There’s always something new under way!

Rigoberto Bahamonde, Operations Director, South America.

Although his educational background is in engineering, Rigoberto Bahamonde’s professional life leading up to his current position as Operations Director, South America at Opus Inspection played out in completely different industries, including banking, finance, and shipping. His varied career has provided him with wide experience of many other types of company.

“Since I was a child, I have been fascinated by math, guitar, and soccer. Studying engineering was totally natural; it was the only field of knowledge that I liked. I became an engineer at 22, entered the banking industry and later became the National Assistant Director for the Chilean IRS (Internal Revenue Service). Later I worked as General Manager for the state owned companies Empremar and Sacor. I was always involved in management, finance, comptroller, and tax issues.

In 2005 I was appointed as General Manager of TUV Rheinland in Chile; this was my first role in the vehicle inspection industry. I headed the implementation of this company in Chile, building 17 testing stations, hiring all employees, and managing operational issues. A little while later I got to know the senior management of the Opus Group and in 2011 I was invited to join the company, starting in Mexico and managing the operation of the recently acquired Environmental System Products (ESP). Today we are implementing Systech Chile in Chile, we have won two concessions, and we expect to win more.

I am really happy working for our company. I love what I do because it involves getting to know different cultures and different people. It’s very challenging; there’s always something new under way! I enjoy spending my free time with my family, and I also jog, play the guitar, and play soccer.”