Sergio Tigera has been named executive director of development at FIU’s College of Business. He will focus on private philanthropic support and fundraising efforts for the college among alumni, corporate partners, and the broader South Florida community. Tigera takes over the new role on September 28.

Tigera’s goals at FIU include mobilizing financial resources and building partnerships to advance the College of Business’ growth, academic programs, research and creative initiatives, and student scholarships.

“Sergio will develop cooperative working relationships with alumni and corporate partners to advance our College of Business programs and help our students be more successful in their selected careers,” said Jose Aldrich, acting dean of FIU’s College of Business. “He will be a vital advocate for all of the important things going on at the college.”

At Caterpillar Inc. for 14 years, Tigera most recently served as sales support manager of mining for the Latin America division. He held positions in business management, strategy, distribution channel development, and sales in the U.S., Europe and Latin America, setting sales records and establishing new international teams.

“Sergio’s career reflects what FIU and its academic programs are all about: a global perspective, determination and success,” said Aldrich. “A recent graduate of our Executive MBA program, he will support our strategic initiatives, including the expansion of financial resources and engaging the global community of FIU.”

Tigera will be responsible for leading fundraising efforts for the college through engaging alumni, business leaders and corporate partners, enabling the College of Business to expand its academic programs as well as the education of students and future business leaders.

“By developing closer relationships with executives and entrepreneurs, we will bring new financial resources to the College of Business and increase the exposure of our students and faculty,” said Tigera.

A member of the Board of Directors of the FIU Alumni Association, Tigera was recently recognized by South Florida Business Journal’s 2015 40 Under 40 Awards as one of 40 individuals who have made a significant impact in their field of expertise, their community and their companies.

Tigera joined Caterpillar in 2001 just after graduating from FIU with a double major in international business and marketing. He spent three years based at the company’s headquarters in Illinois as a marketing manager.

“When I graduated, I was looking for a Fortune 50 company with strong career growth potential and opportunities to live abroad; I found that at Caterpillar,” said Tigera. Starting in 2004, a series of roles led to responsibilities for Europe, Africa, Middle East and the Caribbean, through positions in Italy, Switzerland and Panama City. In 2012, he returned to Miami to oversee sales for the Latin America mining division.

After more than a decade at Caterpillar, Tigera entered the College of Business EMBA program seeking diversity of thought and opinions.

“The EMBA allowed me to listen to and understand the point-of-view of other professionals, to get an international view of complex situations and solutions, and to learn how other companies handle challenges,” he said. “It was refreshing to hear those perspectives.”