The speaker discussed the activities of companies and managers from the perspective of creating value for customers and the implications this has for how companies are organized and how they operate.
Oppenheimer holds a degree in Mechanical and Industrial Engineering from Purdue University and an MBA in International Finance fromthe Krannert School of Business. He has 30 years of experience in areas such as manufacturing, medical products, technology, retail, finance, franchising, and general management. He began his career in manufacturing at Baxter International; he later moved into strategic planning and was responsible for M&A and new product launches in Latin America and Asia. His most recent assignment involved integrating three new markets into the company: Mexico, New Zealand, and the Philippines.
In 1985, he joined McDonald’s Corporation as treasurer for Latin America. Promoted to Director of Finance and Licensing for Latin America, he added the opening of new markets to his responsibilities. In 1991, he became a partner at McDonald’s in Uruguay, successfully introducing the fast-food concept and the McDonald’s brand to the country. In less than 10 years, McDonald’s Uruguay became the market with the highest density of restaurants per capita in South America—with a total of 32 restaurants—and was one of the country’s largest private employers. Due to its focus on staff development and teamwork, McDonald’s Uruguay was recognized as “Best Employer” from 1998 to 2002. Additionally, Mr. Oppenheimer assumed regional responsibilities as Chairman of the Technology Council and a member of the Advisory Council for Latin America. In early 2002, he sold his stake in the company.
Mr. Oppenheimer’s other activities include: President of DESEM Young Entrepreneurs (Junior Achievement – Uruguay chapter); board member of the Fulbright Foundation and the U.S.-Uruguay Chamber of Commerce; member of the Endeavor Global Advisory Board and mentor for Endeavor Uruguay. He also serves on the boards of several private companies.