Goya Foods announces the retirement of Carlos Ortiz after 35 years as Vice President and General Counsel.
Jesús Vázquez will take over as the new General Counsel of the largest Hispanic-owned food company in the United States, Goya Foods said in a statement.
Since 1989, Carlos Ortiz has safeguarded the company’s legal rights, advised its leaders on a variety of legal matters including corporate governance, employment law, and intellectual property, and played a critical role in enhancing Goya’s brand and revenue. Prior to joining Goya, Ortiz was an auditor, tax advisor, paralegal, and trial attorney.
Deeply committed to serving the legal and Hispanic communities, he held numerous leadership positions, including serving as president of the Hispanic National Bar Association, advocating for the appointment of the first Hispanic American Supreme Court Justice, and influencing the appointment of many Hispanic federal judges.
An attorney and certified public accountant, Ortiz holds degrees in accounting and law, and has received numerous accolades, including being named one of the 100 most influential Hispanics in the United States.
“As we bid farewell to Carlos Ortiz after his remarkable tenure at Goya Foods, we express our deepest gratitude for his invaluable contributions, unwavering dedication and loyal friendship over the years. His leadership has shaped our legal strategies and reinforced our commitment to excellence. At the same time, we are pleased to welcome Jesus Vazquez as our new General Counsel. With his extensive experience and proven track record, we are confident that he will continue to uphold our mission and lead us into a future filled with continued success,” said Bob Unanue , President and CEO of Goya Foods.
Prior to embarking on a legal career, Jesus Vazquez worked for seven years in the aerospace industry, specifically as a Guidance and Navigation Engineer at Martin Marietta Aerospace Corporation, contributing to the Titan IV Space Launch Vehicle program for the United States Air Force. His job involved preparing presentations for senior military and business officials, which sparked his interest in intellectual property law and oral advocacy. In transitioning to law, Vazquez has developed a successful 28-year career marked by his reputation for diligence, negotiation, and advocacy.
His career has taken him from working as outside counsel for Goya Foods, where he was drawn to in-house work after his initial experience, to finally joining the company as Deputy General Counsel in 2022. His role has allowed him to effectively integrate into Goya’s operations and collaborate with various departments on a range of legal matters.
Since joining Goya, Vázquez has made significant contributions covering a broad spectrum of issues, including corporate governance, compliance and intellectual property management, while overseeing mediation in class action litigation. In addition, he has played a crucial role in enhancing Goya’s community relations through partnerships with educational and charitable organizations.
His extensive legal experience spans leadership roles at several prestigious law firms and a strong background in intellectual property, which has equipped Vázquez with the tools necessary to navigate complex legal environments and drive positive results for the company.
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About Goya Foods
Founded in 1936, Goya Foods, Inc. is the largest Hispanic-owned food company in the United States and has established itself as the leader in Latin American foods and condiments. Goya manufactures, packages and distributes more than 2,500 high-quality food products from Spain, the Caribbean, Mexico, Central America and South America. Goya products are rooted in the culinary traditions of Hispanic communities around the world; the combination of authentic ingredients, robust seasonings and convenient preparation make Goya products ideal for every taste and table. For more information about Goya Foods, visit www.goya.com .