Goya Foods, the Jersey City-based and Hispanic-owned food company, on Monday said that after 35 years of service, Carlos Ortiz will retire as vice president and general counsel and Jesús Vázquez has been named as his successor.
Since 1989, Ortiz has safeguarded the company’s legal rights, advised its leadership on various legal matters such as corporate governance, labor laws, and intellectual property, and played a crucial role in enhancing Goya’s brand and revenue. Prior to his tenure at Goya, Ortiz worked as an auditor, tax consultant, law clerk, and litigator. Deeply committed to serving legal and Hispanic communities, he held numerous leadership positions, including National President of the Hispanic National Bar Association, advocating for the appointment of the first Hispanic American Supreme Court Justice and influencing the appointment of many Hispanic federal judges.
“As we bid farewell to Carlos Ortiz after his remarkable tenure at Goya Foods, we express our deepest gratitude for his invaluable contributions, unwavering dedication, and loyal friendship over the years. His leadership has shaped our legal strategies and strengthened our commitment to excellence. At the same time, we are excited to welcome Jesús Vazquez as our new General Counsel. With his extensive experience and proven track record, we are confident that he will continue to uphold our mission and guide us into a future filled with continued success,” Bob Unanue, president and CEO of Goya Foods said.
Before embarking on a legal career, Vázquez spent seven years in the aerospace industry, specifically as a Guidance and Navigation Engineer at Martin Marietta Aerospace Corporation, contributing to the Titan IV Space Launch Vehicle program for the U.S. Air Force. His role involved preparing presentations for high-ranking military and corporate officials, which ignited his interest in intellectual property law and oral advocacy. Transitioning into law, Vázquez has established a successful 28-year career marked by a reputation for diligence, negotiation, and advocacy. His journey took him from serving as outside counsel for Goya Foods, where he was drawn to in-house work after his initial experience, to ultimately joining the company as Assistant General Counsel in 2022. His role has allowed him to efficiently integrate into Goya’s operations and collaborate across various departments on a range of legal issues.
Since joining Goya, Vázquez has made significant contributions that covers a broad spectrum of issues including corporate governance, compliance, and intellectual property management, while also overseeing the mediation of class action litigation. Additionally, he has played a crucial role in enhancing Goya’s community relations through partnerships with educational and charitable organizations. His extensive legal experience encompasses leadership roles at several prestigious firms and a strong background in intellectual property, which has equipped Vázquez to navigate complex legal landscapes and drive positive outcomes for the company.
