A Celebration of Excellence: IE Alumni Clubs Inspire Recognition Across Spain

By Nika Sabzevari

When Joaquín Cotoner and José Enrique Canalejo, leaders of IE University’s Balearic Islands and Málaga Alumni Clubs, respectively, sat down to discuss their annual accolades, it became clear that these initiatives are more than just awards—they are spirited celebrations of community, leadership, and impact.

For the Balearic Islands Alumni Club, the “Broche de Otoño” (Autumn Accolade) has become a tradition. In a conversation, Joaquín, one of the club leaders, explained how this recognition honors alumni who embody professional excellence and community engagement. Last year, the accolade went to distinguished figures with outstanding careers, and this year’s winner, Fernando Martos, continues that legacy.

Martos, an accomplished professional with an MBA from IE Business School, has built an impressive career marked by leadership and innovation. Currently serving as CEO of Aspemir Investment, a Member of the Board of Trustees at Fundació Impulsa Balears, and Joint Administrator at ZEL Hotels, he brings a wealth of experience to every role he undertakes. During his MBA, Martos commuted between Mallorca and Madrid, demonstrating his commitment to both his education and his professional endeavors. Now based in Mallorca, he continues to make a significant impact on the island’s business landscape.

“Fernando’s work exemplifies the values we cherish at IE,” said Joaquín. “These awards are about shedding a light on the incredible talent that emerges from our alumni network.”

Cotoner further emphasizes the importance of building lasting relationships and fostering a sense of community that transcends the initial initiative, creating a network of shared impact and collaboration.

“What we aim to do is recognize individuals who have made a meaningful impact on the Balearic Islands in one way or another,” says Joaquín Cotoner. “They might be based in Spain or abroad, have started a business here and moved on, or perhaps were born in Mallorca but are now contributing their talents elsewhere. It’s about building connections.”

Inspired by the Balearic Islands’ initiative, the Málaga Alumni Club launched their own awards program this year. “It began as an idea shared during a coffee break,” recalled José Enrique. “I found this idea fantastic. If this is what they do in the Balearic Islands; maybe we could try something similar in Málaga.”

The Málaga Model: Four Leaders, Four Stories

The Málaga Alumni Club’s inaugural awards showcased the diverse excellence of its members. Guided by criteria that balanced professional achievement with ties to the region, the club recognized four standout individuals across two categories: General Excellence and Technological Innovation.

“Málaga's growing prominence in the technology sector, hosting the Málaga Technology Park and being home to the International Association of Science Parks, influenced this,” said Enrique.

Alicia Serrano Martín, an AMP alumna, has transformed Safamotor, a family business, into one of Spain’s leading multi-brand automotive dealerships. Known for her visionary approach, Alicia has steered the company to national prominence, including becoming Spain’s top Porsche seller. Esther Sánchez, another AMP graduate, has also made her mark in the corporate world. As a key figure at Sando, Andalusia’s largest construction company, she continues to uphold her family’s legacy while driving the company’s success in a competitive national market.

The Technological Innovation category spotlighted forward-thinking leaders shaping Málaga’s growing tech ecosystem.

Ebba Brigitte Lund, a Danish-born “Malagueña by adoption,” serves as President of the International Association of Science Parks. Her leadership reflects Málaga’s growing reputation as a global hub for innovation. Miguel Ángel Arráez, a younger alumnus and tech entrepreneur, founded Check Car, a startup simplifying vehicle inspections through its groundbreaking app. His work underscores the dynamism of Málaga’s startup scene.

Celebrating Community and Connection

The Málaga Club’s awards ceremony was a grand affair, held in Málaga’s historic Russian Museum building. With support from Deputy Mayor Elisa Pérez de Siles and Councilor Alicia Izquierdo, the event underscored the power of collaboration.

“Recognizing our alumni is a way to bring the community together and celebrate Málaga’s growing importance in the tech and business world,” said José Enrique.

Joaquín and José Enrique both emphasized that these initiatives are not just about individual achievements but about fostering a culture of excellence within the IE alumni community.

As these awards gain momentum, they highlight the role of alumni clubs as hubs of inspiration and connection. From the Balearic Islands to Málaga, the initiatives reflect the broader IE spirit: to lead, innovate, and make an impact.

Five Key Lessons in Leadership from the IE Alumni Awards

#1: Recognize Local Talent

Celebrating alumni who have excelled in their regions strengthens community ties and showcases the power of local impact.

#2: Adapt and Innovate

Drawing inspiration from others, like Málaga did with the Balearic Islands Club, demonstrates the importance of adaptability in creating new traditions.

#3: Celebrate Diversity

Whether in gender, profession, or cultural background, these awards highlight the value of diverse perspectives in leadership.

#4: Leverage Strategic Partnerships

Collaborations, like Málaga’s partnership with the City Council, add weight and visibility to such events and encourage meaningful networking.

#5: Foster a Sense of Belonging

Awards programs build pride and engagement within alumni networks, inspiring members to stay connected and contribute.

By leading the way in celebrating alumni excellence, the  Málaga and Balearic Islands Alumni Clubs set a high standard for the next generations to follow. Their efforts exemplify IE's deeply rooted values of striving for excellence and ensuring recognition to outstanding  achievements.