Newswise — Gilberto Perez, president of U.S. operations for CEMEX, the largest cement, concrete and concrete products company in the United States, will be the commencement speaker for UTEP's spring 2006 ceremonies Saturday, May 13.
Perez will speak at both the 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. ceremonies at the Don Haskins Center. He will be available for media interviews at 9:30 a.m. in the Don Haskins Center Media Room.
"I am honored to participate in UTEP's commencement, celebrating the accomplishment of these students and their families," said Perez. "Personally, it means a great deal to me to be at this respected university located at the heart of the U.S.-Mexico border. I have a strong emotional attachment to the border and the bonds it represents between my home country and the United States."
In his role, Perez, who is from Monterrey, Mexico, enjoys helping future generations succeed in business while mentoring young professionals to become well-rounded employees. Through an 18-month program called "Professionals in Development," CEMEX recruits and retains talented professionals and ensures its position as a dynamic industry leader.
In 1988, Perez joined CEMEX, a worldwide producer of cement, ready-mix concrete and aggregates. At CEMEX, he has held numerous positions dealing with international sales, logistics, strategic planning and general management. He was named to his current position in 1998. In 2000, he led the post-acquisition team that integrated Southdown Inc. into CEMEX, creating the largest cement company in the United States. In 2005, CEMEX acquired the United Kingdom-based RMC Group, creating the largest producer of cement and ready-mix concrete in the U.S., with almost $5 billion in revenues and more than 10,000 employees. This acquisition brought CEMEX to El Paso, where it has been in operations for over a year. Perez's dedication to education is evident in his community service. He serves on the board of directors at Stanford University's Sloan Program and St. Joseph's Hospital Foundation in Houston. He's a member of the Dean's Executive Advisory Board for the University of Houston's Bauer College of Business, the Mexican Institute of Greater Houston, the Portland Cement Association and the National Stone, Sand and Gravel Association. Perez holds a master's degree in management from Stanford University, and bachelor's degree in business administration from Monterrey Tech in Monterrey, Mexico. He is 45 years old, is married and has three daughters.
Media Notes: Media parking is available in lot FS-12 (Brumbelow Building lot on the corner of Baltimore and Randolph drives) and all media should enter the Don Haskins Center through the south tunnel.
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