Carlos Ortiz Retires After 35 Years at Goya Foods, Introducing His Successor Jesús Vázquez

Farewell to a Visionary: Carlos Ortiz Retires from Goya Foods

In the heart of Jersey City, New Jersey, Goya Foods—America's largest Hispanic-owned food company—has officially announced the retirement of Carlos Ortiz after an extraordinary 35-year career as Vice President and General Counsel. Ortiz's tenure was marked by his unwavering dedication and dynamic contributions to the organization.

Carlos Ortiz joined Goya Foods in 1989 and quickly became a linchpin within the company, providing vital legal counsel while advocating for corporate governance, labor laws, and intellectual property matters. His influence extended well beyond the legal realm; Ortiz was instrumental in the growth of Goya's brand and revenue, showcasing a unique blend of legal expertise and business acumen.

Before stepping into his revered role at Goya, Ortiz accumulated rich experiences as an auditor, tax consultant, law clerk, and litigator. His commitment to the legal and Hispanic communities saw him hold prominent positions, such as the National President of the Hispanic National Bar Association, where he championed the appointment of the first Hispanic American Supreme Court Justice and played a pivotal role in promoting many Hispanic federal judges.

His journey is adorned with credentials that include being a certified public accountant and an attorney with degrees in Accounting and Law. Notably, he has been recognized as one of America's 100 Most Influential Hispanics—a testament to his impact both within Goya and in the wider community.

In a heartfelt farewell, Bob Unanue, President and CEO of Goya Foods, expressed gratitude for Ortiz's time with the company, stating, "As we bid farewell to Carlos Ortiz after his remarkable tenure, we express our deepest gratitude for his invaluable contributions and unwavering dedication. His leadership has significantly shaped our legal strategies."

A New Era with Jesús Vázquez

As Carlos Ortiz embarks on a new chapter, Goya Foods is delighted to welcome Jesús Vázquez as the new General Counsel. With an extensive background that spans various sectors, Vázquez brings a wealth of experience to this pivotal role. He previously spent seven years in the aerospace industry, contributing as a Guidance and Navigation Engineer at Martin Marietta Aerospace Corporation, where he supported the Titan IV Space Launch Vehicle program for the U.S. Air Force.

Vázquez's transition into law ignited his passion for intellectual property law and oral advocacy, which he has successfully pursued over an illustrious 28-year career. Before joining Goya, he served as outside counsel, which deepened his appreciation for in-house work. Vázquez transitioned into his current position as Assistant General Counsel in 2022, engaging in collaborative legal efforts across various departments at Goya.

During his tenure at Goya, Vázquez has contributed significantly to a diverse range of legal issues, including corporate governance, compliance, and intellectual property management, also overseeing the mediation of class action litigation.

Notably, Vázquez has excelled in enhancing Goya's community relations, engaging in partnerships with educational and charitable organizations. His rich legal background encompasses leadership roles at prestigious law firms, equipping him to navigate the complex legal landscape effectively, while driving positive outcomes for Goya Foods.

Goya Foods continues to play a vital role in the Hispanic community, and with this new leadership transition, the company aims to uphold its mission of bringing authentic Latin flavors to the American dining table. Under the guidance of Jesús Vázquez, there is optimism for a future filled with success and continued growth.

To explore more about Goya Foods and its extensive range of quality products, visit Goya Foods.

About Goya Foods

Founded in 1936, Goya Foods has cemented its position as a leader in Latin American cuisine, offering a vast array of over 2,500 food products that reflect the vibrant culinary traditions of the Hispanic community. Goya's commitment to authenticity ensures that every product is made with high-quality ingredients and serves to bring families together around the dinner table. For further information about Goya Foods, visit Goya Foods.