Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic
Romeo Serra

Romeo Serra

Summary

Accomplished leader with extensive experience in corporate leadership and civic engagement, with over 30 years of experience, positioning me as an ideal candidate for CEO.


As President and CEO of various companies and ventures, I spearheaded operational excellence, strategic market expansion, and profitability while driving cost reductions and implementing sustainable practices. Expertise in financial management, stakeholder relations, and optimizing global supply chains.


In my civic roles, I have led key industry councils, influencing policy and promoting collaboration between the private sector, government, and communities.


A proven track record of delivering transformative results and fostering growth across multiple sectors, demonstrating the skills necessary to lead and elevate any organization.

Overview

44
44
years of professional experience

Work History

President and CEO

SOL Growers Venture Inc.
01.2023 - Current
  • Lead production and export of Cavendish bananas and Solo Papayas to Asian and Philippine markets.
  • Provide Technical & Management Consultancy for Xinyu Fruits Inc. (100 hectares Cavendish plantation).
  • Collaborate with Triangle Wave Development Corp. on the production of 80 hectares of Cavendish bananas and Solo Papayas for export to Japan.
  • Manage all aspects of operations, including sourcing, production, quality control, and logistics.
  • Reduced operational costs through strategic cost management initiatives.
  • Prepared annual budget forecasts and monitored performance to meet organizational objectives.
  • Oversee large-scale operations and international market expansion, focusing on quality and sustainability.
  • Foster and sustain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including farmers, suppliers, and regulatory agencies.

President and CEO

SOL Growers Venture Inc
01.2019 - 01.2023
  • Managed 200 hectares Cavendish banana plantation for Bananera San Lucas, Inc.
  • Oversaw entire operations including farm management, quality control, logistics, and shipping.
  • Directed documentation and shipping of 10-12, 40-foot reefer containers per week to various markets.
  • Ensured operational efficiency, quality assurance, and timely delivery across multiple markets.
  • Hired and managed employees to maximize productivity while training staff on best practices and protocols.
  • Established and maintained strong relationships with customers, vendors and strategic partners.
  • Managed financial, operational and human resources to optimize business performance.

Technical and Management Consultant

Bananera San Lucas Inc.
01.2015 - 01.2019


  • Led 200 hectares Cavendish banana production and export trading to Middle Eastern and Asian markets.
  • Managed full operations, including farm management, quality inspection, and assurance.
  • Oversaw logistics, documentation, and shipping of 10-12, 40-foot reefer containers per week.
  • Ensured operational efficiency, market compliance, and timely deliveries across multiple regions.


Technical and Management Consultant

Spring Bloom Farms
01.2009 - 01.2015
  • Led development, production, and trading of various fruits (Lakatan bananas, Red Lady papayas, Pomelo, Calamansi, Cashew nuts, Pineapple) and high-value vegetables for Philippine markets.
  • Managed technical and operational aspects, ensuring efficient production and market delivery.
  • Directed overall company operations, focusing on development, technical solutions, and management strategies.
  • Compiled research data and gave professional presentations highlighting finds and recommended optimizations.
  • Broadened improvement initiatives, troubleshooting problems for corrective action.
  • Improved communication at all levels and transformed company culture into more productive atmosphere.

Senior Vice President for Banana Operations

Maharlika Agro-Marine Ventures, Inc.
01.2006 - 01.2008
  • Led Cavendish banana export trading to Middle Eastern and Asian markets.
  • Managed fruit purchase, consolidation, quality inspection, and assurance processes.
  • Oversaw logistics, documentation, and shipping of 70-100, 40-foot reefer containers per week.
  • Ensured seamless operations and timely deliveries across multiple international markets.
  • Hired and managed employees to maximize productivity while training staff on best practices and protocols.
  • Directed technological improvements, reducing waste and business bottlenecks.

