Illinois alum leading ADM internationally

Domingo Lastra has built a career spanning six countries, and his path to becoming president of Archer Daniels Midland (ADM) of Latin America began at the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. 

Lastra grew up in a small Argentinian farming community. In 1987, he attended the nearby Universidad de Belgrano to pursue his bachelor's degree in agricultural engineering and economics. 

While he was grateful for the strong community he had grown up around in Argentina, he wanted to do more and see more of the world. 

After earning his undergraduate degree, he looked for opportunities across the world, which landed him at the U. of I. In 1992, he began a master’s program in agricultural economics within the College of ACES.   

He was drawn to Illinois through family connections. His mother grew up in Paxton, Illinois, just a short drive from the U. of I., and a few of Lastra’s cousins attended Illinois.

“Going to (the) U. of I. was one of my best and most meaningful life experiences,” Lastra said. This pivotal experience was shaped by more than just classroom work. 

A campus full of unique experiences, places, and people 

Lastra studied and interacted with people from all around the world, a benefit of Illinois’ diverse student body. He grew close to his Venezuelan roommate and became a mentor to a fellow student from Africa through his role as a teaching assistant. In his free time, Lastra enjoyed playing intramural soccer with colleagues and swimming at the recreational centers. 

“I learned new customs and unique aspects of different cultures,” he said. 

This global exposure proved to be a valuable asset in his future career. 

Lastra graduated with his master’s in 1993 and secured a job with ADM, joining the company's new-employee training program. After gaining experience and insight into the values and operations of the company, Lastra quickly moved into leadership roles. 

At just 25 years old, he became ADM’s president of flour milling in Mexico. He built the operation from the ground up, starting with one flour milling plant and growing to 12 within five years. 

Although he was a young leader, he never doubted his ability to step up and take charge. “Coming from agriculture, you have resilience,” Lastra said. “It creates your character in many ways. I was never afraid of working or asking for responsibilities.”

This gained him quick access to new leadership roles. In 1999, Lastra moved to Brazil to take on a managerial role in South America. At 35, he became the president of South America Operations.

From here, he moved between the United States, Germany, and Switzerland serving in various leadership roles. At the time, he and his wife welcomed two daughters into their family. He wanted to give his children the experience of living in South America, so he and his family relocated to Brazil.

Now, Lastra is the President of Latin America ADM based in Sao Paulo. His work directly impacts the growing agricultural production in South America. 

“Companies like ADM give you global exposure, like Illinois did for me,” Lastra said. 

Once an Illini, always an Illini 

“Everything I have achieved can be credited to the U. of I., and not just academically,” Lastra said. 

He continues to stay connected to the college due to its proximity to ADM's U.S. headquarters in Decatur, Illinois, and to former colleagues and mentors with whom he remains in touch. 

“In the short period of time I was on campus, I created a lot of personal relationships that are still so meaningful to me,” Lastra said. He is thankful for friendships with former U. of I. President, Chancellor, and ACES Dean Bob Easter, as well as the current ACES Dean, Germán Bollero. 

“The College of ACES is truly a community. I am so grateful, so I always try to keep up with those relationships and donate regularly.”

Passing on his wisdom

As an international student, Lastra has a unique perspective on his education at Illinois. And he has plenty of advice for current students.  

“Develop your people skills. This is what makes you versatile. This is what makes you stand out,” he said. 

“College and education are among the United States’ strongest assets. Don’t take it for granted. Knock on the door, talk to your professors. Seek new experiences and find opportunities to be exposed to different things,” he said. 

Lastra did not take a moment at Illinois for granted, and, after 32 years of service with ADM, he continues to draw on what he learned at Illinois as he strives to be the best version of himself as a leader in global agriculture. 

Support hands-on learning that connects ACE students to real-world policy and leadership experiences. Make your gift at go.aces.illinois.edu/give. Select “Other” and enter “Agricultural and Consumer Economics Experiential Learning and Leadership Fund 336214.”