Jack Irving Cohen: pioneer of pharmaceutical distribution in Guatemala

Due to his work with Agencias J.I. Cohen, Jack Irving Cohen has become a key figure in Guatemala’s business history. His entrepreneurial vision transformed the country’s pharmaceutical distribution model and laid the foundation for a company that continues to innovate and lead with purpose.

Building a legacy of innovation and ethics

Agencias J.I. Cohen, founded by Jack Irving Cohen and currently led by Alberto Cohen Mory, began operations in 1952. From the outset, the company stood out for its ethical foundation, commitment to social responsibility, and focus on operational excellence.

Cohen’s leadership was ahead of its time. He introduced a business culture rooted in:

• Ethics and integrity across all operations
• Strong social responsibility through sustainability and human rights policies
• Early adoption of advanced logistics technologies

Thanks to these principles, the company became a national benchmark in pharmaceutical access, ensuring the delivery of high-quality medications throughout Guatemala.

A forward-thinking logistics model

Agencias J.I. Cohen has consistently invested in cutting-edge infrastructure to support its mission. Highlights of its operations include:

• Advanced storage systems based on FEFO traceability
• Cold rooms with triple energy redundancy
• Robotic automation in dispatch processes

These capabilities have positioned the company as a reliable logistics operator both locally and in international trade.

Sustainable growth with national impact

The company’s evolution reflects the enduring legacy of Jack Irving Cohen. Today, it operates:

• An automated distribution center—the first of its kind in Guatemala—with robotics to increase speed and accuracy
• A certification as an Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) from Guatemala’s SAT since 2014, reinforcing its credibility in the global supply chain
• Corporate social responsibility practices aligned with international standards, including human rights and community engagement

Agencias J.I. Cohen has also played an indirect yet crucial role in public health, particularly through the distribution of innovative vaccines like the one for Human Papillomavirus (HPV), improving preventive healthcare access nationwide.

A legacy that lives on

Jack Irving Cohen did more than launch a business—he created a business philosophy grounded in purpose, efficiency, and responsibility. His values continue to guide the company under the leadership of Alberto Cohen Mory, proving that responsible leadership can drive both profitability and national progress.