9 Influential CEOs in Spain Driving Innovation in 2026

Feb 5, 2026

9 Influential CEOs in Spain Driving Innovation in 2026

Vrisha Rongala

Chief Growth Officer

Spain’s economic landscape in 2026 is undergoing an extraordinary transformation, driven by visionary CEOs redefining global standards in banking, fashion, energy, and infrastructure. With Spain projected to lead European economic growth at 2.1% GDP expansion, nearly double the continental average, the nation’s business leaders are demonstrating exceptional strategic acumen in navigating digital transformation, sustainability imperatives, and international expansion.

According to recent market analysis, Spanish companies led by these top executives have a combined market capitalization of over €750 billion and employ millions across Europe and the Americas. These CEOs are not merely managing organizations; they are architecting the future of their industries while maintaining Spain’s competitive edge on the global stage. The demands of executive leadership at this level require continuous renewal, a reality that drives many top leaders to seek transformative experiences that sharpen strategic thinking and combat the isolation inherent in C-suite roles.

This comprehensive guide profiles the top 9 most influential CEOs in Spain, examining their leadership philosophies, transformative initiatives, and the measurable impact they’re creating across sectors. From the fashion revolution led by Inditex to the renewable energy transformation spearheaded by Iberdrola, these leaders exemplify how strategic vision combined with operational excellence drives sustainable growth.

Our Selection Methodology: Identifying Spain’s Elite Business Leaders

Our ranking of Spain’s top 9 CEOs is grounded in rigorous analysis across five critical dimensions that define exceptional leadership in 2026:

Financial Performance (35% weight)

Revenue growth and profitability metrics
Market capitalization expansion
Shareholder value creation
Return on equity and investment efficiency

Strategic Innovation & Digital Transformation (25% weight)

Technology adoption and R&D investment
Business model innovation
Digital infrastructure development
Industry disruption initiatives

Sustainability & ESG Leadership (20% weight)

Carbon neutrality commitments and achievements
Social impact programs and community engagement
Governance excellence and transparency
Circular economy initiatives

Global Influence & Market Position (15% weight)

International expansion success
Industry recognition and awards
Thought leadership and policy influence
Brand reputation and value

Organizational Excellence & Culture (5% weight)

Employee satisfaction and engagement scores
Diversity and inclusion metrics
Leadership development programs
Innovation culture fostering

Our Selection Methodology: Identifying Spain’s Elite Business Leaders

1. Marta Ortega Pérez - Chairwoman, Inditex

Leading the World’s Fashion Empire

Marta Ortega Pérez stands at the helm of the world’s most valuable fashion company, Inditex, which she chairs alongside CEO Óscar García Maceiras. As the daughter of founder Amancio Ortega, Marta has proven she’s far more than a legacy appointment; she’s a transformative leader reshaping global fashion retail for the digital age.

Since assuming the non-executive chairwoman role in April 2022, Ortega has overseen Inditex’s aggressive digital transformation while maintaining the company’s legendary fast-fashion model. Under her leadership, the company has integrated artificial intelligence into its supply chain, reduced time-to-market for new designs, and expanded its sustainable fashion initiatives. The company’s market capitalization has soared to over €175 billion, making it Spain’s most valuable corporation and Europe’s fashion retail champion.

Key Achievements:

Oversaw double-digit revenue growth, reaching €35.9 billion annually
Implemented AI-driven inventory management across 5,600+ stores globally
Advanced sustainability commitments with 100% sustainable fabrics by 2025
Maintained family business values while driving innovation

Ortega’s strategic vision emphasizes three pillars: technological innovation, sustainability leadership, and the maintenance of Inditex’s unique vertical integration model. Her hands-on approach, honed through 15 years working across various Inditex brands, brings operational depth to strategic decisions. The fashion industry watches closely as she balances tradition with disruption, proving that family-led businesses can thrive in the digital economy.

2. Héctor Grisi - CEO, Banco Santander

Transforming European Banking Leadership

Héctor Grisi took the helm of Banco Santander, one of Europe’s largest financial institutions, in January 2023, bringing over 35 years of international banking expertise. His appointment marked a pivotal moment for the bank as it navigates digital disruption, regulatory complexity, and evolving customer expectations across its operations spanning 10 countries.

