Our Ambassadors
Meet them!
The program is designed for professionals affiliated with Valencia who have extensive experience and recognition in the business, academic, scientific, and public fields at an international level, and strong emotional ties to the city.
This honorary title of Ambassador not only celebrates their achievements, but also grants them the responsibility to actively contribute to the promotion and positioning of Valencia from their respective areas of global influence. With the necessary institutional support and access to specific resources, the chosen individuals have the mission to present the city as a modern, innovative, and connected hub.
By acting as bridges between Valencia and the rest of the world, they facilitate the exchange of ideas, attract strategic investments, and promote the city’s image as an ideal destination for the development of global projects.
The program reflects Valencia’s commitment to progress driven by its community and international collaboration, solidifying its position as a platform to build a more prosperous and connected future.
Meet all our Ambassadors
ENRIQUE ALBEROLA
Enrique Alberola Ila worked at the BIS (Bank for International Settlements) between 2014 and 2022. He initially served as Head of the Americas Office, based in Mexico City, and in his later years, he was an Advisor at the headquarters in Basel, where he was responsible for developing relationships with Africa and the Middle East. He is currently an Advisor at the Bank of Spain and the editor-in-chief of the institution’s new blog.
He obtained his degree in Economics from the University of Valencia (1990), where he was a scholarship holder and began his doctoral studies, collaborating with the Valencian Institute for Economic Research, which was just starting its journey at that time. He holds a Master’s and PhD in Economics from the European University Institute in Florence (1995).
After a brief stint as a professor at the University of Salamanca, he started his career at the Bank of Spain in 1996. He was the first head of the Latin American Economies Unit at the newly created Directorate General for International Affairs (2001). Upon leaving the Bank of Spain, he held the position of Executive Coordinator of that Directorate General.
His main area of expertise is international financial macroeconomics, with a focus on emerging and European economies. He has published numerous articles in specialized journals and, more recently, the book Fiscal Policy in a Turbulent Era. He has also taught at institutions such as the Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Universidad Carlos III, the Ortega y Gasset Institute, the University of Valencia, and CIDE in Mexico.
CHRISTIAN ALMENAR
Christian García Almenar is a serial entrepreneur from Valencia, specializing in cybersecurity, and an investor in tech startups.
With a 10-year career in Silicon Valley, he is currently the CEO and founder of Monad, a company that has raised over $20 million from renowned investors such as Sequoia Capital and Index Ventures. Monad focuses on solving complex security data problems for businesses in the United States.
Previously, Christian founded Intrinsic, a security systems company based on technology developed at Stanford University’s Security Systems Laboratory, which was acquired by VMware (Dell).
He holds a degree in Electrical Engineering from The Cooper Union in New York and also studied Telecommunications Engineering at the Polytechnic University of Valencia.
CARLOS BERTOMEU
Carlos Bertomeu is the founder and president of Air Nostrum, a Spanish regional airline.
Born in Valencia, he holds a degree in Economics from the Universitat de València and an MBA from the Instituto de Empresa (IE), where he graduated top of his class.
In addition to his role at Air Nostrum, Bertomeu has served as a board member of Vueling and is currently the vice president of the European Regional Airlines Association (ERA), among other positions in various organizations.
MARISA COCA
Marisa Coca is a prominent global leader in strategic investment and international development, born and raised in Valencia. With a solid background in international business, she has worked with multinational corporations, government entities, and key investors across Europe, America, and Asia, leading high-impact projects that connect cultures and economies. Her approach is centered on global collaboration and sustainable economic growth.
What sets Marisa apart is her ability to connect with people and lead diverse teams, building trust-based relationships and promoting the empowerment of individuals. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated that the success of any initiative relies on creating opportunities for shared growth.
Despite her international achievements, Marisa remains deeply connected to Valencia, advocating for its potential as an investment hub and center of creativity. Her career began in this city, where she honed her skills and developed the innovative vision that now defines her global work.
Skills and Experience
- Global Investment Strategy: Designing and implementing frameworks that attract international investment.
- Multicultural Leadership: Leading diverse teams and building transnational partnerships.
- People Development: Inspiring and empowering individuals to reach their full potential.
- Sustainability Advocacy: Driving initiatives that balance economic, environmental, and social priorities.
Marisa Coca is an example of commitment to progress, a Valencia ambassador on the global stage who combines her local roots with an international vision to lead innovative solutions and foster economic prosperity.
ROCÍO ESTEVE
High-level IT executive with over 20 years of experience in business solutions. Brings an integrated perspective of business and IT. Extensive experience in: Architecture, Strategic Planning, PMO, Controlling, Integration/M&A, CRM, Project and Program Management, Software Development, Consulting.
