MIAMI, USA // Jorge A. Plasencia is co-founder, chairman and CEO of Republica Havas, one of America’s leading multicultural creative, media and communications agencies. Republica Havas builds meaningful connections between people and brands across cultures, traditions, and languages. The agency’s national and global clients include Walmart, Google, Toyota, and many other blue-chip and Fortune 500 companies.

Prior to launching Republica in November 2006, Plasencia served as vice president and operating manager of Univision Radio, a network of 72 radio stations across the U. S. and Puerto Rico. Earlier, he held the role of vice president of marketing, corporate communications, and public affairs for the media company.

Before Univision, Plasencia was vice president of entertainment and hospitality conglomerate Estefan Enterprises, Inc. While there, he led various departments, including marketing and artist management. He’s credited with having played a vital role in the management of several global artists, including Gloria Estefan and Shakira.

Previously, Plasencia was the first director of Hispanic marketing for the Florida Marlins. During his tenure, the team won its first World Series and received the Hispanic Marketer of the Year Award.

Plasencia is a former board chair of UnidosUS, the nation’s largest Latino advocacy organization. He’s the first Cuban-American, first Floridian and youngest person to hold the post. In 1991, at age 17, Plasencia co-founded Amigos For Kids, a non-profit that advocates for child abuse prevention and assists underprivileged children and families. In 2003, he also co-founded the DC-based Congressional Hispanic Leadership Institute (CHLI).

Plasencia has been the recipient of the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award, the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce Outstanding CEO of the Year Award, the National Hispanic Public Relations Association Trailblazer of the Year Award, and the March of Dimes Humanitarian of the Year Award, among others.