Richard Velazquez

Richard is a highly accomplished executive with a career spanning over three decades in diverse industries including automotive, consumer goods, and technology. He has held significant leadership roles at major corporations like Porsche, Honda, Procter & Gamble, Microsoft (Xbox), PepsiCo, Amazon (Alexa Games), and The College Board, demonstrating adaptability and a consistent ability to drive innovation and marketing success. wikipedia+3

He possesses a unique blend of engineering and marketing expertise, starting his career as an automotive design engineer for Honda and Porsche (where he was the first Puerto Rican automotive designer and worked on the Porsche Cayenne) before transitioning to brand management at P&G and later product planning and marketing roles in tech for Xbox and Amazon. His experience covers new product development, global brand strategy, and emerging technologies. wikipedia+3

Richard is deeply committed to community and professional organizations, particularly those supporting Latinx professionals. He co-founded the Seattle Chapter of the National Society of Hispanic MBAs (NSHMBA), served as its president, and was recognized nationally for his leadership. He currently serves as the CEO of the Latinx MBA Association, a national non-profit dedicated to advancing Latino MBA students and alumni. wikipedia+3

He is an advocate for education and leveraging technology responsibly, especially generative AI. He launched a generative AI strategy for The College Board's marketing organization and continues to provide pro bono generative AI strategy consulting through his firm, Radical Endeavors, for non-profit organizations. He also frequently lectures on marketing and new product development at various universities. luma+1

Beyond his professional achievements, Richard attributes significant life and career skills to his childhood hobby of playing Advanced Dungeons & Dragons, which he believes fostered strategy development, storytelling, preparation, improvisation, and teamwork. He also enjoys adventure sports like paragliding and motorcycling, alongside foreign travel and Latin dancing. wordpress+2