CHICAGO — Daniel Servitje, chief executive officer of Grupo Bimbo S.A.B. de C.V., became the first non-U.S. executive to receive the International Executive of the Year Award from the Chicago Executives’ Club, an organization founded in 1911 that brings together the most important business leaders, academics, government officials, diplomats and philanthropists.

The award was established in 1995 to recognize business leaders who have made exceptional contributions to the global business community. Past recipients include Bill Gates, chairman and c.e.o. of Microsoft, and Samuel J. Palmisano, chairman and c.e.o. of IBM Corp.

During the awards ceremony Mr. Servitje discussed the sustained growth of the Bimbo, Marinela and Barcel brands in the United States. The brands serve mainly Mexican and Latino consumers living in the United States and are expanding to serve consumers in other markets, he said. Mr. Servitje noted the brands first were introduced to the U.S. market in Chicago, Los Angeles and Houston and now are expanding nationwide.

“Daniel Servitje is a true global leader; hence, we are very pleased to give him this well-deserved acknowledgement,” said Ilene Gordon, chairman, president and c.e.o. of Ingredion, Inc., and chairman of the Chicago Executives’ Club.