Ken Rivera
Chief Operations Officer
Kenneth A. Rivera, founder of UWC PEG, is a distinguished entrepreneur and visionary strategic leader. He brings over 25 years of extensive experience in mergers and acquisitions, operational optimization, and business development across a myriad of sectors. Recognized for his innovative problem-solving abilities and unwavering commitment to exceeding industry standards, Rivera has established a proven record of collaborating with entrepreneurs, C-suite executives, and key stakeholders to launch new products successfully, penetrate emerging markets, and adeptly navigate complex operational challenges.
As a results-oriented leader, Rivera excels in shaping organizational systems and cultures that foster creativity and innovation while guiding entities through transformative change. His expertise encompasses the cultivation of robust relationships, the application of data-driven analysis, and the effective communication of strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing operational efficiency and driving sustainable growth. Rivera's belief that all organizations are fundamentally in the "people business" is a cornerstone of his leadership, emphasizing that the well-being of employees and customers is paramount to achieving long-term organizational success.
His areas of specialization include strategic planning, executive consulting, project management, change management, organizational transformation, automation, mergers and acquisitions, regulatory compliance, and stakeholder engagement. Rivera's extensive industry knowledge spans critical sectors such as oil and gas, software as a service (SaaS), energy, nanotechnology, food and beverage, biopharmaceuticals, Maintenance and repair/thermal-spray coatings, agriculture, building material development, construction process innovation, and healthcare/alternate healthcare.
Throughout his illustrious career, Rivera has assumed vital leadership roles, including Founder, Co-Founder, Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Principal, Executive Coach, and multifaceted operational leader. He has adeptly guided startups and established enterprises in securing market opportunities and optimizing operational frameworks. His notable experiences include co-founding Rugby Utah and Major League Rugby, where he played an instrumental role in establishing rugby as a prominent sport in North America, serving in business development at Solid Carbon Products, where he managed the design-build, commissioning of a cutting-edge production facility and analytical laboratory. His robust involvement in research and development and design engineering projects with esteemed organizations such as Air Liquide, Airgas, 3M, Unilever, Edwards Life Sciences, Anheuser Busch, Fanuc, Stanford Linear Accelerator, Department of Energy National Laboratories, and Department of Defense Research has resulted in several patents.
Kenneth A. Rivera's academic and professional qualifications are a testament to his commitment to excellence. He holds a Bachelor of Science from the University of Utah, further complemented by extensive training in management, sales, and strategic business analysis. His active certifications as a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt and as a Certified Rugby Coach and Referee reflect his unwavering commitment to continuous improvement and excellence.
Beyond his professional pursuits, Rivera is an engaged community leader. He has served as a lobbyist for the State of Utah, an honorary ambassador for the Utah National Guard, and a board chair or member for various underserved and humanitarian organizations. His dedication to empowering others and fostering innovation positions him as a highly sought-after leader and advisor within the business community.