Hi, I’m Gabriel Pastrana — a global engineering and automation leader with more than 20 years of experience designing, scaling, and optimizing complex logistics networks across the United States, Latin America, and Europe.

I help organizations transform operational complexity into intelligent, scalable systems by combining strategy, automation, robotics, and intralogistics systems. My work sits at the intersection of technology, execution, and leadership — turning long-term vision into real-world results.

My Journey

I began my career in intralogistics, driven by a fascination with how systems move, how people work, and how technology reshapes operations. Over time, that curiosity evolved into a global career focused on building high-performance logistics ecosystems.

I’ve led engineering, automation, and infrastructure programs for many of the world’s most recognized retail, e-commerce, and logistics brands — including Amazon, Mercado Libre, Microsoft, UPS, Nike, Levi’s, Lululemon, Nordstrom, JCPenney, Puma, and Abercrombie & Fitch, as well as dozens of other organizations across multiple industries and geographies.

My roles have spanned engineering leadership, system design, fulfillment strategy, robotics integration, and enterprise-scale automation deployment.

Today, I serve as Director of Global Engineering at Ingram Micro, overseeing automation and intralogistics initiatives across a global network of 190+ facilities in more than 60 countries. In this role, I lead teams driving large-scale engineering programs and accelerating automation innovation across Ingram Micro’s fulfillment, distribution, and supply-chain operations worldwide.

What I’ve Built

• 500+ automation & robotics systems deployed
• $2.1B+ project portfolio value
• $1B+ logistics networks scaled across three continents
• 300+ fulfillment & transportation facilities across 60+ countries
• Engineering and operations teams grown from 10 to 400+ professionals
• High-performance cross-functional programs spanning engineering, operations, systems, robotics, and software

Across these programs, I’ve helped organizations modernize legacy operations, integrate emerging technologies, and design resilient, high-performing logistics networks capable of supporting long-term growth.

My expertise includes automation strategy, network design, intralogistics solutions, robotics integration, data-driven optimization, and the leadership of large-scale global programs.

How I Lead

My leadership philosophy is built around:

Ownership — Taking responsibility for outcomes, not activities.
Bias to Action — Moving fast with clarity and intent.
Collaboration — Building multidisciplinary teams that operate as one.
Urgency — Driving momentum, alignment, and execution excellence.
Integrity — Communicating clearly, acting transparently, and delivering results.
People First — Empowering teams to grow, innovate, and lead.

I believe automation is only as strong as the people behind it. Technology scales performance — leadership scales impact.

Why I Write

I created Smart Automation, my weekly newsletter, to help leaders stay ahead of the accelerating intersection of automation, robotics, AI, and intralogistics.

My goal is simple:
distill complexity into clear, actionable insights.

I write for engineers, operators, executives, and innovators shaping the next decade of logistics and supply-chain transformation. After 20+ years designing and deploying automation systems, I share real-world lessons — not just theory.

Outside of Work

I’m originally from Spain, and today I split my time between Southern California, and Spain with my wife and son. I’m passionate about systems thinking, health, wellness, investing, and exploring how technology improves human potential.

When I’m not working on large-scale automation programs or writing the newsletter, you’ll usually find me exercising, traveling, or reading about leadership, robotics, and global logistics innovation.