The passing of Daniel Ramos, Executive Vice President and Chief Research & Development Officer at Mondelēz International, has sent shockwaves through the corporate world. Daniel’s unexpected death marks the end of a career that spanned multiple industries and continents, with his work profoundly shaping global business practices.
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As the Chief Research & Development Officer at Mondelēz, Daniel was responsible for overseeing all product and packaging development, research, nutrition, food safety, and scientific affairs worldwide. His leadership played a pivotal role in the success of some of the most beloved global snack brands, including Oreo, Ritz, Clif Bar, Cadbury, and Toblerone. Under his guidance, Mondelēz continued to thrive, with the company reporting $36 billion in net revenues in 2023.
Prior to his distinguished role at Mondelēz, Daniel’s career included key positions at some of the world's leading companies. He served as Global Senior Vice President of Packaging, Sustainability, and Technical Operations at Estée Lauder, where his expertise in product development and packaging innovations left a lasting impact. His career also included stints as Chief Scientific Officer at Coty and Revlon, and Vice President of Health Care at Reckitt Benckiser.
Daniel’s career began in Venezuela, where he started at Procter & Gamble (P&G), before ascending through roles of increasing responsibility. His career took him across the globe, including to Japan, where he served as Group Leader for P&G’s Asia Beauty Care business. His leadership in the launch of the Gillette Fusion ProGlide on a global scale was a testament to his ability to innovate and drive success.
Beyond his technical and business acumen, Daniel was a passionate advocate for diversity and inclusion. He was deeply committed to ensuring that the Hispanic community had a voice in the corporate world, serving as a sponsor of the community and a key member of the I&D Council at Estée Lauder. Daniel's vision for an inclusive workplace helped pave the way for future leaders from diverse backgrounds.
Daniel’s education included an MBA from Universidad Metropolitana and an Engineering degree in Chemical Engineering from Universidad Simón Bolívar. His unique blend of technical expertise, innovative thinking, and global perspective made him an invaluable leader, respected by peers and colleagues across the world.
Daniel Ramos' passing has left an irreplaceable gap in the business community. His leadership, innovative spirit, and dedication to improving the corporate world through science, research, and development will continue to inspire future generations. He will be greatly missed by his family, colleagues, and the many individuals whose lives he touched throughout his career.
