Renzo Muente

With over 20 years of experience across industries in Latin America, Renzo Muente has mastered the art of talent management, creating strategies that drive business success and uplift employees, communities, and the environment. As Vice President of Human Management, his passion lies in nurturing leadership and unlocking potential, always aiming for long-term impact. Renzo’s vision extends beyond the workplace, shaping a culture where talent thrives, organizations flourish, and positive change reaches beyond the boardroom.

A Journey of Unexpected Turns

I never expected to find myself in HR. As an industrial engineer, I envisioned a career in finance or operations rather than human resources. But life had other plans. It all started with a summer job at a call center during university. Afterward, I transitioned into finance, working in collections and invoicing, sure I’d found my path.

Then came an unexpected call from HR—they needed assistance modelling different scenarios as part of a variable pay proposal for the sales team. The project was a success, and few days after, I was offered a role in HR. At first, I hesitated, unsure if I was the right fit. But later on, my curiosity got the better of me, and I accepted. Once I stepped into HR, I was hooked. I discovered a passion for the work and a strong desire to understand HR processes more deeply.

Over the years, I’ve led transformative initiatives, managed large teams, and tackled complex challenges across multiple countries and regions. Each experience has been a stepping stone, broadening my perspective and expanding my skills.

Today, as Volcan's VP of Human Management, I oversee HR, safety, security, and health. My career has taken unexpected turns, but each has brought new growth opportunities—far beyond what I initially imagined.

Aligning People and Purpose: How HR Drives Strategic Success at Volcan

At Volcan, HR is deeply integrated with our business priorities, working with the CEO and leadership team to shape our strategic direction. Once our plans are approved by the board, executing them becomes a collective effort. While HR leads specific initiatives, every team member is actively involved in driving our shared success.

Our approach as HR centers on three key pillars: strategy, culture, and talent. We ensure every employee understands the company’s vision and their role in achieving it. We cultivate a culture prioritizing safety, environmental stewardship, communities management and strong governance. When it comes to talent, we recognize it as our most valuable asset—attracting, developing and retaining top talent is vital to propelling our long-term success.

“At Volcan, HR is deeply integrated with our business priorities, working with the CEO and leadership team to shape our strategic direction.”

Fostering a Positive Workplace Culture

Mining is challenging, with remote locations and some extreme conditions, such as high altitudes and low temperatures. Nevertheless, we are constantly working on new ways to increase working conditions and wellbeing.

We truly believe that a strong leadership can transform even the most demanding conditions. Our leadership team fosters a positive workplace culture by embodying our core values and uniting the workforce around a shared purpose.

In addition, we are consistently evaluating satisfaction and engagement through corporate climate surveys. The feedback we receive drives meaningful actions, put in place by the own employees and their leaders, with the company support.

Advice for Aspiring HR Professionals

Finding your purpose is essential to truly thrive in HR. Without a clear sense of purpose, it’s challenging to stay engaged and fulfilled, and this often reflects in performance and overall job satisfaction. I’ve witnessed many people struggle when they lack passion for their work, which shows in their daily output and long-term career progression.

The key to success in HR (as any other area) starts by seeking out a company whose values align with your own and where you feel empowered to make a difference. When you work in an environment that supports and mirrors your beliefs, finding meaning in your role is more accessible. Once you’ve seen that fit, expand your focus beyond HR. Understanding other business areas, such as finance, logistics, and operations, will enable you to leverage your HR expertise more effectively. This broader knowledge allows you to make informed decisions that drive real organizational change.

HR professionals can transform lives and shape corporate cultures, so embrace that responsibility with passion and enthusiasm. When you approach your role with this mindset, you’ll find your work rewarding and transformative, leading to a fulfilling and impactful career.