President & General Manager

La Concepcion Fruits, Inc.
01.1995 - 01.2007


  • Led the development and management of a 125-hectare commercial Solo Papaya plantation for local and export markets.
  • Oversaw all farm operations, including technical management, logistics, and financial oversight.
  • Directed market development efforts to expand local and international market reach.
  • Ensured operational efficiency, sustainable growth, and profitability across all plantation activities.
  • Spearhead financial planning, budgeting, and cost management to optimize profitability and ensure financial stability.
  • Drive technological innovations, focusing on automation, precision farming, and smart manufacturing.

President & General Manager

Davao Exotic Fruits Corporation
01.1995 - 01.2007


  • Led the development and management of a 500-hectare plantation for native banana production (Lakatan, Senorita, Latundan, Cardava, Morado) for local and export markets.
  • Oversaw all farm operations, including technical management, logistics, financial oversight, and market development.
  • Managed a 240-hectare Senorita banana plantation under contract with Dole Philippines for export to Japan and Korea.
  • Drove operational efficiency and market expansion, ensuring consistent supply and quality for international markets.

President

Supreme Fruits International, Inc.
01.2002 - 01.2005


  • Led Cavendish banana export operations to Middle Eastern markets.
  • Managed fruit purchase, consolidation, quality assurance, logistics, and shipping.
  • Oversaw the shipment of 10-25, 40-foot reefer containers per week.
  • Ensured operational efficiency and timely delivery across international markets.

Sr. Research Scientist

Del Monte Tropical Fruits, Inc.
01.1989 - 01.1995


  • Provided technical services to plantation owners and Del Monte-managed plantations across a consolidated area of 20,000+ hectares.
  • Collaborated with a team of 5 Sr. Specialists to ensure optimal plantation performance and quality standards.
  • Drove operational efficiency and market expansion across multiple high-volume crops.

Head, Crop Protection Dept, & Project Manager, VMC

Victorias Milling Company
01.1984 - 01.1989


  • Spearheaded the organic fertilizer project, driving sustainability and efficiency.
  • Conducted crop protection research to address plantation needs and improve productivity.
  • Developed and implemented a waste recycling project, converting sugar mill waste into organic fertilizer.
  • Enhanced sustainability and operational efficiency through innovative waste management solutions.

Head, Plant Pathology Section

Victorias Milling Company
01.1981 - 01.1983


  • Led a sugarcane breeding program to develop high-yielding, disease-resistant hybrids for the 33,000-hectare Victoria Milling district.
  • Oversaw testing of selected hybrids for resistance to major sugarcane diseases.
  • Drove innovation to enhance crop performance and disease resilience across the district.

Chairman

BIMP East Asean Growth Area Business Council
01.2006 - 01.2007

Represented the private sector organizations of Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines, driving cross-border collaboration and economic growth.

Chairman

Mindanao Business Council
01.2006 - 01.2007

Led the leading umbrella organization of the Mindanao business sector, recognized as the primary policy-making institution by private sector entities, NGOs, local governments, and national agencies.

Vice Chairman

Mindanao Business Council
01.2004 - 01.2005


Played a key role in leading the umbrella organization for the Mindanao business sector, acting as the central policy-making body acknowledged by the private sector, NGOs, local governments, and national government agencies.

Vice President for Mindanao

Philippine Chamber of Commerce & Industry
01.2006 - 01.2007


Led regional initiatives for the premier and sole business organization recognized by the Philippine Government and globally by business sectors, driving economic growth and policy influence across Mindanao.

Regional Governor for Southeastern Mindanao

Philippine Chamber of Commerce & Industry
01.2004 - 01.2005


Represented and advocated for the business interests of Southeastern Mindanao, fostering economic growth and strengthening partnerships within the region.

Co-Chairman

Regional Economic Development Council, Davao Reg.
01.2004 - 01.2005


Co-led a key multi-sectoral organization focused on economic development and policy-making, driving regional growth and fostering collaboration across various sectors in the Davao Region.

Chairman

National Banana Industry Council
01.2004 - 01.2005


Led the policy-making organization representing Philippine banana growers, producers, and exporters, driving industry advocacy and shaping key policies for sustainable growth and global competitiveness.

