# Françoise Lavertu Stevens

> Françoise Lavertu Stevens is co-founder and co-CEO of Desteia, an AI company focused on cross-border trade operations. A Canadian and Mexican citizen, she previously led Tesla markets in Mexico, Latin America and the southeastern United States, following roles at L’Oréal, Louis Vuitton, Walmart and El Palacio de Hierro. Her experience spans brand building, operations, advisory work and company boards.

- **Role:** Co-Founder & Co-CEO at Desteia
- **Organizations:** Desteia (formerly Auba), Tesla, South View Studio, Utelias, L’Oréal, Louis Vuitton (LVMH), Walmart, El Palacio de Hierro, Logistic Properties of the Americas, Spectrum (Grupo Pantaleon), Solfium, Kronia Technologies, Endeavor
- **Nationality:** Canadian and Mexican
- **Education:** Bachelor of Commerce, McGill University, Master’s degree in Statistics, HEC, Top Management program, ITAM
- **Known for:** Helped launch Tesla’s Mexican market and led broader regional operations., Led Model X, Model 3 and energy-product introductions in her Tesla markets., Co-founded Desteia with Diego Solorzano and Austin Poore.

## Career timeline

- **Before 2015** — Worked at L’Oréal, Louis Vuitton, Walmart and El Palacio de Hierro; a 2014 interview identifies her as Palacio’s communications and advertising director.
- **2015-2018** — Served in country and regional general management at Tesla, including Mexico, Latin America and the southeastern United States.
- **2019-2023** — Co-founded and worked at South View Studio and Utelias.
- **2023** — Co-founded the AI supply chain business originally called Auba, now Desteia; LPA’s July 2024 biography dates her co-CEO role to April 2023.
- **2024** — Joined Logistic Properties of the Americas as an independent director on July 15.
- **2025** — Desteia announced an $8 million seed round on February 4, taking total funding to $11.5 million.
- **2026** — Discussed Desteia’s Auto-MVE customs document preparation product in a May 24 FreightWaves interview.

## Achievements

- Helped launch Tesla’s Mexican market and led broader regional operations.
- Led Model X, Model 3 and energy-product introductions in her Tesla markets.
- Co-founded Desteia with Diego Solorzano and Austin Poore.
- Desteia announced $11.5 million in cumulative funding in February 2025.
- Appointed independent director of Logistic Properties of the Americas in July 2024.
- Served on the Mexican selection committee and international jury for the Clean Energy Challenge.

## Latest updates

- **2026-05** — Discussed Auto-MVE in a May 24 FreightWaves interview, describing a product developed after customers requested help applying document collection to customs compliance.
- **2025-09** — Announced plans to host the Logistics AI Summit in Mexico City on October 3, 2025.
- **2025-02** — Desteia announced an $8 million seed funding round, bringing total financing to $11.5 million.

## Links

- Website: https://desteia.com/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/francoiselavertu
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flavertu/

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Profile page: https://yespress.io/francoise-lavertu-stevens
Published by YesPress — https://yespress.io
Last updated: 2026-10-21