Sandoval takes over as Chief Executive Officer of the State’s Leading Business Advocacy Group
The Board of Directors of the Illinois Chamber of Commerce has named Lou Sandoval as its next Chief Executive Officer and President. Sandoval’s appointment as CEO follows a national search led by Koya Partners, the executive recruiting firm focused on mission driven leadership. As CEO, Sandoval will lead the Chamber in representing the business community to champion policies that support growth across Illinois’ dynamic and diverse economy.
“We are thrilled to have Lou Sandoval as the next President and CEO of the Illinois Chamber,” said Ann Deters, Chair of the Board of Directors of the Illinois Chamber of Commerce. “His vision aligns perfectly with our mission and core values. His leadership, passion, and strategic approach will undoubtedly drive value for our members.”
Sandoval comes to the role after a successful career as a business owner and consultant across a variety of industries in Illinois. As President and Managing Partner of the Halo Advisory Group, Sandoval has advised both early-stage, growth companies and Fortune 500 clients on go-to-market strategies, scalability, change management, and mergers and acquisitions. Previously he held executive leadership roles for NAUTIC-ON, a Brunswick Corporation brand focused on providing technology and business solutions to the recreational boating industry. For nearly 20 years, Sandoval founded and led a marine dealership, which served customers throughout the Western Great Lakes Region.
“I have dedicated my entire career to building resilient businesses and transforming complex ones to prepare them for future challenges,” said Lou Sandoval, incoming CEO and President of the Illinois Chamber of Commerce. “I have also been a vocal advocate for issues that have hindered their growth and expansion, and I feel honored to be able to apply these experiences as the next leader of the Illinois Chamber of Commerce, representing the voice of all businesses in Illinois, and paving the way for a new era of progress and innovation.” As a seasoned business executive, Sandoval has driven top-line revenue growth and transformation initiatives for companies of all sizes. Throughout his career, he has successfully built and led high-performing teams and spearheaded innovative product development for both startups and established corporations alike. With a track record of scaling businesses up to $35M and managing organizations of up to $500M, he is also skilled at leading fundraising efforts, having raised over $80M in venture capital and private equity.
Sandoval serves as an Independent Board Director for Wintrust Bank N.A. In addition, he is a member of the Board of Trustees of Epic Academy, the Executive Board of Pathway to Adventure Council, and the Board of Advisors for DePaul University and Kognitive Networks. Previously, he led the Chicago Yacht Club’s Board of Directors as its Commodore. He also was appointed by Governor Bruce Rauner to the Illinois River Coordinating Council and co-chaired the Latino Advisor Committee for U.S. Senator Mark Kirk.
Sandoval is a graduate of DePaul University and is an adjunct faculty member for Hispanic & Latino Executive Leadership in McKinsey & Company’s Connect Leaders Program.
A proud Eagle Scout, he has received numerous honors and recognitions including the NESA-Outstanding Eagle Scout Award, Latino Leader Magazine’s MAESTRO Award, Negocios Now Magazine’s Who’s Who in Chicago Hispanic Business Power, Crain’s Notable GenX Leaders in Sports, Chicago United’s Business Leaders of Color Honoree, and the Whitney M. Young Jr. Service Award.
Founded in 1919, the Illinois Chamber of Commerce is an independent membership organization dedicated to fostering a vibrant and prosperous future for Illinois businesses. The Chamber is supported by contributions from a diverse group of businesses from across the state. Its membership reflects all components of Illinois’ economy, including manufacturing, financial services, transportation, technology, agriculture, mining, construction, utilities, and professional services, as well as other local chambers of commerce, trade groups, and membership organizations. The Chamber works closely with its members to support their success and the growth of the Illinois economy through programming and advocacy that promotes and protects the business climate in Illinois and expands economic opportunities for all.
###