President

Davao City Chamber of Commerce & Industry
01.2002 - 01.2003


Led the Chamber to unprecedented success, achieving:


Best Local Chamber in Mindanao (2002 & 2003)
Best Local Chamber in the Philippines (2003)
Best Local Chamber in Asia-Pacific, awarded by the World Chamber of Commerce (New Delhi, India)
Finalist, Best Local Chamber in the World, awarded by the World Chamber of Commerce (Durban, South Africa)
Spearheaded initiatives that positioned Davao as a key business hub regionally and globally.

Member

Davao City Investment & Incentive Board
01.2002 - 01.2007

The Board responsible for promotion and approval of all investments in Davao City.

Chairman

Davao City Small & Medium Enterprise Development C
01.2002 - 01.2003


Led the legally-established institution responsible for policy-making and the promotion of small and medium enterprises, driving growth, innovation, and advocacy for the local business community.

Founding Chairman

Southern Mindanao Banana Industry Council
01.2003 - 01.2004


Established and led the policy-making organization representing all banana growers, producers, and exporters in Southern Mindanao, shaping industry standards and driving regional growth.

Education

Master of Science - Soil Microbiology And Plant Pathology

University of The Philippines
Philippines
03-1987

Bachelor of Science - Agriculture

University of The Philippines
Philippines
03-1981

Skills

  • Operational excellence

  • Tactical implementation

  • Strategic Leadership & Business Acumen

  • Financial management

  • Remote team management

  • Company representation

  • Program management

  • Capital and resource management

  • Supply Chain & Logistics Optimization

  • Cost reduction

  • Public speaking

  • Negotiation

  • Environmental awareness

  • Policy development

  • Profitability optimization

  • Cost control

  • Strategic planning

  • International relations

  • Stakeholder & Investor Relations

Timeline

President and CEO

SOL Growers Venture Inc.
01.2023 - Current

President and CEO

SOL Growers Venture Inc
01.2019 - 01.2023

Technical and Management Consultant

Bananera San Lucas Inc.
01.2015 - 01.2019

Technical and Management Consultant

Spring Bloom Farms
01.2009 - 01.2015

Senior Vice President for Banana Operations

Maharlika Agro-Marine Ventures, Inc.
01.2006 - 01.2008

Chairman

BIMP East Asean Growth Area Business Council
01.2006 - 01.2007

Chairman

Mindanao Business Council
01.2006 - 01.2007

Vice President for Mindanao

Philippine Chamber of Commerce & Industry
01.2006 - 01.2007

Vice Chairman

Mindanao Business Council
01.2004 - 01.2005

Regional Governor for Southeastern Mindanao

Philippine Chamber of Commerce & Industry
01.2004 - 01.2005

Co-Chairman

Regional Economic Development Council, Davao Reg.
01.2004 - 01.2005

Chairman

National Banana Industry Council
01.2004 - 01.2005

Founding Chairman

Southern Mindanao Banana Industry Council
01.2003 - 01.2004

President

Supreme Fruits International, Inc.
01.2002 - 01.2005

President

Davao City Chamber of Commerce & Industry
01.2002 - 01.2003

Member

Davao City Investment & Incentive Board
01.2002 - 01.2007

Chairman

Davao City Small & Medium Enterprise Development C
01.2002 - 01.2003

President & General Manager

La Concepcion Fruits, Inc.
01.1995 - 01.2007

President & General Manager

Davao Exotic Fruits Corporation
01.1995 - 01.2007

Sr. Research Scientist

Del Monte Tropical Fruits, Inc.
01.1989 - 01.1995

Head, Crop Protection Dept, & Project Manager, VMC

Victorias Milling Company
01.1984 - 01.1989

Head, Plant Pathology Section

Victorias Milling Company
01.1981 - 01.1983

Master of Science - Soil Microbiology And Plant Pathology

University of The Philippines

Bachelor of Science - Agriculture

University of The Philippines
Romeo Serra