A native of Santiago, Chile, Jacqueline or Jackie – as her friends call her – began her academic journey at the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, initially pursuing a Bachelor’s in Humanities as she explored potential career paths. It was only after diving into her economics coursework that she realized her passion lay at the intersection of numbers and strategy—where data-driven analysis meets leadership. Inspired by this discovery, she pivoted her studies and ultimately graduated with an engineering degree.
From the beginning of her career, Jacqueline was motivated by the desire to “put things together”, imagining herself in areas related to innovation and new businesses. However, her first professional step was into the world of finance and management control, an experience she describes as follows: “Control is to understand, it is like doing an autopsy in an organization”.
At Nestlé, Jackie built on her financial foundations and for the first time stepped into marketing and new‑business development—particularly within the dairy division—where she learned to blend fiscal discipline with consumer‑focused innovation. When ethical conflicts arose, she left to join Cencosud, determined to work in environments that aligned with her principles.
It was during her tenure at Cencosud that Jackie faced her greatest personal trial: a diagnosis of a malignant tumor with a prognosis of just nine months. Rather than retreat, she used the challenge as a catalyst for profound change. “That situation forced me to realign every aspect of my life,” she reflects. “I changed my partner, my family plans, and my job.” After what she calls “a kind of miracle” operation, Jackie emerged with a renewed sense of purpose and a clearer understanding of her core values.
Shortly thereafter, she joined ME Elecmetal’s management control team—a role that perfectly marries her analytical rigor with her drive to innovate. In marrying numbers with creative problem‑solving, Jackie has found the ideal platform to “put things together” and transform ideas into tangible results.
“ME Elecmetal’s strength lies in its deep technical expertise, and I complement that with a creative perspective rooted in innovation, art, and aesthetics. My adaptability and resilience allow me to connect the dots, drive ideas forward, and make the impossible possible. Above all, I thrive on bringing people together—building collaborative teams that turn bold ideas into reality.”
— Jacqueline Gonzalez, Head Of Innovation And Development ME Elecmetal.
Over the past eleven years at ME Elecmetal, Jackie has built far more than a résumé—she’s helped shape a culture. “What I value most is our healthy environment,” she says, referring to a workplace where mutual respect, open communication, and genuine teamwork are the norm. “Anyone can walk up to leadership—everyone is warm, approachable, and eager to help.”
After solidifying the management control function, Jackie’s curiosity propelled her into the world of innovation. She immersed herself in specialized trainings and championed new projects—an energetic journey that naturally evolved into the creation of the Innovation & Development division. Today, she blends her analytical discipline with a creator’s mindset, forging a space where data-driven rigor and imaginative problem‑solving come together.
Today, Jackie speaks with unmistakable passion about her role: “It’s rare to find someone who wakes up every morning genuinely excited to go to work—but that’s exactly how I feel. I start the day full of energy, eager to collaborate, and unafraid to share bold ideas freely.” Her infectious enthusiasm helps cultivate a culture where creativity thrives and every voice matters.
She’s equally proud of ME Elecmetal’s growing global footprint: “We’re one of Chile’s most internationally invested companies, with operations in Peru, the United States, China, South Africa, Zambia, Kazakhstan—even Indonesia. We’re exploring territories others have yet to consider.” Under Jackie’s leadership, that spirit of exploration and innovation extends far beyond borders, driving both the brand and its people toward new frontiers.
While Jackie applauds ME Elecmetal’s progress in welcoming colleagues from around the world, she’s equally candid about the journey still ahead on diversity and inclusion. “We’ve made great strides in bringing in more nationalities, but we need to be more open to varied skill sets—and especially to achieving true gender equity. I’d love to see more women in decision‑making roles. We’re heading in the right direction, but there’s more work to do.”
Jackie describes herself as driven by both growth and stability—qualities that shape her ideal environment. “I wholeheartedly recommend ME Elecmetal, though you need a certain maturity to thrive here. It’s a company that innovates, but it does so thoughtfully rather than at breakneck speed.”
She also values the organization’s commitment to work‑life balance and long‑term careers. “What stands out is the genuine support for those with families—a healthy balance between professional demands and personal well‑being is part of our cultural DNA.”
Jacqueline Gonzalez’s journey is a testament to resilience, purpose, and the power of innovation. Through personal challenges and professional milestones, she has carved out a meaningful path—one that blends analytical rigor with creativity, and personal conviction with team-driven impact. At ME Elecmetal, she continues to inspire change, champion diversity, and shape a future where innovation and humanity go hand in hand.
