Carlos Rivera-Velez

He is founder and CEO of The Foundation Global Group (management consulting firm on advanced manufacturing, people development, economic and business development, automation), founder and VP of Collores Water Products (premium water exports), and co- founder for Smartweave, BIOtech research and development company on tissue restoration and regrowth through cellular engineering and bioconvergence. Carlos brings over 30 years of senior global leadership experience in advanced technology businesses, medical devices and pharmaceuticals manufacturing, SaaS, and emerging technologies startup companies. He previously served in Stryker, a $17.1B global provider of medical technology, as head for Latinoamerica and Caribbean. Before Stryker, he held senior executive leadership roles at Edwards Lifesciences, Johnson & Johnson, Advanced Medical Optics, and Allergan.
He serves and has served in more than twenty boards of directors focused on biosciences, medical innovation, manufacturing, and community, for both profit and non-for-profit organizations. He is currently leading the board for the Puerto Rico Technoeconomic Corridor, economic development think tank and technology and business incubator. He is also the founder and leader of the Puerto Rico Sustainable Development Council initiative aimed towards achieving immediate, continuous, and long-term sustained and transcending economic growth for the island. He was Chairman of the Board of the Puerto Rico Manufacturers Association, Puerto Rico Medical Device Industrial Cluster, and leader of the Puerto Rico Coalition of the Private Sector, among others.
Carlos holds a BS degree in Computer and Electrical Engineering from UPR Mayagüez, a Masters in business and technology management from the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton and Engineering Schools, and a PhD in Philosophy from the CEAPRC. He is a licensed professional engineer, certified lean six sigma black belt and certified in diplomacy and international relations. Avid researcher, writer and publisher on the history and economic development of Puerto Rico. Carlos founded and presided the History Museum and History Research Academy of San Germán, Puerto Rico. He is a corresponding member of the Dominican Republic Academy of History. He is also a member of the Iberoamerican Academy of Science, among other institutions.