Jorge Valdes

Jorge Valdes is the Senior Vice President of Operations at Pilot Company, where he’s redefining what operational excellence looks like at scale. Known for blending pragmatic execution with forward-thinking innovation, Jorge is the kind of leader who seeks simplicity and standardization as the key for success.

At Pilot, he’s leading one of the most ambitious store execution transformations in the industry, modernizing how 800+ locations operate with smarter systems, digital workflows, and real-time accountability. His approach isn’t just about efficiency; it’s about unlocking potential across every layer of the business, empowering teams, streamlining processes, and making excellence repeatable.

Across his 20+ year global career, including leadership roles at Regal Rexnord, Brunswick Boat Group, and GE Healthcare, Jorge has built a reputation for delivering results through operational excellence. With a strong Lean Six Sigma and supply chain background, and his global experience, he brings a rare mix of discipline, vision, and cross-cultural fluency that consistently drives impact.

He holds an MBA from EGADE Business School and UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School, and is fluent in English, Spanish, and Portuguese. Whether he’s in the boardroom or on the ground with store teams, Jorge is always asking: What could we do better? What should we do next?

At NRF 2026, Jorge takes the stage to share how Pilot is turning ambition into action, and why the future of retail belongs to those brave enough to rethink it.