The Confederación Nacional de Instituciones Empresariales Privadas (CONFIEP), the preeminent representative body for Peru’s private sector, has officially announced the appointment of Carlos García Jerí as its new General Manager. This transition marks a significant moment for the organization, which serves as the umbrella for 21 trade associations spanning micro, small, medium, and large enterprises across ten key economic sectors. As the voice of private investment in Peru, CONFIEP’s leadership changes are closely watched by stakeholders, policymakers, and international observers alike.
García Jerí steps into this pivotal role to partner with the incumbent president of CONFIEP, Jorge Zapata Ríos. Together, they aim to steer the organization through a complex domestic and global economic landscape, with a primary focus on catalyzing private investment, enhancing national competitiveness, fostering formal employment, and accelerating regional development.
A Legacy of Institutional Leadership: The Career of Carlos García Jerí
To understand the strategic significance of this appointment, one must examine the extensive professional trajectory of Carlos García Jerí. An engineer by training and a seasoned senior executive, García Jerí brings to CONFIEP a unique blend of strategic foresight and operational rigor, honed over decades of leading some of the country’s most influential business associations.
The Architect of Institutional Stability
Before joining CONFIEP, García Jerí served as the General Manager of the Lima Chamber of Commerce (CCL), one of Peru’s oldest and most prestigious business institutions. His tenure there was characterized by a focus on institutional sustainability and a modernization of the chamber’s governance structures. Prior to that, he held the position of General Manager at the Sociedad Nacional de Industrias (SNI), where he successfully navigated the complexities of industrial representation and public-private dialogue.
His experience in these roles was not merely administrative; he was a central figure in the institutional strengthening of both organizations. He spearheaded initiatives related to internal management controls, refined the protocols for trade association representation, and deepened the synergy between the private sector and public regulatory entities.
Expertise in Global Trade
Perhaps most notably, García Jerí led the Center for Foreign Trade at the Lima Chamber of Commerce for nearly a decade. During this period, he became a standard-bearer for the internationalization of Peruvian businesses. By fostering cooperation between international trade bodies and local enterprises, he played a vital role in strengthening Peru’s presence in global markets. This background is expected to be a major asset for CONFIEP as it seeks to integrate regional Peruvian businesses into international value chains.
Academic Foundation and Executive Edge
Beyond his practical experience, García Jerí maintains a strong academic profile. He is a professor of International Business at the Universidad del Pacífico, one of Peru’s most prestigious business schools. He holds an MBA from CENTRUM Graduate Business School and has completed intensive executive training in crisis management and top-tier corporate governance. This combination of theoretical knowledge and "in-the-trenches" crisis management experience positions him well to address the volatility often associated with the Peruvian economic climate.
The Chronology of an Institutional Shift
The appointment of García Jerí is the culmination of a broader strategic repositioning within CONFIEP.
- Early 2024: Following internal consultations among the 21 gremios that comprise the confederation, a mandate was established to prioritize institutional efficiency and a more robust connection with the country’s interior regions.
- Mid-2024: The search process for a new General Manager began, prioritizing candidates with a deep understanding of both national gremial politics and international trade dynamics.
- Late 2024 (Appointment): After a rigorous vetting process, the Board of Directors finalized the selection of García Jerí, citing his "proven track record in navigating the complexities of Peruvian institutionalism."
- Current Phase: The transition period has officially commenced, with García Jerí working closely with President Jorge Zapata Ríos to define the agenda for the upcoming fiscal year.
Supporting Data: The Scope of CONFIEP’s Influence
CONFIEP remains the most significant business conglomerate in Peru. Its influence is measured by the diversity of its membership and its reach across the national economy. By representing 21 different gremios, the organization provides a unified platform for sectors as varied as mining, agriculture, manufacturing, retail, and finance.
The Economic Ecosystem
The economic sectors under the CONFIEP umbrella contribute significantly to the national GDP. Key areas of focus for the organization include:
- Mining and Energy: The backbone of Peru’s export revenue.
- Agro-Export: A sector that has seen exponential growth, particularly in the coastal regions.
- Financial Services: Ensuring capital liquidity and investment security.
- Manufacturing: Driving formal employment and industrial innovation.
The appointment of García Jerí is specifically designed to leverage this diversity. By fostering better communication between these sectors, CONFIEP intends to present a more cohesive front in its dealings with the legislative and executive branches of the Peruvian government.
Official Responses and Strategic Vision
In his initial statements regarding the appointment, CONFIEP President Jorge Zapata Ríos emphasized the necessity of a "dynamic and modern approach" to gremial management.
"The challenges facing the Peruvian private sector are multifaceted," Zapata Ríos noted. "We require a General Manager who not only understands the intricacies of the law and public policy but who also possesses the leadership capacity to unite our 21 gremios under a single, coherent vision for national development. Carlos García Jerí is that leader."
For his part, García Jerí underscored his commitment to the "formalization of the Peruvian economy." In his initial briefing to the board, he stated, "Our goal is to ensure that the private sector is seen not just as an economic actor, but as a primary partner in the social and economic development of every region in our country. We must bridge the gap between the capital and the provinces by promoting investment that creates sustainable, formal jobs."
Implications for the Future: A Pro-Growth Agenda
The arrival of García Jerí at CONFIEP is likely to signal several shifts in the organization’s policy advocacy:
1. Strengthening Regional Integration
One of the most persistent criticisms of Lima-based business organizations is their perceived disconnect from the needs of the interior provinces. García Jerí’s background suggests a pivot toward "territorial competitiveness." By focusing on regional business development, CONFIEP aims to decentralize its influence and ensure that investment policies benefit rural and semi-urban economies, not just the metropolitan hub of Lima.
2. A Harder Line on Competitiveness
Under the new leadership, industry analysts expect CONFIEP to ramp up its efforts in proposing regulatory reforms. With his background in crisis management, García Jerí is expected to lead a more aggressive push against "regulatory bloat"—the excessive bureaucratic hurdles that impede the growth of micro and small enterprises.
3. Deepening Public-Private Dialogue
The need for constructive dialogue with the government has never been higher. As Peru navigates political transitions and economic uncertainty, CONFIEP’s role as a mediator is crucial. García Jerí’s experience in the Lima Chamber of Commerce and the SNI proves he is adept at navigating the "corridors of power" while maintaining the independence required of a trade association. His approach is expected to be diplomatic yet firm, focusing on evidence-based policy proposals that highlight the link between private investment and poverty reduction.
4. Internationalization as a Catalyst
Finally, the emphasis on foreign trade is likely to be a central pillar of his tenure. In an era of shifting global trade alliances, CONFIEP is expected to act as a bridge for Peruvian firms looking to access new markets in Asia, the Americas, and Europe. By providing the technical support and institutional framework necessary for international expansion, García Jerí intends to elevate the competitiveness of the Peruvian business landscape.
Conclusion
The appointment of Carlos García Jerí as General Manager of CONFIEP is more than a change in personnel; it is a strategic repositioning of Peru’s most vital business institution. By combining his deep technical expertise with a clear mandate for institutional strengthening, García Jerí is well-positioned to steer the organization through the challenges of the coming years.
As the private sector looks to regain momentum in the face of domestic and global headwinds, the partnership between Jorge Zapata Ríos and Carlos García Jerí will be critical. Their joint mission—to promote investment, competitiveness, and regional development—is not just an agenda for CONFIEP, but a necessary blueprint for the sustained economic health of Peru. All eyes will be on the confederation as it rolls out its new initiatives, with the expectation that this leadership change will bring a new era of clarity, growth, and formalization to the Peruvian economy.
