Zapopan, April 29, 2026.—Luis Beas, an alumnus of the Bachelor’s Degree in International Business Administration at the Universidad Panamericana Guadalajara campus, recently assumed the presidency of Coparmex Jalisco, consolidating a business career marked by leadership, a humanistic vision, and a commitment to economic and social development.
For the new business leader, the education he received at the Universidad Panamericana was key to developing a vision focused on both technical excellence and the holistic growth of individuals.
Coherence and Holistic Development
A graduate of the 1995–1999 class of the Bachelor’s Degree in International Business and Administration, Luis Beas recalls that, when choosing a university, he was looking for an institution that combined academic prestige with a well-rounded education.
“I noticed that at this university, there was one really important aspect, which was being mindful as a person of what you were doing,” he said.
In this decision-making process, according to the president of Coparmex Jalisco—who currently runs a company that distributes American-style grills—the university achieved a “blend of technical and human elements,” a characteristic he considers distinctive of the Universidad Panamericana.
Teachers Who Make a Difference
During his college years, against the backdrop of the then-current Free Trade Agreement (FTA), Luis Beas developed a strong interest in international business, and his professors had a decisive influence on his professional development.
He made a special mention of “Cynthia Hemuda, who was our teacher—we loved her very much,” and other teachers who, as he recalls in the section on his initial difficulties with math, helped him come to enjoy the subject. The vision of the university presidents and the involvement of business leaders in the university were also important factors that allowed him to “see the future in a different light.”
Discovering a Vocation
As for his initial aspirations, Luis Beas revealed that he had two interests: a desire to pursue medicine, influenced by family members who were doctors, and an interest in the family business of importing electrical equipment. The decision to study International Business was a decisive factor that allowed him to combine his interest in the human side of things with the business world.
Luis Beas began engaging with business organizations such as Coparmex after graduating from the Universidad Panamericana. He explained that, unlike other chambers focused on specific sectors, Coparmex brings together companies from different industries, which strengthened his interest in participating in the organization.
However, he noted that the main connection was the alignment between the values promoted by Coparmex and those he experienced during his college years.
“For me, Coparmex stands for the common good, subsidiarity, solidarity, and justice; these are values that we also live by at the university,” he said.
This affinity between the UP's humanistic education and Coparmex's business vision was key to his commitment to the organization.
The Pan-American Highway's Influence on the Coparmex Presidency
Luis Beas emphasized that the consistent presence of graduates from the School of Business and Management ( Universidad Panamericana ) in the presidency of Coparmex Jalisco is no coincidence, but rather the result of an education focused on leadership and a vision for the future.
“I don’t think it can be a coincidence; the reality is that college trains you to become a leader.” He emphasized that the institution prepares its students to “understand what the future holds,” and this is an ongoing challenge for educational institutions.
Before Luis Beas, other alumni had led the business organization, including:
- Raúl Francisco Flores López
- Carlos Daniel Villaseñor Franco
- José Mauro Garza Marín
- José Medina Mora
- Pablo Lemus Navarro
- Juan José Frangie Saade
Challenges for Jalisco's Business Community
After assuming the presidency of Coparmex Jalisco on April 20, 2026, Luis Beas identified economic uncertainty, regulatory pressure, and the challenges faced by micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) as the main challenges.
In this context, he emphasized the importance of strengthening Jalisco’s business ecosystem and protecting jobs. “If we take care of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), we are taking care of Jalisco’s development,” he said.
Universidad Panamericana: Training Leaders for Social Impact
With alumni who today lead business organizations and high-impact projects, the Universidad Panamericana reaffirms its commitment to training leaders capable of driving economic development, promoting better working conditions, and making a positive contribution to society.
