For decades, alongside the progress of the Dominican Republic, several companies emerged and gained international recognition for the quality of their products. When a Dominican company is managed by a foreigner, it can benefit in various ways:

  1. Global Perspective: A foreign manager can bring international insights, market knowledge, and innovative strategies, helping the company expand into new markets or adopt more effective business practices. They may also have prior experience in expansion efforts.

  2. International Connections: The foreign manager’s network can open doors to business partnerships, strategic alliances, and access to new suppliers or clients abroad.

  3. Diverse Experience: Their work experience and cultural diversity can foster a more inclusive and creative work environment, driving innovation and company growth.

  4. Access to Global Talent: They may have connections to a broader pool of qualified international professionals, helping the company recruit highly skilled and diverse talent.

  5. Improved Management: Introducing different leadership and management practices can enhance efficiency, decision-making, and operational strategies.

However, this type of management must be balanced and respectful of local culture and laws. Successful integration of a foreign manager requires a deep understanding of the country’s business and cultural dynamics to maximize benefits and minimize conflicts.

Some Companies Now Managed by Foreigners

  • Cerveza Presidente: The most internationally recognized Dominican brand, established in 1935. In April 2012, negotiations began with Ambev (a Brazilian beverage company), which acquired 51% of the shares for $1.237 billion, taking control of the company.

  • Brugal: Founded in 1888 by Andrés Brugal Montaner, this rum producer was acquired in 2008 by Edrington, a Scottish company, which bought 60% of the shares for £200 million.

  • Helados Bon: A nationally beloved ice cream brand since 1972, with 314 locations across the country. In 2011, the Colombian company Chocolates de Colombia acquired 73% of the shares for $38 million.

  • León Jimenes Tobacco Industry: Sold 100% of its shares to Philip Morris in 2006 for $427 million, now operating as Philip Morris Dominicana, a global industry leader.

  • Ron Barceló: Founded in 1929 by Spanish immigrant Julián Barceló. In the 1990s, the company granted export rights to Grupo Varma (a Spanish spirits producer). By 2006, Ron Barceló SRL (under Grupo Varma) fully acquired the brand, though some descendants of the Barceló family remain on the board.