Founding partner of a venture capital fund focused on seed investments in early-stage technology companies.
Co-founder and board member of an organization that drives business growth and innovation between Spain and California.
Consultant for several multinational companies to improve business processes (ERP implementations, incentive compensation, manufacturing & distribution).
Creative thinker with excellent planning, execution, and governance skills. Highly adaptable to complex and dynamic environments, with a strong balance between strategy and action, business-focused, and results-oriented. Extensive experience in leading change processes and defining IT strategic plans. International experience (Europe and the U.S.).
RAÚL GARCÍA
Raúl García Llopis is a professional with extensive experience in strategic management and maritime operations, as well as in aviation and business administration. He is currently the Director of Naviera del Mercosur at Boluda Corporación Marítima, a position he has held since March 2023, leading key commercial operations in Asunción, Paraguay.
Previously, he was the Managing Director at Miller Maldives PVT. LTD. (2021-2023), where he drove operational expansion in a competitive market. He also worked as the Commercial Manager at Boluda Towage (2019-2021), managing commercial strategies in the port sector. Prior to his maritime career, he gained experience at Hahn Air Lines GmbH, holding strategic and marketing roles between 2014 and 2017.
Academically, Raúl completed a Junior MBA at EDEM Escuela de Empresarios (2017-2018) and a degree in International Business Administration at Frankfurt University of Applied Sciences (2013-2014), complementing his international professional trajectory.
VÍCTOR GRANERO VALERO
Víctor Granero is an experienced professional in international corporate banking management with a distinguished career spanning over 20 years at CaixaBank. He currently holds the position of Country Manager for the UK branch, where he leads operations focused on large British companies and manages a team of 33 people.
Previously, he held strategic roles as Country Manager for France and Benelux, where he established the corporate branch in Paris and expanded operations into the Benelux countries. In this role, he led business strategy and governance, recruited and managed a team of 30 people, and strengthened relationships with major French corporations.
His international experience also includes leading CaixaBank’s activities in Turkey, Israel, and CIS countries as Chief Representative Officer, where he focused on advising Spanish clients and managing relationships with local banks to boost commercial financing activities.
Víctor combines his professional experience with a solid academic background. He holds a degree in Economics from the University of Valencia and completed an Erasmus program at KU Leuven (Belgium). Additionally, he has a Master’s in Financial Management from ESIC Business & Marketing School and executive leadership training from prestigious institutions such as IMD, IESE, and IE Business School.
He has also been an active member of Spanish chambers of commerce in France and the UK, strengthening ties between businesses and promoting internationalization.
AGUSTÍN MARTÍN
Agustín Martín was appointed President and CEO of Toyota (GB) PLC in October 2020, a position he held until December 2023.
Previously, Agustín served as the CEO of Toyota Connected Europe (TCEU) and Vice President of Connected Technologies at Toyota Motor Europe, where he was responsible for the development of key digital technologies for TME’s future mobility business.
Born in Valencia in 1969, Martín holds a Master’s in Business Sciences, specializing in Marketing, from the University of Valencia (1987-1992), which laid the foundation for his successful career at Toyota.
Since joining Toyota in 1995, Martín has held roles in aftersales, product planning, and marketing, both at Toyota España and Toyota Motor Europe (TME), before being appointed General Manager of the Brand Department at Toyota España, a position he held until 2006, when he became the Director of Marketing.
Martín returned to TME in 2010 as General Manager of Product Planning. Two years later, he was appointed Director of Marketing for the entire European market. In January 2015, he was named President and CEO of Toyota España until January 2018, when he also took on leadership of the Toyota Mobility & Connected Car Function as Vice President at Toyota Motor Europe.
In April 2018, he was appointed CEO of the newly created Toyota Connected Europe.
Starting in 2019, Martín simultaneously served as CEO of Toyota Connected Europe and Vice President of Toyota Mobility & Connected Car Function at TME. Now married with two children, he enjoys traveling and sports, particularly swimming and hiking.
MARISA MARCED
Ms. Marced holds a degree in Telecommunications Engineering from the Polytechnic University of Madrid, Spain.
Ms. María Marced is a Board Member and serves on several boards: CEVA, IQE, and Sequans Communications. She is also the Chair of the Leadership Council of GSA EMEA.
María was the President of TSMC Europe from November 2007 to December 2023, where she was responsible for the strategy and management of TSMC Europe, and led TSMC’s decision regarding the EU fab.
