end of the first quarter of 2025. The petrochemical industry is facing a prolonged downturn, impacting Braskem SA (NYSE:BAK)'s financial performance. The company anticipates a challenging second quarter due to prolonged shutdowns in international markets and potential impacts from new tariff scenarios. Braskem SA (NYSE:BAK) is dealing with the financial implications of the Alagoas event, with a total provision balance of 5.1 billion reals. Warning! GuruFocus has detected 6 Warning Signs with BAK. Q: With the recent updates on the tariff war between China and the US, how do you see these developments affecting Braskem's operations across different geographies? A: (Rosanna Volo, Investor Relations Director) The recent agreement could lead to increased polypropylene spreads due to higher cash costs in China, benefiting Braskem. The company's diversification in geography and product portfolio provides resilience against such global uncertainties. The focus remains on serving the domestic market, which is a strength for Braskem. Q: Can you provide more details on the $600 million value capture initiative, especially regarding the shift to gas-based operations? A: (Rosanna Volo, Investor Relations Director) The initiative involves increasing flexibility in gas-based activities, particularly in Bahia, Brazil. The company aims to maximize resource use through fiscal credits, with no significant cash flow impact. The goal is to expand bioproduct production to 1 million tons by 2030, leveraging projects in Brazil, Thailand, and the US. Q: How is Braskem addressing the challenges of operating in a low cycle and mitigating cash burn? A: (Roberto Ramos, CEO) Braskem is optimizing production by running plants at reduced capacities, extending their operational life. The company prioritizes projects that generate immediate cash flow and is focusing on structural changes like feedstock flexibility to improve competitiveness. Q: What is the impact of the new ethane import terminal in Mexico on Braskem's operations? A: (Felipe Genz, CFO) The terminal allows Braskem to secure a stable ethane supply, enhancing operational capacity and reducing logistics costs. This strategic move supports long-term growth and ensures a diversified feedstock supply, enabling future capacity expansions. Q: How does Braskem plan to manage its leverage and liquidity given the current high debt levels? A: (Felipe Genz, CFO) The focus is on expanding EBITDA through competitive improvements and strategic transformations. The company continues to manage liabilities by extending debt maturities and exploring non-recourse funding options, ensuring liquidity to meet obligations. For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript. This article first appeared on GuruFocus.
