Francisco González: “Mexico is destined to play a leading role”
Mexican president Enrique Peña Nieto has honored Francisco González with the Mexican Order of the Aztec Eagle in recognition of his professional career. At the awards ceremony, BBVA Group Executive Chairman extended his gratitude and expressed confidence in the future of the country. “Mexico is destined to play a leading role in the community of nations. It has everything: resources, keen, hard-working people and its geographical location.”
The Aztec Eagle is the highest distinction granted by the Mexican government to non-Mexicans. Previous winners include the founder of Microsoft, Bill Gates and Nobel Prize winners such as Amartya Sen, Rigoberta Menchú and Nadine Gordimer.
Francisco González received the Plaque category of the award in Mexico City during the annual meeting of BBVA Bancomer Regional Advisors. “To form part of this group of people, who without being Mexican, have shown through their deeds their respect and affection for this great nation is a source of great pride for me,” he said. "I have always said that the fact of just being in Mexico is very revitalizing. And to receive this important distinction from your government corroborates the very special commitment of BBVA and myself with this country."
During his speech, Francisco González reminded those present that BBVA “has devoted significant investments and its experience and talent to this great country always with the idea in mind of creating more opportunities for companies, families and individuals. Mexico has grown with BBVA and BBVA with Mexico.”
"The fact of just being in Mexico is very revitalizing. And to receive this important distinction from your government corroborates the very special commitment of BBVA and myself with this country."
Mexican president Enrique Peña Nieto has honored Francisco González with the Mexican Order of the Aztec Eagle
Since its creation in 2000 with the merger of BBVA-Probursa with Bancomer, the bank “has grown as the leading financial institution in Mexico and one of the biggest in Latin America.” It currently has more than 36,000 employees, 1,840 branches, 11,700 ATMs and through its digital channels serves more than 19 million customers. “BBVA Bancomer not only is the best bank for its customers, it is also actively engaged with society as the largest tax contributor in Mexico, setting aside 1% of its profits to social programs,” Francisco González said.
He also acknowledged during his address before the Mexican authorities the progress made by the country through structural reforms in energy, telecommunications and education as well as “the responsible management of the economy and public finances.”
He also made reference to the forthcoming presidential elections on July 1. In his opinion, the new government should “continue to work to make the vision that all of its citizens have of Mexico a reality.” This, he added, “requires a great deal of realism, perseverance and pragmatism as well as leadership that unites, adds to and builds on the good things that have already been achieved.”