Irene Espinola Qualification : Master’s in marketing Job title: Net zero carbon global director, Grupo Bimbo
Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and your career to date? “Currently, I lead the net zero carbon strategy for Grupo Bimbo, with the challenge of reaching net zero carbon emissions by 2050. “I have led the renewable energy strategy in Grupo Bimbo worldwide, with the responsibility of making the company 100 per cent renewable. I have been here for 13 years and have 11 years’ experience in energy and sustainability, managing renewable energy projects in 25 countries, including Mexico, the US, Chile, Argentina, Canada, Brazil, Spain and Colombia. “In 2018, Grupo Bimbo inaugurated Bimbo Solar, led by me. That now involves 40mw of solar rooftops across 115 sites. In 2021, I created the company’s net zero carbon strategy for the next 30 years, with 16 initiatives that include zero carbon mobility, the elimination of fossil fuels and regenerative agriculture. “I was recognised as a leader in sustainability in Mexico in 2020 and again in 2021. I have also been recognised as a global leader in renewable energy.” What programme did you graduate from? “I have a master’s in marketing from Egade and a major in industrial engineering specialising in finance from Anáhuac.”
Why did you take this particular programme? “When I decided to start my master’s, I looked into almost every MBA offered at universities in Mexico, the US and Europe. Back then, I had a major in engineering with a specialisation in finance and decision-making. I had the opportunity to get training in leadership and emotional intelligence. The only thing missing was the marketing point of view. “I searched for a master’s that could focus on that and found Egade. Needless to say, it is one of the best schools in
Mexico. I compared its programme to others both nationally and internationally and decided that what it could offer was exactly what I was looking for.” What single course, project, initiative or aspect of the programme was your favourite part? “I remember three things in particular: the first one was a course on alternative media sources. Back then, some 11 years ago, digital media was something new. Companies would focus on conventional
32 Business Impact • ISSUE 1 • 2024
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