INA Names Gabriel Padilla Maya as New Director

The Mexican National Auto Parts Industry Association (INA) has appointed Gabriel Padilla Maya as its new Director General, a decision formally approved by the association’s Operations Committee.

Padilla brings over 25 years of experience in business development, foreign trade, and investment across both public and private sectors. His extensive background includes key roles at export-oriented companies and leadership positions within business organizations.

In the public sector, Padilla held prominent roles at major institutions, including ProMéxico, where he led the Investment and International Business Promotion Unit. At the Secretariat of Agriculture, Livestock, Rural Development, Fisheries, and Food (SAGARPA), he served as general coordinator for commercial promotion and export development. Padilla also worked as a senior advisor within SAGARPA, as well as a federal delegate and chief advisor for the Ministry of Economy in the state of Morelos. Additionally, he founded Trade Front Advisors LLC, a consulting firm specializing in business internationalization strategies.

Padilla holds a degree in International Relations from Universidad Iberoamericana. His academic credentials include three master’s degrees: one in Economics and Government from Universidad Anáhuac in Mexico City, another in Digital Marketing and E-Commerce from OBS Business School and Universidad de Barcelona, Spain, and a third in International Trade from the Higher Institute of International Commerce Studies in Mexico City.