Our Executive Team

Ricardo Fernandez is Segment President of General Mills’ International segment which includes markets spanning Asia, Australia, Europe, and Latin America. The International team manages a portfolio of iconic brands including Häagen-Dazs, Nature Valley, Old El Paso and most recently, Blue Buffalo.

Prior to leading International, Fernandez served as President, Morning Foods operating unit, North America Retail, leading iconic brands like Cheerios, Yoplait, Cinnamon Toast Crunch and Lucky Charms. Under his leadership the operating unit generated over $4 billion in annual retail sales and accelerated market share performance driven by a clear strategy, exceptional brand building, market-leading innovation, and agile decision-making.

Over the course of his 24-year tenure at General Mills, Fernandez has held roles of increasing responsibility including President, Latin America, and Global Chief Marketing Officer at Cereal Partners Worldwide, a Switzerland-based joint venture with Nestle, where he transformed the positioning of five global brands. While serving as Managing Director, Brazil, he was heavily involved in the due diligence and integration planning of a $1 billion acquisition which dramatically changed the footprint of the company in South America.

Fernandez serves as a board member for Second Harvest Heartland, the largest food bank in Minnesota. He is also an executive sponsor of General Mills’ Hispanic employee resource group and mentors the CEO of an emerging fresh food company in Ghana through Partners in Food Solutions, a non-profit focused on strengthening food security, improving nutrition and increasing economic development across Africa.

Fernandez earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida and an MBA from the University of Michigan Ross School of Business.

Education

• University of Florida, B.A.
• University of Michigan, MBA

Boards

• Second Harvest Heartland

Meet the Full Executive Team