Essential News

San José, March 25, 2025. CINDE confirmed the appointment of its Board of Directors this Monday as part of the annual process established by its bylaws.
 
The selection process took place following the General Assembly of the Association on March 14, during which board members were elected. The designation of specific roles was then carried out in  the first session of the Board’s term, in full compliance with CINDE’s internal regulations.
 
The newly appointed Board of Directors is composed of:
- Fernando Cruz Van Der Laat, President

- Rosalía Morales Acosta, Vice President
- Javier Sancho Guevara, Treasurer
- Shannon Music Gamboa, Secretary
- Ileana Gamboa Herrera, First Member
- Eduardo Artavia Cuadra, Second Member
- Albán Sánchez Cabezas, Third Member
- Eric Scharf Taitelbaum, Former President
- Luis Gamboa Arguedas, Former President
- Mario Pacheco Coronado, Fiscal

 
Fernando Cruz Van Der Laat was re-elected as President of CINDE. He holds a master’s degree in business administration with a focus on Marketing and International Business from George Mason University, as well as a Master’s in Banking and Finance from the University of Costa Rica, where he also earned his Bachelor’s in Industrial Engineering. Additionally, he completed the Senior Management Program at IPADE and was awarded a Fulbright scholarship for his international studies.

Reflecting on the organization’s achievements in 2024, Cruz highlighted CINDE’s impact in driving new foreign direct investment (FDI) projects, strengthening Costa Rican talent, and creating more employment opportunities.
He added:"Continuing to support CINDE’s mission as President of its Board of Directors is an incredibly rewarding opportunity. Our Board members are deeply committed to strengthening an organization that plays such a crucial role in Costa Rica’s economic development.”

In 2024, CINDE provided advisory and support services to 73 new investment projects—21 from companies establishing operations in Costa Rica for the first time and 52 reinvestments from companies already present in the country.

According to official filings in La Gaceta, 40% of all new companies registered under the Free Trade Zone (FTZ) regime in 2024 were advised by CINDE. Additionally, 78% of all reinvestments reported under the FTZ framework were from companies that received CINDE’s support.
In terms of employment, companies supported by CINDE generated 5,482 net new jobs, with the life sciences sector leading growth, adding 2,599 new positions.

The selection of new Board members followed an open nomination process, allowing all CINDE associates to apply. Members were chosen based on their expertise in key focus areas aligned with CINDE’s priorities and were approved by the General Assembly of Associates.

About CINDE
CINDE is Costa Rica’s leading investment and business development agency, as well as a key driver of talent development initiatives. With over 43 years of experience working alongside multinational companies and stakeholders in the investment ecosystem, CINDE has spearheaded numerous talent-building initiatives to enhance Costa Rica’s business climate. To date, the organization has supported the establishment of more than 450 multinational companies in the country.