Francisco González, recognized as "a great innovator in banking"

Mateo Valero, computer science professor and director of the National Supercomputing Center, presented the award to Francisco González. The computer scientist underscored the BBVA Chairman’s role as key promoter of the bank and the sector’s transformation, and his commitment to ethics.

Recapping his career during his acceptance speech, Francisco González explained how, from the beginning, he knew that technological innovation – apart from how exciting it is on its own – is the most powerful driver of economic and social change, as well as a source of opportunities for everyone.

With this vision in mind, BBVA began its transformation more than a decade ago - a process that not only affected technological aspects of the bank, he said. Instead, it meant a “profound change” on multiple fronts – from corporate structure to procedures, channels, products, talent, corporate culture and design.

In his opinion, the keys to the success of BBVA’s transformation are a strategic vision, staff and ethics, but also perseverance. Francisco González emphasized that, “Today we know that our transformation project is a benchmark for the financial industry.” He also warned that a lot of work still needs to be done.

El Español honored BBVA’s Group Executive Chairman with this award for being “the man who reprogrammed the banking industry in Spain.” The publication also commended him for preparing the bank “to overcome the worst financial crisis of his generation” while maintaining “the ambition of turning the bank into a digital innovation leader.”

The awards ceremony took place at the Palace Hotel in Madrid, coinciding with the third anniversary of the online newspaper’s launch. In addition to Francisco González, El Español also recognized soccer player Sergio Ramos ('Lion for the Best Athlete') and Fernando Raigal, the diver who helped to rescue the children trapped in a cave in Thailand ('Lion for Solidarity').