Luis Alvarez - Mecanismos Automatrices (Tlalnepantla, Mexico)
Luis Alvarez is the CEO of Mecanismos Automatrices, a company that has existed for almost 55 years. Mecanismos Automatrices manufactures fuel tanks for brands such as Freightliner, International, Volvo, Mercedez Benz, Irisar. Luis came from a background of sales, and although he love sales, he is involved in the planning, managing, and in general, in all the areas within the company. They are in the process of growing and signing a co-investment with an important European company and building up a new plant in the northern part of Mexico.
Luis, like many CEO athletes, has made a huge life change. When he was 24 he weighed 203 lb, and smoked. After the bad experience of not being able to complete 3 miles walking, he decided to begin exercising - first running and swimming and then participating in triathlons. Finally, in 1991 he participated in his first Ironman. Luis is an Ironman legend having completed 53 Ironman races, and being the only person in the world to have completed EVERY Ironman venue worldwide. His best performance was in 2006 in Karten, Austria (10.06.15.)
Luis' family has just as impressive athletic accomplishments as Luis: His 12 year old son, José Manuel, completed his first half (Disney) and full (LA) marathon this year. He is Luis' "adventure companion." Luis' father is a successful businessman who at the age of 78 has participated in 10k runs. Last year they had the opportunity to participate in El Camino a Santiago in Spain, a 60 mile course.. even though he is a diabetic, has a pacemaker, and auricular fibrillation.
Alvarez is excited to participate in the CEO Challenge again after many years: he participated in the original CEO Challenge and it was "one of the most rewarding experiences I have had in my lifetime. It was extraordinary. I made many good friends, and I still enjoy their friendship. To be with and share experiences with CEO's from other companies is very exciting." Luis loves training and competing because it keeps him active, and his influence can be seen through the company: his secretary is in her early 60's and still competes in marathons. However, he is not interested in having more years in life, but better life quality. He is healthier and has more energy, and the time spent in practicing exercise is an investment. "Competition is part of day-to-day life. We are competing all the time."
Competition Age Group: 40 - 49
