Interview with Luis Vieira - Vice President for the Pigments and Cosmetics Business of Merck
“There are a lot of positive indicators in the economy as well as industry movement into México”
Subject: Interview with Luis Vieira - Vice President for the Pigments and Cosmetics Business of Merck
VISION FOR THE SECTOR
What is the future for the Pharmaceuticals and Chemicals Industries?
-I believe the future is very bright. México has a very strategic geographic position, and is the one country in Latin America that probably has the most free trade agreements. It has a very positive and skilled labor force and has a strategic location that is good for exporting. I believe this is the growing opinion because you have a lot of positive indicators in the economy as well as industry movement into México. I think some of the initiatives from Querétaro in terms of tax incentives are attracting many industries into that state. Also you see foreign investment: the automotive industry is setting up new facilities here, Mazda being one of them, Kia being another, and an expansion of Ford as well. So I think there are several clear factors that validate that opinion.
Why did Merck choose to be in Mexico?
-I think Mexico has phenomenal opportunities in general. The products we offer are very complementary to the lifestyle and the culture. Mexico is so beautiful and what we bring to the table makes it even more beautiful.
What has been the biggest challenge you have faced in your business?
-I really don’t have major challenges right now. I have a great team that does a phenomenal job. And, they make my career look easy. My biggest challenge is to give back to them, with the same intensity, the same “gusto” that the team really performs with here.
FORMULA FOR SUCCESS
-We have to be able to EMBRACE CHANGE, look at the different perspectives and be willing to make compromises. But also what is critical is to have objectives, have a direction, have a goal, and have a plan on how to get there. But you also have to be willing to change your plan, because everything is changing around you, so you have to be flexible.
PEOPLE LEAVING FOOTPRINTS
¿What people have been important in your professional development?
-My grandfather Nikolai played a major role in terms of his spirit of adventure in entrepreneurship. Also, a university professor played a major role in terms of helping me find direction. And, a few mentors during my career in Merck have helped me to get where I am.
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