Grisi’s leadership philosophy centers on digital transformation, operational efficiency, and sustainable finance. Under his guidance, Santander has accelerated investment in fintech partnerships, cloud infrastructure, and AI-powered customer service platforms. His background leading Santander Mexico and serving as Regional Head of North America provides him with invaluable insights into diverse market dynamics.

Strategic Priorities:

Digital banking expansion with €5+ billion technology investment
Simplified organizational structure for enhanced agility
Sustainable finance leadership targeting €220 billion in green financing
Enhanced shareholder returns through efficiency gains

The CEO’s results speak volumes: Santander reported record profits exceeding €15.8 billion in 2024, driven by Grisi’s focus on high-growth markets and digital channels. His emphasis on “simple, personal, and fair” banking resonates with customers seeking transparent financial services. Executive Chairwoman Ana Botín praises Grisi’s complementary leadership style, noting his operational rigor balances perfectly with the board’s strategic oversight.

3. Ana Botín - Executive Chairwoman, Banco Santander

Fourth-Generation Banking Dynasty Leader

Ana Patricia Botín represents the fourth generation of the Botín family to lead Banco Santander, bringing both heritage and innovation to Spain’s largest bank. Since assuming the role of executive chairwoman in September 2014, she has orchestrated a comprehensive cultural and commercial transformation that positions Santander as a global banking leader serving 175 million customers.

Botín’s decade-long tenure has been marked by bold strategic moves: divesting non-core assets, investing heavily in digital infrastructure, and championing diversity in leadership. Under her watch, Santander has consistently ranked among the world’s most sustainable banks while delivering strong financial performance even during economic turbulence.

Legacy of Leadership:

Increased market capitalization by over 40% during her tenure
Championed €400 million investment in education and employability by 2026
Led banking sector advocacy for reduced European regulatory burden
Advanced women in leadership with 35% female representation on the management committee

Her leadership extends beyond Santander; Botín serves on numerous international advisory boards and is recognized as one of the world’s most powerful women in business. She advocates for friendly consolidation in European banking, warning that excessive fragmentation undermines competitiveness against American and Asian giants. Her vision of a more integrated European banking market reflects strategic thinking that transcends individual institutional interests.

4. Onur Genç - CEO, BBVA

Digital Banking Pioneer and Strategic Transformer

Turkish-born Onur Genç has distinguished himself as one of Europe’s most innovative banking CEOs since taking over as BBVA’s CEO in January 2019. With dual Turkish-Spanish heritage and international experience spanning McKinsey consulting and leadership at Garanti Bank, Genç brings a unique global perspective to Spanish banking.

Genç’s transformative impact centers on positioning BBVA as the digital bank of choice. His strategic blueprint emphasizes data-driven decision making, mobile-first customer experience, and aggressive investment in artificial intelligence and machine learning capabilities. BBVA’s mobile app, widely regarded as industry-leading, processes millions of transactions daily with unprecedented speed and security.

Transformation Highlights:

Digital customers surpassed 50 million, representing 80% of sales
Technology investment exceeding 10% of operating expenses annually
Simplified geographic footprint focusing on high-potential markets
Proposed Banco Sabadell acquisition to create Spanish banking champion

Under Genç’s leadership, BBVA has consistently been recognized by Time magazine and financial analysts as one of the world's best banks. His focus on operational efficiency, achieving a best-in-class efficiency ratio below 45%, demonstrates that digital transformation drives both customer satisfaction and profitability. His proposed acquisition of Banco Sabadell, pending regulatory approval, would create an asset powerhouse of €800+ billion, solidifying Spain’s banking leadership in Europe.

5. Ignacio Sánchez Galán - Executive Chairman, Iberdrola

Renewable Energy Visionary and Sustainability Champion

Ignacio Sánchez Galán has transformed Iberdrola from a traditional utility into the world’s leading renewable energy company over his remarkable 25-year tenure. His prescient vision to pivot toward clean energy in the early 2000s, long before climate change dominated corporate agendas, positioned Iberdrola as a global sustainability leader.

