Back in 2020, we shared the inspiring story of Sebastián Villan, our “Finlays Hero”. It was the story of a young man who left school to begin his career in the tea fields of Finlays Argentina, eventually returning to education and graduating as a Higher Technician in Occupational Health and Safety.
Now, that story has gained an important new chapter.
After years of learning, commitment and professional growth at Finlays Argentina, Sebastián has been promoted to Chief of the Health & Safety Department.
His journey is a shining example of our values in action.
Acting for the Long Term
When Sebastián decided to return to his studies in 2016, he knew the challenge would not deliver immediate results. For three years, he balanced work, family life and education, convinced that every effort made today would create better opportunities for tomorrow.
That long-term mindset continues to shape Sebastián’s career today. As a leader, he is helping build a stronger health and safety culture of prevention across both field and factory operations, combining practical experience gained in the tea plantations with training, workplace inspections and proactive risk management. By empowering colleagues to recognise and address risks before incidents occur, he is helping create safer workplaces today while protecting and supporting future generations of employees.
Doing Better Each Time
From his first days working in the tea fields to his current leadership position, Sebastián has never stopped learning.
His interest in health & safety first emerged when he observed the new practices and standards introduced through certification processes. What might have appeared to others as a routine requirement became, for him, an opportunity to make a positive impact.
Throughout his career, he has demonstrated that continuous improvement is not a one-off project, but a mindset. He is always seeking better solutions, more efficient processes and new ways to protect people.
By encouraging teams to identify hazards, report incidents and implement corrective actions, Sebastián continually looks for opportunities to raise workplace safety standards.
Taking Accountability
Sebastián chose to return to his studies, taking on the challenge of balancing multiple responsibilities with commitment and determination.
Today, as Chief of the Health & Safety Department at Finlays Argentina, he brings that same sense of responsibility to an even greater level. His work has a direct impact on the wellbeing of hundreds of people, helping to create safer workplaces and reinforcing a culture where every employee understands their role in prevention and mutual care.
He regularly follows up on safety observations and audit findings, ensuring that actions are completed effectively and that improvements are sustained over time.
Succeeding Together
Although his story reflects remarkable personal effort, Sebastián is always quick to point out that no achievement is accomplished alone.
The support of his family, colleagues and leaders who believed in him, as well as the teams he has worked alongside, has been fundamental at every stage of his development.
Today, he continues to foster that same spirit of collaboration. His leadership style is characterised by listening, supporting others and working together to find solutions. He understands that the best results are achieved when people unite around a common purpose.
Whether working with supervisors, field or management teams, Sebastián believes the strongest safety outcomes are achieved when everyone contributes and shares responsibility.
The Next Chapter
From the tea fields of Misiones to leading the Health & Safety Department, Sebastián Villan’s journey demonstrates that professional growth is possible when talent is combined with hard work, passion and strong values.
He is one of Finlays’ great role models.
His story reminds us that acting for the long term, doing better each time, taking accountability and succeeding together are not just principles that guide us as an organisation — they are values that we live every day. They transform lives and leave a positive mark on every path we choose to follow.
Congratulations, Sebastián, on this well-deserved achievement!
