Management Team

Management Team

Jerónimo Esteve-Abril , CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD DIRECTORS

  • Self made businessman with over 40 years experience in the automobile business.
  • Founded Bella International in September 1963.
  • Envisioned & led the diversification of Bella International Corp. into other product categories.
  • Recognized as a top business leader among its peers.
  • Highly involved in community affairs (social, civic, government, and sports).
  • Organizes Honda Classic Golf Tournament which raises for the Sacred Heart University Fund donations for exceptional students

Carlos A. Lopéz-Lay, PRESIDENT & CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

  • BA in Political Sciences and Business Administration from Mount St. Mary's College.
  • Law degree from Interamerican University of Puerto Rico.
  • Started working in Bella in 1991 when he conceptualized, developed and implemented "Sound Gallery" BIC's security and car audio accessories division.
  • Developed sales programs which resulted in incremental sales and in-store traffic for all divisions.
  • Constantly studying and analyzing market trends to maintain organization ahead of others in the industry.

María I. Esteve, EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT

  • BS in Finance and Marketing from Boston College.
  • After working during the summer in different areas of the company while studying started full-time in 1989.
  • Began career at Acura de P.R. responsible for post launch phase of the division, including design and opening of a second Acura dealership. 

Francisco Pérez, VICE PRESIDENT & CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

  • Joined Bella Group in 2005.
  • Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from Northwood University (1998).
  • After receiving his CPA License from the State of Florida, he began his career with Arthur Andersen LLP in 1998, acquiring experience through audit and attest services in multinational companies in the retail/distribution, manufacturing, pharmaceutical, advertising, software, and banking industries, as well as government entities.
  • In 2000, he became Controller for Oracle’s subsidiary in Puerto Rico and the Caribbean. Among his greatest contributions was the successful implementation of the subsidiary’s ERP and CRM applications through standardized global business processes and the respective integration of the subsidiary into Oracle’s global shared services organization.
  • In 2003, he became Controller for General Electric (GE) in Puerto Rico, responsible for its manufacturing plants and Shared Services Organization, providing support to all of GE businesses in Puerto Rico with over $1B in gross revenues and over 3,000 employees.
  • As Chief Operating Officer, he will draw upon his experience and Six Sigma methodology background to implement results-driven administrative and operational changes for the business’s organization.
  • He is also responsible for the efficient use of Bella Group’s resources and determining an optimal allocation that will yield superior financial results.

María Elena De La Cruz, VICE PRESIDENT & CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

  • Joined Bella Group in 2009.
  • Bachelor in Business Administration, Major in Finance from the University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras Campus, Magna-cum laude. Also, a Certified Public Accountant.
  • Developed a vast experience in the public accounting field working as Finance Manager, Treasurer, Product Supply F&A Manager, Operations Manager, Senior Auditor among others.
  • Previous experience includes developing unique interactive reporting tools that allow online reporting and timeliness reconciliation of accounts.
  • Seeking for new opportunities and diversity, she joins the automotive industry in October 2009 as Vice President of Finance and Chief Financial Officer Of Bella Group.
    • William Cuebas, VICE PRESIDENT – HUMAN RESOURCES & ADMINISTRATION

      • Joined Bella in 2004.
      • BA in Psychology from Sacred Heart University and MS in Clinical Psychology from Graduate School of Southern of Puerto Rico.
      • He brings to Bella his knowledge from various industries such as communications, education, marketing & research and consumer products.
      • William has special interest in helping non-profit organizations and has being involved in community services along his career.
      • As Human Resources Vice President, his focus is in Organizational Development with special interest in training & development programs to keep the company prepared with the techniques and tendencies of the market, combining theory with practice.
      • For him all the employees have priority and are the most valued resource in the company, where everyone has the opportunity to grow base on their loyalty, performance and preparation.

      José Carlos Villares, VICE PRESIDENT - WHOLESALE

      • Joined Bella International in 2001.
      • Masters in Business Administration from the University of Puerto Rico.
      • He applies to all his work excellent professional experiences gathered from various industries, which include pharmaceutical, chemicals, consumer products and over the past ten-years developed himself as a season automotive industry professional.
      • He entered the Bella Group as General Manager for Bella Retail Group, Inc. and by the June of 2002 Jose was appointed to his current position, vice president for automobile sales.
      • In his new position Mr. Villares is responsible for all Honda wholesale auto sales, retail sales at Honda de San Juan, Acura de Puerto Rico and auto rental operations.

      Santos Antonetti, VICE PRESIDENT - PARTS & SERVICE

      • Joined Bella Group in 1997.
      • BBA from the Interamerican University of Puerto Rico.
      • After 8 years of Military Service in the US Navy he started a career in American Airlines handling operations at the San Juan hub.
      • He entered the Bella Group in August of 1997 as Service Department Manager for Honda Vehicles, one year later adding to his responsibilities the managing of the Service Department for Acura Vehicles. In November 1999 was promoted as Director of Honda & Acura Service Departments. By November 2001 was promoted but this time as Vice President of Honda & Acura Service Division, after 5 month in April 2002 his responsibilities increased taking charge of the Auto Parts in Retail and Wholesale in PR, one month later he started to lead the Vehicles Warranty Department and since January 2003 he took over of the Leisure Division - Parts & Service Department being appointed to his current position as Vice-President.
      • At the present Mr. Antonetti is responsible for the operation of the Parts, Service and Warranty for Honda, Acura and Leisure Division and has the responsibility to supervise 42% of the employees of Bella Group.
      • Part of his responsibilities include to maintain a high level of customer satisfaction in all the service center of the company; to maintain a good inventory control of auto parts in retail and wholesale.

Bella Employees