About Us

SGBA Board Members

FROM ANCIENT ROUTES TO FUTURE MARKETS

A Dual Approach for Global Reach

The Spain-Georgia Business Alliance operates under a two-board governance system to ensure representation and impact across its key regions:

Collaboration Across Borders

The boards in Spain and Georgia work in unison to advance the mission and vision of the Spain-Georgia Business Alliance. Together, they:

  • Develop strategies that align with regional and global goals.
  • Ensure that member interests are represented across all connected markets.
  • Foster cross-border collaboration and innovation for sustainable growth.

Meet the individuals driving the success of SGBA and discover how their leadership empowers businesses across regions.

Governance in Spain

  • The Spanish board focuses on building strategic relationships within Europe and Latin America.
  • It fosters collaboration between Spanish and Latin American markets and connects them to Georgia and neighboring regions.
  • This board ensures alignment with EU standards and leverages Spain’s position as a gateway to the European market.
  • The board is located in Madrid.

Board Members in Spain

Vasil Babluani

Position: President

  • Extensive experience in international relations and institutional mediation.

  • Proven track record in attracting investments to Georgia.

  • Managed European projects and organized business forums both within and outside the country.

  • Holds a Master’s degree in Protocol and Institutional Relations from the University of Granada, enhancing his capacity to operate effectively in global environments.

  • Leading the Spain-Georgia Business Alliance and setting its strategic direction.

  • Representing the alliance in international discussions and negotiations.

  • Overseeing initiatives to strengthen cross-border collaborations and attract global investments.

  • Promoting the alliance’s mission to bridge continents and foster sustainable growth.

José Maria F. Ameneiro

Position: Executive Director

  • Academic background in law and journalism.

  • Extensive experience in media, transitioning into communication consultancy for financial firms and industrial groups.

  • Founder of I+C in 1989, specializing in communication strategies.

  • Investor in diverse fields, including Business Process Outsourcing (BPO), Knowledge Process Outsourcing (KPO), and telemedicine.

  • Overseeing communication strategies and ensuring alignment with the alliance’s vision.

  • Leading initiatives that leverage his expertise in BPO, KPO, and telemedicine for innovative collaborations.

  • Strengthening the alliance’s outreach and partnerships across industries.

  • Providing strategic direction in communications and investor relations.

Santiago Torres

Position: Honorary President

  • Former Magistrate and lawyer affiliated with the esteemed Madrid Bar Association.

  • Founding partner of Torres & Oliva Legal Advisory, specializing in legal and international business consultancy.

  • Decorated for his contributions to the judiciary and collaborator with GRECO (Group of States against Corruption) under the Council of Europe.

  • Combines extensive legal experience with academic roles in university education and advising companies on internationalization strategies.

  • Providing honorary guidance and strategic advice to the alliance.

  • Leveraging judicial and legal expertise to strengthen governance frameworks.

  • Supporting member companies in their international expansion efforts.

  • Promoting the alliance’s mission through academic and professional networks.

 

Marie-Claude Marson

Position: Administrator

  • Experienced business strategist with expertise in developing business models and launching premium products, particularly in the wine and beverage industry.
  • Founder of Ambrosia, transitioning from a marketing agency to a wine brand, blending marketing and technological expertise.
  • Knowledgeable about the Georgian market and its economic landscape, with a focus on growth sectors like FMCG, construction, and manufacturing.
  • Skilled in fostering collaboration and developing tailored services to support entrepreneurs and attract investment.
  • Lead SGBA’s strategy, focusing on growth, member services, and economic development initiatives.
  • Drive the implementation of networking events and attract international investment into Georgia.
  • Address financial stability challenges and enhance the Chamber’s purpose by engaging stakeholders and developing impactful solutions.

Carlos Fernández

Position: Members

  • Co-founder and CEO of BrandMad, leading projects in digital marketing and strategic branding.

  • Co-founder and Chief Creative Officer (CCO) of La Demonia Producciones, specializing in innovative and impactful productions.

  • Experienced in communication, labor relations, and business creativity.

  • Driven by a passion for delivering strategic solutions that connect brands with global audiences.

  • Providing expertise in digital marketing and branding to strengthen SGBA’s initiatives.

  • Guiding the alliance’s efforts in creating innovative and impactful campaigns.

  • Enhancing SGBA’s global reach through creative and strategic communication.

  • Supporting member businesses in leveraging branding and marketing for global success.

Javier Ortiz

Position: Member

  • Over 20 years of experience in strategic advisory, M&A, and financial restructuring.
  • Held executive roles, including CEO and Independent Director.
  • Professor at institutions such as the University of Salamanca and Centro de Estudios Garrigues.
  • Led international projects in key sectors including energy, technology, and transportation.
  • Drives strategic initiatives at Adson Partners.
  • Oversees advisory services in M&A and financial restructuring.
  • Leverages extensive international experience to support key projects.

Borja Borrero

Position: Member

  • Executive Director at Interbrand for Iberia, EMEA, and LatAm, overseeing growth opportunities, marketing, and communications.

  • Renowned for elevating creative standards and enhancing the reputation of brands across diverse regions.

