Rene M. Diaz

Chairman and CEO. Rene M. Diaz has been at the helm of Diaz Foods since 1980.  As a founder of the company, Rene is intimately familiar with every aspect of the business. Under his guidance and direction, he has overseen the growth of the company from $100,000 in sales the first year to consistent annual growth of 20-30% in current years, making Diaz Foods one of the largest and most prominent Hispanic food distributors in the country.

In addition to his role in the company, Rene is very involved in the community at both the local and national level. He has served on the Board of Directors of numerous companies and non-profits, including Children's Healthcare of Atlanta (Egleston/Scotish Rite Hospitals), FinanzaDirecto, Inc., United Americas Bank, N.A., Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, Atlanta Community Food Bank, The Carter Center, CDC Foundation Board of Visitors, The Community Foundation, Marist School, The Mexican Center of Atlanta and the Latin American Association.

Rene's leadership at Diaz Foods has brought recognition to himself and the company in many ways. He is continuously listed by the Atlanta Business Chronicle in its "Top 100 Most Influential Atlantans" feature and was recently recognized as one of the most influential Hispanics in the country. Rene was also featured as one of Georgia Trends "40 Under 40."

Eric Newberg

Chief Financial Officer. Eric Newberg serves as the Company's Chief Financial Officer. He began his career in commercial and corporate banking at NationsBank (n/k/a Bank of America) where he was involved in leveraged acquisition financing for the distribution networks of two nationally known beverage companies.

Since joining the Diaz Foods in the 1990's, Eric has been very involved both in day-to-day operations and the management of the financial aspects of the business. He has played an integral role in the Company’s growth strategy and measured growth over the years.

Mr. Newberg is a graduate of Trinity College and received an MBA from the University of Florida. He enjoys dining at the restaurant he and Rene opened, Lime Taqueria & Tequila Bar in Smyrna.

Jorg Viader

Chief Operating Officer. Jorg Viader joined Diaz Foods as Chief Operating Officer in 2008. As former President of Chupa Chups America's division, Jorg has extensive knowledge and experience in leading global marketing and branding efforts.

Jorg is involved in day-to-day operations and the management of the sales, marketing and branding aspects of the business. He plays an integral role in the Company achieving its strategic vision.

Jorg is of German and Spanish descent, he is fluent in several languages and has traveled and lived all over the world, including Germany, France, Mexico, Brazil, Spain, China and the United States. You may see Jorg on occasion at one of the three Atlanta Tous jewelry stores that are owned by his wife.

Barbarella Diaz

Executive Vice President of Community Affairs. Barbarella Diaz joined Diaz Foods in 2003 to lead the coporate sales function at Diaz Foods. She also coordinates a large part of the Company's community service, managing donations to various nonprofits and other organizations. Prior to joining Diaz, Barbarella focused on the Hispanic market as she worked in advertising sales at CAMA.

Barbarella is active in the community and has served on the Board of Directors of many organizations, including Diaz Foods, the Latin American Association, Girl Scouts Council of Northwest Georgia, UNICEF and the Mexican Center of Atlanta, which she chaired.

Barbarella is a graduate of Florida State University, where she studied International Affairs.

Lourdes Winkelmann

Vice President of Accounts Payable. Lourdes has worked at Diaz Foods for more than 20 years and has served in almost every department within the company. Today, her responsibilities cover all aspects of Accounts Payable, including vendor and service provider management.

Carmen Saldana

Vice President of Purchasing. Carmen Saldana joined Diaz Foods in an administrative position in 1989. She has held a range of both sales and management roles since then, rising to Vice President of Sales in 1994.  Recently Carmen has moved into a new role as the Executive VP of Purchasing.

As the Executive VP of Purchasing, Carmen is responsible for overseeing overall purchasing operations as well as developing strategic initiatives to satisfy the needs of our customers and provide superior quality critical for achieving the Diaz Mission.

Originally from Guatemala, Carmen and her family have contributed many years of loyalty and dedication to the success of Diaz Foods.

Lorena Speer

Human Resources Manager. Lorena Speer joined the Company in 2006 as a Human Resources Coordinator creating a fun and stable work environment for all the Diaz Foods employees. In 2009 she was promoted to Human Resources Manager for the more than 350 employees of Diaz Foods and Tortillas de Casa. Prior to joining the Company, Lorena was the Office Manager for ECM/Smithville Industries in Atlanta.

Lorena is originally from Uruguay, South America, she is a graduate of Kentucky Wesleyan College, where she studied Business Administration. Her greatest enjoyment is traveling with the family. She also enjoys playing tennis, rollerblading and she loves a variety of activities which involve her energetic little boy.

Liliana Bejarano

Vice President of Technology and Business Intelligence. Liliana Bejarano oversees the technology, reporting and information functions of the Company. From her beginnings with the Company in purchasing, Liliana gained a vast amount of knowedge and experience. When coupled with her analytical skills, she provides key information to keep the Company on track for achieving its strategic goals.

Liliana is originally from Colombia, South America, where she studies Economics at Universidad Coleqio Mayor Nuestra Senora del Rosario. She enjoys traveling and music.