THE RETAIL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
The Retail Chamber of Commerce is an organization that empowers its members through consulting, seminars, workshops, marketing strategies, networking, access to legislative information, and procurement opportunities. We represent small and medium-sized businesses in the U.S. retail sector, connecting them with tools and resources to facilitate their growth and success in the market. As a vital gateway to business opportunities, our mission is to support business development and enhance the competitiveness of our affiliates in an ever-evolving economic environment.
Julio Ibañez
President & Co Founder
He is an executive and retail business advisor with over 25 years of international experience. He has advised leading supermarket chains in Europe, the U.S., the Caribbean, and Latin America across all strategic sectors, becoming a key reference in the U.S. market. Since 2019, he has served as the President of The Retail Chamber of Commerce in the U.S.
Daniel Novoa
Executive Vice President & Co Founder
He is the President and Founder of Sudamérica Business Group (SBG), a company specialized in wholesale trade and technology applied to business growth. He maintains constant contact with networks of manufacturers and producers. Additionally, he is a co-founder and Executive Vice President of The Retail Chamber of Commerce in the U.S.
José Alberto Sanchis
Institutional Vice President
He is an executive and entrepreneur with over 40 years of experience in creating global companies. He holds a Law degree from the University of Navarra, Spain, and multiple postgraduate degrees, including an MBA from the University of Miami. He is the founder and leader of GON INTERNATIONAL GROUP and PAELLA FEST GLOBAL in Washington D.C. Additionally, he has completed programs at prestigious institutions such as IESE Business School, IPADE Business School, and Harvard Business School.
Nelson Pereira
Director of Communications
Expert in Business Administration, Digital Marketing, and Film Production. Skilled in new technologies such as AI, Augmented Reality, and automation. He has produced 15 documentaries for a university in Utah, USA, two of which were nominated for the EMMY Awards. He is the Supervisor of the Digital Marketing Department and Director of Communications at The Retail Chamber of Commerce.
Claudia Verónica Franco Valle
Ejecutive Director - Pacific zone
She is an entrepreneur with 17 years of experience, skilled in public relations, finance, and strategic business management. Passionate about innovation, consulting, and connecting suppliers and clients in the retail industry, she focuses on involving government and public entities to drive local and national trade into the international arena alongside private companies.
Ramón Portilla
Vice President of Customer Insights & Future Trends
Is an expert with over 35 years of experience in market research and customer experience. He has held key roles at Nielsen, ARS Group, Walmart, and Meta, crafting strategies for global brands and leading customer insights on platforms like Instagram Business. As the founder of HumanX Insights and VP of Customer Insights at the Hispanic Retail Chamber of Commerce, he drives the growth of Hispanic retail. Ramón is an international speaker and advocate for Hispanic leadership and initiatives supporting children with autism.
Luis Fernando Aguirre Ramirez
Honorary Ambassador
Senior executive with over 40 years of experience in international business and branding within the food, beverage, and personal care industries, focusing on LatAm and the USA. Expert in market strategies, B2C and B2B expansion, and product development tailored to specific requirements. Renowned for building global distribution networks and relationships with major retailers like Walmart, Cencosud, and PriceSmart. Supports international companies in entering and growing in LatAm through customized business plans, import/export solutions, and strategic distribution and joint venture programs.
Will Risso
Sales executive at the Grand Retail Show
Originally from Asunción, Paraguay, is an entrepreneur driven by hard work and dedication. His journey began as an ESL teacher, where his success in producing an end-of-year show ignited his passion for event production and marketing. After leading cultural events at a prestigious language school, he relocated to the U.S., organizing acclaimed shows nationwide. Founder of Paraguay Talent USA and the Paraguayan Music Festival, his latest venture, Risso Holdings L.L.C., connects international businesses and products to the North American market through trade show management and import/export development.