Executive Summary: A Strategic Transition
In a decisive move aimed at fortifying Peru’s standing in the global marketplace, the Society of Foreign Trade of Peru (ComexPerú) has officially announced the election of its new Board of Directors for the 2026–2028 term. By unanimous vote, Enrique Gubbins, a seasoned industrial engineer and veteran of the Peruvian business landscape, has been appointed as the organization’s president.
Gubbins succeeds Alonso Rey, who led the institution through the 2024–2026 period. The transition comes at a critical juncture for the Andean nation, as it seeks to navigate shifting global trade currents, enhance its logistics infrastructure, and advocate for more robust public policies that can sustain long-term economic growth. Joining Gubbins in the upper echelons of the organization are Guillermo Ferreyros, serving as the first vice president, and Gianmarco Tagliarino, as the second vice president.
Chronology: From Legacy to Future Leadership
The appointment of Enrique Gubbins is not merely a change in personnel; it represents a return to established leadership for ComexPerú. Gubbins, a graduate of Texas A&M University with a degree in Industrial Engineering, is a familiar face within the halls of the institution. His history with ComexPerú dates back to 1998, and he previously served as President of the Board of Directors between 2000 and 2002.
A Legacy of Professional Evolution
- 1998: Joins the ranks of ComexPerú, beginning his long-standing association with the entity.
- 2000–2002: Completes his first term as President of the Board, setting the stage for future advocacy in trade policy.
- 2001–2017: Serves on the APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC), providing a regional perspective on Pacific Rim trade dynamics.
- 2024–2026: Serves under the leadership of outgoing president Alonso Rey, maintaining continuity within the board.
- 2026: Unanimously elected to lead the organization for the 2026–2028 cycle.
Deep Industry Expertise: The Profile of a Reformer
Enrique Gubbins brings an extensive portfolio of experience to the presidency, spanning the industrial, energy, and logistics sectors. His career has been defined by his ability to bridge the gap between private enterprise and public interest.
Corporate and Public Service Background
Gubbins has held, and currently maintains, leadership positions in a diverse array of influential companies, including:
- Manufacturing and Steel: Metalúrgica Peruana, Aceros Chilca, and Tecnofil.
- Energy and Logistics: Olympic Peru and Sudamericana de Fibras.
- Retail and Finance: Conecta Retail and Financiera Efectiva.
Beyond his corporate roles, his experience in the public sector provides him with a unique vantage point on regulatory hurdles. He has sat on the boards of EsSalud (the national social health insurance provider) and the National Port Authority (APN), giving him firsthand knowledge of the logistical and infrastructure bottlenecks that currently impede Peru’s export capacity.
Official Response: The Vision for 2026–2028
Following the confirmation of his presidency, Gubbins addressed the association, emphasizing that his tenure will be defined by a renewed commitment to the core mission of ComexPerú: the formulation of high-impact public policies.
"I assume this designation with the utmost responsibility and with the commitment to continue working on the formulation of public policies that contribute to the growth and development of all Peruvians," Gubbins stated. "That is the mission of ComexPerú, and during my term, with the support of all our associates, we will seek to reinforce it. Peru has the potential to continue growing. We must not let any more opportunities pass us by."
His statement reflects an urgent call to action. In a global economy where competitiveness is often determined by the speed of bureaucratic processes and the efficiency of trade corridors, Gubbins is positioning ComexPerú as a proactive partner—and at times, a critical monitor—of the Peruvian government’s economic agenda.
The Broader Implications for the Peruvian Economy
The election of the 2026–2028 board is set against a backdrop of complex economic challenges. As a major exporter of copper, gold, and agricultural products, Peru’s prosperity is inextricably linked to the strength of its trade relationships.
Strategic Priorities for the New Board
- Enhancing Competitiveness: The board intends to focus on reducing the "country-risk" perception through improved regulatory stability.
- Infrastructure Development: Given Gubbins’ background with the National Port Authority, it is expected that the board will push for the modernization of maritime and land logistics hubs, which are essential for reducing the costs of Peruvian exports.
- Policy Advocacy: The massive size of the incoming Board of Directors—which includes leaders from major sectors of the Peruvian economy—suggests that ComexPerú is looking to build a unified front. The board includes representatives from diverse fields, ensuring that the organization’s policy proposals carry the weight of a broad coalition.
Structural Integrity: The Board of Directors
The sheer breadth of the new Board of Directors highlights the interdisciplinary nature of the organization. The members elected to guide ComexPerú through 2028 include a cross-section of the most influential executives in the country:
- Directors: Agustín de Aliaga, Diego Ortega, Jimena Sologuren, José Palma, José Frías, Magaly Bardales, Juan Luis Kruger, Raúl Musso, Pedro Lerner, Cesar Palacios, Augusto Baertl, Yoselyn Malamud, Ricardo Ikeda, Alex Zimmermann, Juan Carlos Vallejo, David Peñalver, Marcio Juliano, Andreas Von Wedemeyer, Gonzalo Díaz, Fernando Zavala, Arturo Cassinelli, Diego Urbina, Ernesto Raffo, Juan Stoessel, Diego Piqueras, Lorena Ortiz de Zevallos, Manuel Van Oordt, Mariano Zegarra, Panayotis Lazalde, Raúl Alcalde, and Humberto Chávez.
This group is supported by a council of "past presidents," who remain involved as advisors. This ensures that the institutional memory of ComexPerú—spanning decades of economic crises and booms—is not lost. The inclusion of figures such as Alonso Rey, Julia Torreblanca, and Juan Francisco Raffo Novelli signals a commitment to institutional continuity.
Analysis: Challenges Ahead
While the board is well-positioned, the path forward is not without obstacles. Peru faces persistent domestic political volatility, which often discourages long-term investment. Furthermore, the global transition toward sustainable supply chains requires an aggressive modernization of the mining and agricultural sectors, both of which are central to the businesses represented by the board members.
Gubbins’ challenge will be to translate the collective expertise of this massive board into actionable, non-partisan policies that the government can adopt. The focus on "growth for all Peruvians" suggests that the organization is increasingly aware that economic trade policies must be effectively communicated to the public to maintain a social license to operate.
Conclusion: A New Era of Trade Advocacy
The election of Enrique Gubbins and the new Board of Directors marks the beginning of a deliberate, two-year effort to refine Peru’s trade strategy. By leveraging his deep industry background and the diverse expertise of his board, Gubbins intends to steer ComexPerú toward a more assertive role in public policy.
As the global economy continues to recover and recalibrate, the role of institutions like ComexPerú becomes paramount. With a clear vision, a deep bench of industrial leaders, and a mandate to act, the organization appears ready to tackle the systemic barriers to growth, aiming to secure a more competitive future for the Peruvian economy in the international arena.
Source: ComexPerú
Note: This article was prepared to provide an in-depth analysis of the recent governance changes within the Society of Foreign Trade of Peru.