Born in Salamanca in 1950, Galán’s industrial engineering background informs his technically grounded yet strategically ambitious leadership style. Under his guidance, Iberdrola has invested over €150 billion in renewable infrastructure, deploying wind, solar, and hydroelectric assets across four continents. The company serves 42 million customers through subsidiaries, including ScottishPower in the UK and Avangrid in the United States.

Renewable Energy Leadership:

Renewable capacity exceeding 40,000 MW globally
€41 billion investment plan announced through 2026
Carbon intensity reduced 50% since 2007
Created 10,000+ green jobs in recent expansion

Galán’s recent appearance at Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week 2026 underscored his thought leadership on electrification acceleration. He argues persuasively that scaling renewable energy deployment is essential not just for climate goals but for price stability, energy security, and job creation. His call for reduced regulatory barriers and streamlined permitting processes reflects pragmatic wisdom earned through decades of navigating complex energy transitions.

As Iberdrola celebrates its 125th anniversary in 2026, Galán’s legacy as the architect of its renewable transformation seems secure. His succession planning, appointing Pedro Azagra as CEO in June 2025 while retaining the executive chairman role, demonstrates a commitment to continuity while allowing fresh perspectives.

6. Gonzalo Gortázar - CEO, CaixaBank

Digital Banking Innovator and Merger Integration Expert

Gonzalo Gortázar has led CaixaBank, Spain’s third-largest bank by market share, since June 2014, establishing himself as one of Europe’s most effective bank executives. His leadership has been characterized by successful merger integration, digital innovation, and maintaining strong profitability despite challenging interest rate environments.

Born in Madrid in 1965, Gortázar holds dual degrees in Law and Business from ICADE and an MBA with distinction from INSEAD. His financial acumen, demonstrated previously as CaixaBank’s CFO, provides a deep operational understanding that complements strategic vision. Analysts consistently rate him among Europe’s best bank CEOs for his transparent communication and consistent execution.

Banking Excellence:

Successfully integrated the Bankia acquisition, creating a Spanish banking leader
€5 billion technology investment announced for 2025-2027
Industry-leading efficiency ratio demonstrating operational excellence
Maintained dividend growth throughout economic cycles

Gortázar’s strategic plan emphasizes digital transformation while preserving CaixaBank’s extensive physical network, a balance that competitors struggle to achieve. His recent commitment to invest over €5 billion in technology over three years signals ambitious plans for AI integration, cybersecurity enhancement, and customer experience improvements. This investment, representing approximately 20% of the bank’s market capitalization, demonstrates conviction that digital leadership requires sustained, substantial commitment.

7. Josu Jon Imaz - CEO, Repsol

Energy Transition Strategist Balancing Tradition and Innovation

Josu Jon Imaz has guided Repsol, Spain’s integrated energy champion, since April 2014, navigating one of the industry’s most challenging periods marked by commodity price volatility, climate activism, and energy transition pressures. His background in chemical sciences, including a PhD from the University of the Basque Country, informs his technically sophisticated approach to complex energy challenges.

Imaz’s leadership has been defined by a pragmatic energy transition strategy: acknowledging the continuing role of hydrocarbons while systematically building renewable and low-carbon businesses. This balanced approach contrasts with peers pursuing more radical pivots, yet Repsol’s financial performance validates his methodology. The company maintains strong upstream operations while advancing toward carbon neutrality by 2050.

Strategic Evolution:

Advanced asset decarbonization initiatives across operations
Expanded renewable energy capacity targeting 20 GW by 2030
Maintained dividend sustainability through commodity cycles
A recent White House meeting discussed the expansion of Venezuela operations expansion

His recent participation in President Trump’s energy roundtable at the White House, where he discussed tripling Repsol’s production in Venezuela, demonstrates his willingness to pursue controversial opportunities aligned with energy security goals. This pragmatic approach, prioritizing reliable energy supply alongside transition ambitions, reflects recognition that energy transitions occur over decades, not years.

8. Ignacio Madridejos - CEO, Ferrovial

Infrastructure Visionary Driving Global Expansion

Ignacio Madridejos leads Ferrovial, Spain’s infrastructure and construction powerhouse, having assumed the CEO role in September 2023. A civil engineer from Madrid’s Polytechnical University with an MBA from Stanford, Madridejos combines technical expertise with global business acumen developed over decades in infrastructure development.

