Carlos F. Cata is a partner in Heidrick & Struggles' Chicago Office and serves as regional managing partner for the firm's Marketing, Sales & Strategy Officers Practice in North America. Carlos is also member of our global Consumer Practice where he conducts senior-level general management search assignments.
As a leader in both the Marketing & Consumer practices, Carlos' focus covers the breadth of commercial leadership functions across financial services, insurance, professional services, technology and consumer sectors. Carlos has successfully assisted clients of all sizes and ownership structures seeking more customer-centric go-to-market strategies. His assignments have focused on senior management placements within general management, marketing, strategy and business development roles.
In addition to his industry and functional practices, Carlos is also leader within our Diversity Practice and is active in developing the firm's Hispanic Commercial Leadership platform.
Prior to joining Heidrick & Struggles, Carlos spent 15 years as a marketing leader, entrepreneur and consultant for some of the world's premier branded companies. Most recently he served as a consultant with the Zyman Group, an international marketing and strategy firm.
Earlier in his career, Carlos was a marketing professional with Procter & Gamble, Disney and Kraft Foods. He was also a founding partner of Frontera Foods, Inc., a chef-inspired specialty food company made famous by Rick Bayless, whose public television series Carlos also produced.
Carlos has authored numerous articles on the evolving role of the chief marketing officer and the leadership role of marketing within enterprises. He currently serves on the board of directors for the Make-a-Wish Foundation of Illinois and is a member of the executive committee.