BY EMILY BIPPERT
Kagome Content Strategy Manager
Kagome Inc. is a global leader in the food industry, but within the walls of this Los Banos sauce manufacturer nestled perfectly between crops and homes, it feels much more like a family.
On Dec. 18, the Kagome family recognized one member in particular, Luis De Oliveira, CEO and President, during the Annual Holiday Party. It was a bittersweet moment, as De Oliveira will retire at the end of the year following 30 years with the company.
After surprise appearances from De Oliveira’s closest family and friends, a slideshow of pictures collected from employees over the years and a presentation of gifts, a series of speeches were given.
Senior Global Initiative Manager, Jagadish Mahendran, “recounted three anecdotes wherein Luis demonstrated active listening, candor, and kindness.” He said, “I believe Luis’ best quality in action is when he gives people chances to succeed. Luis believes it is his way of paying it forward because he was given numerous chances by his superiors at Kagome USA during his early days.”
De Oliveira worked in the food industry his entire career, joining Kagome in April 1994. That opportunity led him to eventually becoming CEO and President.
Vanessa Thiercof, De Oliveira’s assistant for 15 years, reflected on his legacy, “Impressive as they are, your impact on this organization goes far beyond the numbers. Your true legacy lies in the culture you’ve created and the values you’ve instilled in us.”
De Oliveira’s retirement marks the end of an impressive career with Kagome, but like the crops planted around the Los Banos facility, there is a season for everything. The seeds of culture that De Oliveira sowed, along with the next generation of leaders he nurtured and whose careers he helped cultivate, will continue to live on and impact the industry and the lives he touched for years to come.
