He has more than 15 years of experience in leading economic and social development public policy programs, focused on increasing competitiveness, productivity and reducing poverty through inclusive economic growth. Mr. Zapata coordinates with other organizations the Guatemala Moving Forward initiative, a program created by the private sector that finances initiatives focused on attracting investment, infrastructure, human capital and legal certainty; in order to generate prosperity in the country. 

As Executive Director of FUNDESA, Mr. Zapata represents the Foundation in various organizations and forums including the National Competitiveness Program (PRONACOM), The Private Competitiveness Council (CPC), the Private Sector´s International Commission and the Political Commission, among others. He is part of the Coalition for citizen security and has presented in many forums the results of Guatemala in improving its business climate.

Mr. Zapata has also worked as a consultant for The Caribbean Council, a London based think tank, IDB development programs led by Turasist, PriceWaterhouse Coopers and other important firms in Central America. He is the person in charge of leading the team that organizes each year the National Business Forum (ENADE), an event that gathers more than 3,000 people a year, to present key elements that foster economic growth.

Mr. Zapata holds a Master´s degree in Public Management and Leadership from the School of Government of Guatemala, where he graduated with honors. He studied a Postgraduate Degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management at the University Center Cesar Ritz in Brig, Switzerland, and has a B.A. in Business Administration with a specialization in Finance, from Francisco Marroquin University in Guatemala City. He also has postgraduate studies from INCAE, as well as a higher diploma from the Energy & Infrastructure Analysis Center.

Mr. Zapata is a well-known columnist for Prensa Libre, the most influential newspaper in Guatemala. He has also published articles for America’s Quarterly magazine, as well as Insight Crime, and is part of the Advisory Committee of Estrategia & Negocios Magazine. He is married and was also the owner of an Italian food restaurant in La Antigua Guatemala.