The former president of the CCE is recognized in the series 30 stories: EXATEC EGADE through the years for his business vision, commitment to Mexico, and impact on the country's social and economic development.
By INSTITUTIONAL COMMUNICATION | EGADE BUSINESS SCHOOL
Carlos Salazar Lomelín (MA'89) is a businessman, professor, and economist whose career has impacted the private sector, academia, and civil society.
His leadership and spirit of service have made him a key figure in driving sustainable development and business transformation in Mexico.
For over four decades, Carlos built a distinguished career at FEMSA, where he began in 1973 and held various executive positions across its subsidiaries, including CEO of Cervecería Cuauhtémoc Moctezuma and Coca-Cola FEMSA. From 2014 to 2017, he served as CEO of FEMSA, leading the company’s expansion into retail, health, and fuel sectors, reaching nearly 300,000 employees in 11 countries.
He was instrumental in transforming FEMSA into a global, innovation-driven company. Under his leadership, the company reinforced its commitment to sustainability, establishing a strategic framework that became an industry benchmark, addressing corporate culture, water management, energy use, recycling, healthy lifestyles, and community development.
In 2019, he was appointed President of the Business Coordinating Council (CCE), a role he held for three years.
In this position, he championed nationally impactful initiatives such as the "Social Dimension of Businesses" Decalogue, a proposal to reform the pension system, the National Agreement to confront the COVID-19 health crisis, and the creation of the 2030 Agenda Working Groups in partnership with the UN Global Compact Mexico and the Office of the President of the Republic.
His leadership during the pandemic was key to the business sector’s response to national challenges. The CCE, which brings together Mexico’s leading private sector organizations, acknowledged his role in the country’s economic recovery and commitment to social well-being.
A LEADER COMMITTED TO EDUCATION AND SOCIETY
Carlos holds a Bachelor’s in Economics from Tecnológico de Monterrey and an MBA from EGADE Business School. He has also been an Economics professor for over 40 years and continues to mentor young leaders both inside and outside the classroom.
In 2021, he was named one of AACSB International’s 25 Influential Leaders, a global recognition of his positive impact on business education.
At Tec, he chairs the Business School Advisory Board. He has strongly advocated the Líderes del Mañana program, which provides 100% scholarships to high-potential youth committed to social impact.
He currently serves as President of the Consular Corps of Nuevo León and sits on the global board of BBVA, as well as on the boards of several nonprofit and civic organizations.
A BUSINESS VISION WITH SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
In forums at Tecnológico de Monterrey, Carlos has shared his vision of business leadership that goes beyond financial results.
“The role of an entrepreneur is not only to make the right products, pay workers fairly, contribute taxes, or engage with the community but also to influence society and have a complete and absolute commitment to it,” he states.
“I believe Tec has always instilled in us that the life of a good entrepreneur, as well as that of a good executive or a good worker, goes beyond just developing one’s talent and skills,” he mentions.
As an EXATEC EGADE, Carlos embodies a model of leadership grounded in strategic vision, ethics, and a commitment to collective well-being, inspiring new generations to build a more just, prosperous, and sustainable Mexico.