Page 21 - NSA GALA JOURNAL 2015

Richard P. Montañez
Marketing and Sales Executive PepsiCo North America
Richard leads Multicultural Sales & Community Promotions across PepsiCo’s North American divisions, leveraging best practices internally and externally to develop community partnerships. Throughout his career Richard has worked in various assignments and roles across all PepsiCo division and functions.
Richard started his PepsiCo career at Frito-Lay in 1976 as a janitor in its Rancho Cucamonga plant. He is recognized as the creator of the Flaming hot line of products including Flaming Hot Cheetos, which influenced future ethnic products and the first Frito-Lay Hispanic marketing team. In addition, Richard helped influence Hispanic products and marketing promotions for KFC and Taco Bell.
Richard is known for his visionary leadership and ability to develop new systems and products. He sits on numerous non-profit boards, and was appointed to serve on the California State Workforce Investment Board. He was recruited to the state board for his business experience in creating jobs and building training systems.
Throughout his career, Richard has accomplished several notable achievements and awards. Both state and federal government officials have honored Richard with numerous commendations for his work around education and leading economic growth. He was recognized by Hispanic Lifestyle magazine as one of the most influential Hispanic’s in corporate America, has been featured in News Week and Fortune 500 magazine.
He has been invited by the White House numerous times including the welcoming of Pope Benedict XVI White House visit. In 2004 Richard presented at a special United Nations event.
Richard Also has a Foundation Called One Lite. Which feeds hundreds of thousands of families every year including giving children new shoes for school.
Richard and Judy Montañez have been married for more than 30 years and live in Rancho Cucamonga. He is a father of three sons and has five grandchildren.