Winning Futures is proud to welcome Juan Barrera to its Board of Directors. With more than 30 years of global leadership experience in automotive manufacturing and operations, Juan brings a wealth of expertise, strategic insight, and a deep commitment to helping young people build brighter futures.
Juan currently serves as Vice President of the Ford Global Business Unit at Yazaki North America, one of the world’s largest automotive electrical and electronics suppliers. In this role, he helps lead global manufacturing performance, customer alignment, and long-term business strategy for one of the company’s most important business segments.
Throughout his career, Juan has built a reputation for operational excellence and people-centered leadership. As Executive Vice President of Operations for North and Central America, he oversaw more than 30 manufacturing plants across Mexico and Central America and led a workforce of more than 45,000 employees. His leadership focused on lean manufacturing, continuous improvement, quality systems, and strategic planning designed to strengthen both performance and long-term growth.
In addition to his executive leadership experience, Juan currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Hesto–Yazaki Joint Venture in South Africa, helping provide governance and strategic oversight for one of Yazaki’s key global partnerships.
But beyond his impressive professional background, Juan’s passion for community impact and student success is what makes him such a meaningful addition to Winning Futures.
“Whenever we can make a difference in kids’ lives through education and personal, professional, emotional, and economic support, we are helping form good citizens who will pay it forward and make our communities more caring and socially responsible,” Juan shared.
Juan also hopes to help Winning Futures strengthen relationships within Hispanic and Latino communities and expand engagement opportunities with automotive OEMs, suppliers, and professional networks throughout Metro Detroit and beyond.
“Juan’s leadership experience, global perspective, and heart for young people make him an outstanding addition to our Board of Directors,” said Kristina Marshall, Winning Futures President and CEO. “He understands the importance of investing in students and preparing them for long-term career success, and we are excited to have him helping guide our mission forward.”
Juan holds a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering from Instituto Tecnológico de Chihuahua II in Mexico and an Executive MBA from IMD in Lausanne, Switzerland. Outside of work, he enjoys reading, golf, walking, and travel.