His leadership coincides with Ferrovial’s historic transformation: relocating the company’s primary listing from Madrid to Amsterdam in 2023 and establishing a triple listing including NASDAQ. These bold moves position Ferrovial for enhanced access to international capital markets and expanded opportunities, particularly in the lucrative North American infrastructure market.

Infrastructure Leadership:

Successfully executed triple listing strategy (Amsterdam, Madrid, NASDAQ)
Expanded US airport portfolio, including key positions in major hubs
Advanced sustainable infrastructure development practices
Maintained strong project delivery across 15+ countries

Madridejos emphasizes the enormous opportunities in US infrastructure modernization, particularly airport privatization and public-private partnerships. In recent interviews, he noted that American traffic congestion and aging infrastructure create compelling investment cases for Ferrovial’s expertise. His vision extends beyond traditional construction to encompass smart infrastructure integrating digital technologies, sustainable materials, and resilient design principles.

9. Maurici Lucena - Chairman & CEO, Aena

Aviation Infrastructure Leader Driving Sustainability

Maurici Lucena leads Aena, the world’s largest airport operator by passenger numbers, managing 46 airports and two heliports across Spain. His leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated crisis management excellence, navigating unprecedented passenger collapse while preserving operational capabilities for recovery.

Lucena’s ambitious vision includes making all Spanish airports carbon neutral by 2026, among the industry’s most aggressive environmental commitments. This sustainability leadership complements strategic initiatives that expand capacity at congested hubs like Barcelona-El Prat while enhancing the passenger experience through digital innovation.

Aviation Leadership:

Managing 300+ million annual passenger movements
Advancing the carbon neutrality program ahead of schedule
Approved €1+ billion investment in Canary Islands airport expansion
Enhanced digital passenger services and biometric processing

His recent presentation of Barcelona airport expansion plans highlights Aena’s growth trajectory. Lucena argues persuasively that aviation infrastructure investments drive economic development, tourism growth, and international connectivity, benefits far exceeding construction costs. His pragmatic approach balances environmental commitments with recognition that mobility drives prosperity.

Leadership Lessons from Spain’s Top CEOs

Several common threads unite these diverse leaders, offering valuable insights for aspiring executives:

Long-Term Vision Over Short-Term Gains: Leaders like Galán and Botín demonstrate that sustained commitment to strategic direction, even during market skepticism, ultimately drives superior outcomes.
Digital Transformation as Imperative: Whether banking, fashion, or energy, every top CEO recognizes digital capabilities as fundamental to competitive advantage, not an optional enhancement.
Sustainability as Strategic Opportunity: Rather than viewing environmental commitments as constraints, Spain’s leading CEOs position sustainability as an innovation driver, talent attractor, and market differentiator.

Operational Excellence Foundations: Strategic vision means little without execution discipline. The best CEOs obsess over efficiency, quality, and consistency in core operations.

Conclusion

Spain’s top 9 CEOs exemplify how visionary leadership combined with operational excellence drives exceptional organizational performance and national economic prosperity. From Inditex’s fashion revolution to Iberdrola’s renewable energy leadership, from BBVA’s digital banking transformation to Ferrovial’s infrastructure innovation, these leaders are redefining industry standards while positioning Spain at the forefront of European business excellence.

As Spain leads European economic growth projections for 2026, the strategic decisions these CEOs make today will shape not only their organizations’ futures but also the broader trajectory of Spanish and European business. Their commitment to innovation, sustainability, and stakeholder value creation provides a powerful leadership blueprint for the digital age.

For organizations seeking to develop similar leadership capabilities within their own teams, investing in advanced, immersive leadership development experiences is essential. Imperium supports senior leaders through executive retreats, curated strategic dialogue, and executive learning environments designed to strengthen foresight, decision-making, and transformational leadership.

Vrisha Rongala

Ms. Vrisha Rongala is the Chief Growth Officer at Edstellar, where she leads brand and growth strategy. She began her career at JWT and Saatchi & Saatchi, working on campaigns for global brands including Infosys and Microsoft. At Edstellar, she has shaped the company’s identity and strengthened its enterprise presence as a one-stop talent development partner. She now leads Imperium, an executive strategy retreat for CEOs and founders focused on clear thinking and peer-level dialogue.

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