José Francisco Fernández Serna
Jose is a creative leader, connector, and innovator with extensive experience in entrepreneurial executive roles. With a reputation for out-of-the-box and critical thinking, he has successfully managed teams as a C-level executive, General Manager, and Director of Operations, among other roles. His expertise spans diverse fields, including Food & Beverage Ingredients, Agri-Food and Beverages Production/Manufacturing, Trading & Export, Sustainability, Digital Transformation, and Entrepreneurship (Seed-VC). Jose is actively involved in shaping the future of the Food and Beverages sectors as a member and chair of an expert panel for EIT Food, a European Union body focused on Food Innovation and Technology. He evaluates, assesses, and secures funding for strategic projects in these industries. A proud alumnus of Harvard Business School’s General Management Program (GMP), he also founded a Giving Back initiative that supports the education of 180 students from disadvantaged families in Gurgaon, India. His extensive experience in P&L management, operations, and board roles in both profit and non-profit organizations is complemented by his global network, which spans Food Ingredients, Agri-Food and Beverages Manufacturing, Hospitality, Government Institutions, and Venture Capital. In 2015, he founded an investment platform for Seed and Pre-seed Startups, connecting over 200 accredited investors and superangels. Jose’s mentorship and advisory roles are international in scope, covering sectors such as Foodtech, Halal Certification, Sustainable and Advanced Materials, Edtech, Biotech, AI, IoT, and Fintech. He is a Board Member of the Spanish Chamber of Commerce in the UAE, a founding member of ACIEAU, and a mentor and jury member for several prestigious programs, including the Innovator Fellowship (EIT Food) and The Founders Institute (GCC Regional Chapter).