Pedro Herrera – Mexico – Technical innovation, operational leadership and precision manufacturing – Episode 47 – Keru Podcast
Pedro Herrera Peru: strategic vision in the LATAM pharmaceutical industry
In this episode of Keru Podcast, we talk with Pedro Herrera Peru, CEO of Roxfarma Peru, about the real challenges leaders face in the LATAM pharmaceutical industry, from digital transformation to operational sustainability. His experience as a systems engineer, his training at MIT and his leadership at Roxfarma make this interview an emblematic case of how to integrate innovation and a human vision into sustainable pharmaceutical production.
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Pedro Herrera Roxfarma: from processes to senior management
Pedro Herrera Roxfarma has more than 17 years in the organization, from his beginnings as head of systems to reaching general management. During the conversation, he describes how his time in areas such as strategic planning and process improvement allowed him to understand operations in depth, which today translates into decisions aligned with the real capabilities of the team and the plant.
One of his first major challenges was the professionalization of the laboratory, addressing issues such as regulatory compliance, a culture of continuous improvement and technology implementation. As Pedro puts it: “You can't talk about innovation if your people don't trust the system or if you don't have clear indicators.”
Roxfarma Peru: a model of sustainable pharmaceutical production
A key theme of the conversation revolves around how Roxfarma Peru consolidated a model of sustainable pharmaceutical production, integrating certifications such as ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and 45001. Pedro explains how sustainability is not an “extra”, but a condition for operating in demanding markets and sustaining business relationships with governments, hospitals and private chains.
From the design of the new plant in Peru to the redesign of packaging and waste management, the sustainability strategy is integrated with operations, without generating unnecessary extra costs.
Leading in the LATAM pharmaceutical industry through culture
The episode delves into cultural management as a competitive differentiator. For Pedro Herrera Peru, the key is to build an environment where the team knows what is expected of them, but also how to add value. Roxfarma was certified as a “Great Place to Work” and has maintained an active talent development policy, focused on technical leadership and gender diversity.
Pedro mentions: “A company that grows without culture ends up losing control. Here we decided to grow with people, not just with machines.”
Technology, innovation and regional expansion
Pedro Herrera Roxfarma also shares his vision on the use of technology as an enabler of strategy. From ERP systems to automation in critical quality control areas, the approach has been to prioritize the tools that raise decision-making capacity.
The episode also explores the expansion process into Bolivia, where Roxfarma exports its contract manufacturing service. In Pedro's words, this was possible thanks to the trust built with local clients and a robust operation capable of responding under international regulations.
Sustainable pharmaceutical production as a value proposition
The episode closes with a reflection on the future of the LATAM pharmaceutical industry. Pedro stresses that sustainable pharmaceutical production is not only an environmental issue, but also one of efficiency, reputation and continuity. In a context where public health faces new pressures, pharmaceutical companies must demonstrate not only quality, but also ethics and social commitment.
With more than a decade in management, Pedro Herrera Peru represents a new generation of leaders who combine strategic vision, digital transformation and a human focus. His journey shows that it is indeed possible to compete globally from Latin America without losing roots or purpose.
https://open.spotify.com/episode/2U8DCg70JMmDtjZZ1jZmQQ?si=Pwog5C7xQXyy6d35Qx7b-Q
Pedro Herrera · Peru
Pedro Herrera Peru is a strategic leader in Peru's pharmaceutical industry, with more than 25 years of experience in digital transformation, operational planning and process excellence. He currently serves as CEO of Roxfarma, one of the most recognized pharmaceutical laboratories in Peru, where he has led a deep organizational transformation, positioning the company as a regional benchmark in quality, innovation and commitment to public health.
His career at Roxfarma began more than 17 years ago, holding several key positions such as Head of Information Technology and Process and Strategic Planning Manager, until taking over as General Manager in 2014. Under his leadership, the company achieved international certifications such as ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and ISO 45001, as well as local certifications such as BPM, BPL and BPF, consolidating its reputation for regulatory compliance, production efficiency and health safety.
Herrera drove Roxfarma's sustained growth, leading expansion projects and the construction of a modern production plant in Peru, as well as starting export operations to Bolivia. His vision of innovation translated not only into new pharmaceutical products, but also into a management model focused on human talent development, which led the company to obtain Great Place to Work certification.
Pedro trained as a Computer and Systems Engineer and complemented his profile with a multinational MBA from ESADE Business School and UAISM. He also deepened his knowledge of digital transformation, smart manufacturing and organizational culture through executive studies at MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology) and ESAN.
Before his career at Roxfarma, he worked at companies such as B. Braun Medical and Negusa Corp, in key technology and IT roles. His approach combines integrity, efficiency, technology and human leadership, promoting a business model with real impact on people's lives.
Today, Pedro Herrera is a key figure in the Latin American pharmaceutical ecosystem and an example of purpose-driven business leadership.
CEO/General Manager
Episode 47 · Keru Podcast
Articles by Pedro Herrera
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