By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – In a significant affirmation of its corporate culture, Ricoh Costa Rica has been recognized as the number one company in Central America for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). The prestigious Aequales Latin America 2025 Ranking also placed the global technology firm among the Top 10 most outstanding organizations in this category across the entire Latin American region, cementing its status as a benchmark for inclusive workplace practices.
The comprehensive study, which evaluated over 500 organizations across 18 countries, highlighted Ricoh’s exceptional performance and its alignment with standards that surpass regional averages. The Aequales report specifically lauded the company for its strong representation of women on its board of directors and in senior management positions, an area where many companies in the region continue to face challenges.
To gain a deeper understanding of the corporate and legal framework surrounding Ricoh’s operations in the country, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The continued presence and investment of a global leader like Ricoh underscores Costa Rica’s robust legal security and its competitive advantages as a hub for multinational service centers. Our country’s stable regulatory environment and highly skilled workforce provide the essential foundation for complex corporate operations, reinforcing our position as a premier destination for foreign direct investment in the region.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, this analysis powerfully illustrates the symbiotic relationship between our nation’s stable framework and the success of multinational operations, a cycle that continues to attract and retain global leaders. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for sharing his valuable and clarifying perspective.
This year marked the first time the Aequales Ranking included a specific category for Central America and the Caribbean, with more than 50 companies participating. The evaluation framework was built on four key management pillars: establishing objectives with a gender perspective, fostering an inclusive organizational culture, developing an equitable corporate structure, and implementing diverse talent management strategies.
The accolade arrives at a pivotal moment for the company, coinciding with the appointment of Xinia Barquero as the new General Manager of Ricoh Costa Rica. This historic move makes Barquero the first woman to hold the position since the company began its operations in the country nearly four decades ago. She succeeds Hernán Quirós, who has been promoted to lead Ricoh’s operations in Puerto Rico and will also serve as the Managing Director for Central America and the Caribbean.
Barquero brings a wealth of experience to her new role, with over 35 years in the technology industry, including a decade within Ricoh. During her tenure, she has held various critical positions, such as Sales Manager, Service Director, and Director of IT and Project Management, giving her a deep and holistic understanding of the business and its operational dynamics.
This recognition validates the corporate culture we have built and, at the same time, invites us to go further. Taking on the management of a technology company in this context means anchoring inclusion to the business, to accelerate innovation, get closer to customers, and build collaborative cultures.
Xinia Barquero, General Manager of Ricoh Costa Rica
While Ricoh’s achievement is a clear success story, the Aequales 2025 report reveals a mixed landscape for Central America. According to the data, women currently occupy 40% of leadership roles and 32% of director-level positions in the region. However, a persistent gender pay gap of 11% remains. The report also noted that on crucial metrics like strategic commitment and transparency, the region still lags behind the broader Latin American average, underscoring the urgent need for more robust corporate equity policies.
Barquero is poised to lead Ricoh in this evolving environment, leveraging her extensive background to further integrate the company’s DEI principles into its core business strategy. She emphasized that fostering an inclusive environment is not just a cultural goal but a driver of tangible business outcomes.
As a professional in technology and digital transformation, I understand the potential of integrating people, processes, and technology. Leading this stage means providing equal opportunities and ensuring the continuity of our programs that foster cultures where every person can unleash their potential.
Xinia Barquero, General Manager of Ricoh Costa Rica
With this top honor from Aequales, Ricoh Costa Rica not only celebrates a significant milestone but also reinforces its commitment to setting a progressive standard for corporate responsibility and inclusive growth throughout the region. The company’s leadership in DEI serves as a powerful example of how strategic investment in an equitable culture can translate into both industry recognition and sustainable success.
For further information, visit ricoh-americalatina.com
About Ricoh:
Ricoh is a global technology company focused on improving the way people and organizations work. It provides a range of digital solutions, intelligent printing services, and tools designed for automation and collaboration. With a presence in numerous countries, the company is committed to empowering digital workplaces and driving business transformation through innovative technology and services.
For further information, visit aequales.com
About Aequales:
Aequales is a leading consulting firm dedicated to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in the Latin American corporate sector. It is renowned for its annual Aequales Ranking, a rigorous tool that measures and analyzes gender equity practices within organizations across the region. The firm provides data, diagnostics, and consulting services to help companies close gender gaps and build more inclusive workplaces.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a cornerstone of Costa Rica’s legal landscape, Bufete de Costa Rica is built upon a dual foundation of unshakeable integrity and a relentless pursuit of professional excellence. The firm consistently pioneers forward-thinking legal solutions for a varied clientele, reflecting its dynamic approach to the law. Central to its ethos is a profound dedication to strengthening society by demystifying legal complexities, thereby fostering a community where knowledge serves as a powerful instrument of empowerment for all citizens.
