The Founding Partner of Cinemas WTC is recognized in the commemorative series 30 Stories: EXATEC EGADE Through the Years for her business leadership across various industries and her impact on society.
By INSTITUTIONAL COMMUNICATION | EGADE BUSINESS SCHOOL
From the beginning of her career, Alma Rosa García Puig (MBA'05) knew she wanted to make a lasting mark in business by building and transforming organizations across different industries.
Her leadership has extended beyond cinema, retail, and organizational culture, establishing her as one of the most influential figures in senior management in Mexico. In recognition of her outstanding career and contributions to the business world, she was honoured with the EXATEC EGADE Merit Award 2024, a distinction that celebrates alumni whose vision and leadership create a positive impact on society.
A CAREER SHAPED IN CINEMA
Her journey began in the film industry. "I started my career at Cinemex very early on; I was part of the founding team, and that allowed me to write a story that had never been written in the film industry before," Alma Rosa recalls in an interview during an Annual Alumni Meeting at EGADE Business School.
For 15 years, she advanced within the organization until, in 2008, she became the first woman to lead a cinema chain in Latin America. Upon assuming the general management of Cinemex, she guided the company through the global financial crisis, demonstrating her ability to make strategic decisions in complex environments.
"Uno tienen en la vida no lo que merece, sino lo que negocia", manifestó Alma Rosa García Puig, egresada del #EMBA y directora general de @CielitoQuerido Café, en #EXATECTalks dentro de nuestra Reunión Anual de #Egresados pic.twitter.com/vLtbcPm1wi
— EGADE Business School (@egade) July 6, 2019
FROM CINEMA TO RETAIL AND NEW CHALLENGES
After her time at Cinemex, Alma Rosa explored the retail sector. She joined Tiendas 3B as Deputy General Director, where she learned the dynamics of hard discount retailing.
Later, she led the convenience store operations at Alta Retail, where she faced one of the most significant challenges of her career.
"I joined a company that was in bad shape; we turned it around, and then I had to close it. That fast-track learning experience gave me many tools to understand the importance of team commitment," she shares.
She later assumed the role of Franchise Director at Circle K Mexico, further strengthening her expertise in managing thousands of retail locations while leading strategies for growth and positioning.
However, beyond her success in corporate leadership, Alma Rosa began questioning her purpose. "I realized that I had achieved the goal I had set for myself—to be at the helm of an organization—but I hadn’t found my true purpose in life," she reflects. That realization led her to pivot her career toward a deeper impact on people and society.
FINDING PURPOSE
She found her purpose at Cielito Querido Café, where she became the General Director with a vision beyond business—building a strong organizational culture, enhancing customer experience, and reinforcing the brand’s identity as a symbol of Mexican pride.
"It's a company that works from Mexico for Mexico, respects its traditions, and has a wonderful magic of instilling young people with love for Mexico," she highlights.
In 2020, she became CEO of Great Place to Work Mexico, navigating the challenges of leadership transformation amid the pandemic.
"There’s been a major shift in mindset at the organizational level. Before, many companies didn’t trust their employees, but the pandemic showed them that remote work is possible and can yield great results," she explained in an interview with Líderes Mexicanos.
En el marco de la Reunión Anual de Egresados, Alma Rosa García Puig, CEO de @cinemasWTC, fue distinguida con el Premio al Mérito #EXATECEGADE 2023, con el propósito de honrar su destacado liderazgo y trayectoria de excelencia. ¡Muchas felicidades! #RAE2024 pic.twitter.com/aScNnni6Wg
— EGADE Business School (@egade) August 30, 2024
AN IMPACT BEYOND BUSINESS
Beyond the corporate world, Alma Rosa has worked to create a positive social impact. She is a founding partner of Koinobori, an institution that supports children with special education needs, and a board member of Fundación Padma, which assists pregnant women diagnosed with cancer.
She has also mentored entrepreneurs and given talks on leadership and gender equity. "As a Mexican, I always try to do my part, and I believe that what we can contribute is teaching future generations to do things right," she emphasizes.
THE EGADE BUSINESS SCHOOL LEGACY
Her business trajectory was strengthened at EGADE Business School, where she completed the EGADE MBA in an executive dual-degree program with McCombs School of Business at The University of Texas at Austin.
"I hold my time at EGADE Business School very dearly because it allowed me to build an incredible network. In fact, in one of my businesses, three of my partners are EXATEC, and I met them here," she shares.
Alma Rosa's experience at EGADE expanded her global perspective and provided her with essential tools for professional growth.
"Being part of an international program with students and professors from different backgrounds definitely made me think differently and develop a much broader perspective on the professional world," she states.
Today, Alma Rosa continues to drive business success and leave a lasting impact in every industry she engages with. Her story is a testament to how leadership, resilience, and strategic vision can transform companies and lives and create a meaningful impact on society.
As a proud member of the EXATEC EGADE community, she continues to inspire future generations to lead with purpose and determination.