Emilio Cadena

Emilio Cadena is the CEO of Prodensa, a consulting firm specializing in investment attraction, industrial development, and operational support for manufacturing firms in Mexico and internationally. With a mechanical engineering degree from Tecnológico de Monterrey and an MBA from the University of Hartford, Cadena has spent more than three decades advancing foreign direct investment and supporting over 1,000 projects worldwide. His expertise in nearshoring, the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), and the business landscape of Mexico positions him as an authority on cross-border economic strategy and industrial growth.

Cadena’s responsibilities extend beyond his executive role at Prodensa. He serves as chairman of the board for the U.S.-Mexico Foundation, where he promotes bilateral cooperation and economic development between the United States and Mexico. He is also a board member of Mexico’s Business Council (CCE), co-chairs the Trade Facilitation Working Group of the US-Mexico CEO Dialogue, and has led INDEX, Mexico’s Manufacturers for Export Council. His leadership has contributed to shaping policy and fostering strategic partnerships that enhance North American competitiveness.

Named among Latin America’s 500 Most Influential People by Bloomberg Línea, Cadena is a frequent speaker at industry forums and is regularly featured in media such as Forbes, Bloomberg, and Inc. Magazine. He provides commentary on nearshoring, supply chain resilience, and the future of manufacturing, establishing him as a recognized voice in international business. Cadena’s focus on innovation, economic growth, and cross-border collaboration underscores his role as a public speaker and thought leader in the global industrial sector.