Andrés Muñoz takes over as CEO of Smurfit Westrock for Colombia, Ecuador and Peru

Andrés Muñoz has taken on the role of Chief Executive Officer for Smurfit Westrock in Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru, assuming his new position on July 1. The company announced the appointment with the goal of strengthening its growth strategy in these markets. Muñoz brings over 35 years of experience within the organization, having held leadership roles in financial and operational areas throughout his career. The transition marks a strategic move for Smurfit Westrock, which aims to enhance its presence in Latin America through innovation, operational efficiency, and sustainable packaging solutions. Muñoz’s tenure includes previous leadership in the region, where he served as Vice President of Finance for Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Central America, and the Caribbean. Over the past six years, he led the Bags Division in the same area, driving business expansion and building long-term client relationships across multiple industries. Muñoz holds a degree in Industrial Engineering from the Pontificia Universidad Javeriana and a Master's in Industrial Administration from Purdue University. His professional journey has been deeply rooted in Smurfit Westrock, where he has contributed to key initiatives and strategic developments. In a statement, Muñoz emphasized the importance of understanding the commitment of the company’s teams, the trust built with clients, and the potential of markets such as Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru. As the new CEO, Muñoz outlined priorities centered around fostering close, efficient, and innovative operations capable of meeting customer demands while generating shared value for communities where the company operates. This aligns with Smurfit Westrock’s broader objective of achieving sustainable growth supported by operational efficiency, innovation, and the development of eco-friendly packaging solutions. Smurfit Westrock has made environmental stewardship a core component of its operations, with efforts including the protection of more than 22,000 hectares of forests in Colombia. These initiatives reflect the company’s commitment to sustainability and responsible resource management, which Muñoz plans to continue emphasizing during his leadership. The appointment comes amid ongoing discussions about energy sustainability in regions affected by economic and political challenges. While Muñoz did not directly address regional crises, his focus on operational resilience and community engagement suggests an approach aligned with addressing local needs and supporting stable development. Smurfit Westrock’s decision to appoint Muñoz underscores its dedication to leveraging existing expertise and deep regional knowledge to drive future success. With his extensive background and leadership experience, Muñoz is positioned to guide the company through evolving market dynamics while maintaining a strong emphasis on sustainability and stakeholder collaboration. The company’s operations in Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru have grown significantly in recent years, driven by demand for sustainable packaging solutions and the need for reliable supply chain partners. As the new CEO, Muñoz will oversee continued investment in infrastructure, technology, and employee development to ensure sustained performance and competitive advantage in the region. With his appointment effective from July 1, Muñoz is set to lead Smurfit Westrock’s expansion efforts in the Andean region, focusing on enhancing customer service, fostering innovation, and reinforcing the company’s reputation for environmental responsibility. His leadership will be crucial in navigating the complexities of the Latin American market and ensuring alignment with global sustainability goals.