  • Frequent jury member at creative festivals and sought-after speaker at marketing and branding forums.

  • Active contributor to academic discussions as a lecturer at national and international universities.

  • Providing strategic insights into branding and marketing for alliance initiatives.

  • Supporting the development of creative and high-impact campaigns for SGBA.

  • Leveraging his expertise to strengthen SGBA’s reputation and visibility in global markets.

  • Facilitating connections between SGBA and thought leaders in the branding and marketing industries.

 

Leticia Lauffer Jiménez

Position: Member

  • Leticia Lauffer Jiménez brings over 15 years of experience in private banking and financial markets, where she led high-performing teams. She later transitioned into the innovation and tech space, founding a blockchain startup and leading global initiatives in collaboration with the UN and the tourism industry to foster sustainable solutions.
  • She now runs two consultancies focused on supporting disruptive, high-impact projects—from cognitive tech for education and productivity to biodiversity-linked sovereign debt swaps. Her strategic insight and cross-sector expertise make her a valuable force in building bridges between innovation, sustainability, and global development.

At SGBA, Leticia’s vision and versatility offer strong potential for driving innovation strategy, sustainable project development, and fostering global partnerships that align with the alliance’s long-term goals.

Aleix Sanmartín

Position: Member

  • Doctorate in Political Communication from the Complutense University of Madrid (UCM).

  • Renowned political strategist with a specialization in designing campaigns that transform the improbable into reality.

  • Proven track record of success in complex scenarios, delivering impactful results through strategic communication.

  • Expert in crafting narratives that inspire, mobilize, and drive meaningful change.

  • Offering strategic guidance on political and organizational communication for SGBA initiatives.

  • Supporting the development of compelling narratives to promote the alliance’s mission.

  • Leveraging his expertise to enhance SGBA’s influence in policy and decision-making circles.

  • Mentoring members on effective communication strategies for cross-border collaborations.

 

Antonio Rubio Campaña

Position: Member

  • President of the Association of Investigative Journalists (API).

  • Director of the Master’s in Investigative Journalism, New Narratives, Data, Fact-Checking, and AI at El Confidencial and the Rey Juan Carlos University (URJC).

  • Distinguished career as Deputy Director at El Mundo, Chief Editor at Cambio 16, and founder of Background.

  • Recipient of prestigious awards, including the Ondas Podcast Award 2022.

  • Combines academic and professional efforts to mentor and shape the next generation of journalists.

  • Offering expertise in investigative journalism and data-driven narratives to enrich SGBA’s communication strategies.

  • Promoting transparency and fact-based reporting in alliance initiatives.

  • Supporting educational programs and workshops for SGBA members.

  • Enhancing SGBA’s outreach through innovative narrative and fact-checking practices.

José López Jaraba

Position: Member

  • Passionate journalist with a career marked by adaptability and embracing the revolutionary changes in communication.

  • Began his career as a graphic editor and journalist, progressing to leading teams and managing projects in television, print, and digital media.

  • Entrepreneurial experience in founding and growing media ventures.

  • Expert in marketing strategies for information outlets, driven by a vision of opportunity and innovation for the future of media.

 

  • Bringing expertise in media innovation and marketing to SGBA’s initiatives.

  • Supporting alliance members in navigating the evolving landscape of digital and traditional media.

  • Enhancing SGBA’s communication strategies to connect effectively with global audiences.

  • Mentoring members on leveraging media opportunities for brand growth and visibility.

⁠⁠José Enrique De La Peña

Position: Member

  • Lawyer with nearly 30 years of experience, specializing in Civil and Commercial Law.
  • Extensive background in advising on international trade missions.
  • Holds academic training in Business Management from Universidad CEU San Pablo and IESE Business School.
  • Serves on various boards of directors, leveraging his expertise in law and business management.
  • Operates across Valencia, Madrid, and Georgia.
  • Leads Ortiz & Asociados, providing expert legal counsel in Civil and Commercial Law.
  • Advises on international trade missions and participates in strategic decision-making at the board level.
  • Manages operations and oversees legal matters across multiple regions.

Galaktion Makhviladze

Position: Member

  • Specialist in oral surgery and implantology with a strong academic and clinical background.
  • Directs the Galaktion Makhviladze Dental Implantology Center in Tbilisi.
  • Actively participates in international conferences and educational projects within the field of dental implantology.
  • Leads the Galaktion Makhviladze Dental Implantology Center, overseeing clinical operations and patient care.
  • Contributes to the advancement of oral surgery and implantology through academic and professional engagements.
  • Supports educational initiatives to advance knowledge in his field on an international level.

Lasha Kalandadze

Position: Founder

  • Managing Partner at Metric Law/Tax LLC.

  • Former Vice President of the Court of Appeals, with extensive experience in Commercial and Banking Law.

  • Leader in international legal projects and contributor to the drafting of Georgia’s legal framework.

  • Renowned expert in international contracts and advisor to major investors.

  • Providing strategic legal guidance to the alliance and its members.

  • Advising on international contracts and cross-border legal matters.

  • Strengthening investor confidence through robust legal frameworks.

  • Supporting the development of policies that align with global business standards.