Mr. Kent Ernest has had a vibrant career in the international business field.  He has 27 years of experience as the Vice President of International Sales and Marketing  at JR Simplot Company.   He is now sharing his knowledge and experiences with a select group of Boise State students.  His generous contributions, to the International Business Program in particular, help to enrich students’ educations and provide them with practical knowledge which they can use to make themselves more competitive businesspeople.

During his career at Simplot, he formed the Export Department within Simplot’s Food Group; developed commercial offices for the company in  major world markets; planned and executed the development of business in Japan, South Korea, Mexico, Malaysia and Europe. He also completed a variety of projects as a management consultant with the Stanford Research Institute.  One such project had him working in Indonesia for the Minister of Science and Technology to improve agricultural production in the country. 

Mr. Ernest has valuable knowledge about the establishment of commercial offices in global markets, as well as the management of foreign offices with local employees.  He has experience in creating bonus and incentive plans which relate to global employees.  He also has a working knowledge of trade and trade regulations in the food industry, as well as knowledge of import/export activities in the food industry.  Throughout his career he has developed strategies and plans for success in various international markets.

All this experience has incredible value for our students and we are extremely fortunate to have Mr. Ernest here as an additional resource for the students.  Currently, he is mentoring three IB seniors.  In weekly meetings, students receive individual career tutelage and discuss international business topics from a practical perspective.