Alvaro Tapia

Industrial Engineer with over 16 years of experience in leading private sector companies. His expertise spans operational and commercial management, with a strong focus on innovation, leadership, and teamwork. His results-driven approach, strategic vision, and interpersonal skills have allowed him to successfully lead projects and business initiatives in industrial machinery, rubber recycling, and sustainability.

Professional Career

Currently, Álvaro serves as the Director of RecBio SpA, a pioneering end-of-life tire (ELT) shredding plant in the Bío Bío Region, Chile. He played a fundamental role in the creation, funding, and execution of the project, including capital raising, procurement of equipment, environmental permits, and obtaining authorization as a certified ELT valorization manager.

He is also the Director and Co-founder of Rubtec SpA, a company specializing in the manufacturing of recycled rubber products. He has led R&D projects in collaboration with research centers, securing funding from CORFO and other institutions for innovative solutions in rubber recycling, including the development of recycled rubber roofing tiles.

Parallel to his entrepreneurial ventures, Álvaro has an extensive commercial and sales career. Since 2017, he has worked as a Commercial Representative at SKC Maquinarias, managing Toyota, Volvo, and Manitou industrial machinery sales in Chile's Bío Bío Region. His responsibilities include key account management, technical consultancy, and market introduction of new product lines.

Previously, he served as South Zone Sales Manager at Ingeniería y Servicios Orbitec SPA, where he developed sales strategies that resulted in a 39% increase in regional sales and expanded the company's client portfolio and international partnerships.

His earlier experience includes leadership roles in finance, administration, and procurement at companies such as Constructora COMSA S.A., CAP Acero S.A., and Arauco S.A., where he contributed to cost reduction, efficiency improvements, and process optimization.

Education and Certifications

Álvaro holds a Civil Industrial Engineering degree and a Master’s in Environmental Management from Universidad del Desarrollo. He has further specialized in business and international trade, earning a Diploma in New Business from Universidad Adolfo Ibáñez and completing courses in Harvard-style negotiation, foreign trade, and port administration.

He is fluent in Spanish and English and is proficient in ERP systems like SAP, as well as advanced Excel, PowerPoint, and Access.

Personal Interests and Achievements

Beyond his professional career, Álvaro has a strong sports and adventure background. He was a member of Chile’s national rugby team (2010-2013) and captain of Los Troncos Rugby Club (2012-2013). He is also a certified advanced open water diver (PADI) and has traveled extensively, including New Zealand and Southeast Asia.

Married and a father of 3 boys, Álvaro continues to balance his entrepreneurial, technical, and commercial expertise with his passion for sports, travel, and technological innovation.