María joined Philips Semiconductors in 2003 as Senior Vice President and General Manager of the Connected Multimedia Solutions Business Unit, later becoming General Sales and Marketing Director during Philips’ transformation into NXP.
Before joining Philips, María spent 19 years at Intel, where she developed her professional career, ultimately reaching the highest position in the Europe, Middle East, and Africa region as Vice President and General Manager.
ALFREDO QUIJANO
Alfredo Quijano Rubio, born in Valencia in 1993, is a scientist and entrepreneur specializing in the computational design of proteins. He serves as co-founder and Chief Scientific Officer (CSO) at Monod Bio in Seattle, Washington, USA. Alfredo has been recognized by Business Insider as one of the young leaders revolutionizing the digital health sector (Healthtech) and by the Puget Sound Business Journal as one of the most influential under-40 executives in Washington’s business landscape.
His academic and professional journey began with a degree in Biotechnology from the Universitat Politècnica de València (2011-2015), where he graduated with honors. During his studies, he stood out for his scientific and entrepreneurial project “Sexy Plant,” which won awards in international competitions such as the ClimateLaunchpad 2015 and the Katerva Awards 2017.
Supported by a La Caixa scholarship, Alfredo moved to Seattle in 2016 to pursue a PhD in Bioengineering and Computational Protein Design at the University of Washington. Under the mentorship of Professor David Baker, who won the 2024 Nobel Prize in Chemistry, Alfredo’s research has led to high-impact scientific publications, patents, and the creation of two companies: Neoleukin Therapeutics (founded in 2018, which went public and culminated in a reverse merger) and Monod Bio (founded in 2021).
JOSÉ REMOHÍ
Dr. José Alejandro Remohí Giménez, President of IVI, is a key figure in the field of assisted reproduction and reproductive medicine. His distinguished career includes contributions in clinical care, teaching, scientific research, and numerous recognitions.
He earned his Medical degree from the University of Valencia in 1981, completed his PhD in 1986, and specialized in Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Hospital Clínico Universitario of Valencia. He furthered his studies in Obstetric Reproductive Endocrinology at the University of Irvine, California. Dr. Remohí has been a maternity doctor since 1984 and a sexologist since 1986.
In 1990, alongside Professor Pellicer, he founded the Valencian Institute of Infertility (IVI), a world-renowned institution in assisted reproduction. His leadership has driven the international expansion of IVI, and he has chaired the institution’s Ethical Committee since 1995. He is also the Director of the IVI University Institute.
Since 2006, Dr. Remohí has been a Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Valencia and directs the Master’s Program in Advanced Gynecological Endoscopic Surgery. His educational work is recognized for training professionals in advanced reproductive medicine techniques.
As one of the leading researchers in his field, Dr. Remohí ranks 4th nationally in Obstetrics and Gynecology according to the h-index (52). He has published over 650 articles in scientific journals, 385 book chapters, and 22 books on reproductive medicine, some of which have been translated into English and Chinese. He has also presented more than 600 papers at international congresses.
He is an active member of scientific societies such as SEF, ESHRE, and ASRM, and serves as a reviewer for prestigious medical journals like Human Reproduction and Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics.
Dr. Remohí has received numerous awards for his scientific and social contributions, including:
International Awards: Ares-Serono Foundation (1997) and several ASRM awards (1995, 1999, 2001, 2008, 2014). National Awards: SEF Research Awards (1987-2004), Gold Medal of the City of Valencia (2006), and Research Award from Economía 3 (2004). Social Recognitions: Honorary Ambassador of Marca España (2014) and Revista Tendencias Award (2015).
He was also named an Honorary Member of the Royal Academy of Medicine (2021) and awarded an Honorary Doctorate by the European University (2022).
Dr. Remohí’s outstanding career solidifies his legacy as a pioneer in reproductive health, driving scientific advances and humanizing assisted medicine worldwide.
PABLO RUEDA
Pablo Rueda, Director of the Optical and Quantum Programs Office within the Projects Department of the Directorate of Connectivity and Secure Communications at the European Space Agency, since 2000.
Previously, he was Project Manager and Platform Manager, also within the Projects Department of the Telecommunications Directorate, as well as Power Systems Engineer in the Technical Directorate of the European Space Agency.
JAVIER SORIA
Javier Soria Espín, a graduate in Economics from the University of Valencia, is a visiting researcher at Opportunity Insights in the Department of Economics at Harvard University and a PhD candidate at the Paris School of Economics.
His research focuses on inequality and social mobility, using big data to better understand the mechanisms that drive economic opportunities and the policies that should be implemented to promote them. He is also a lecturer at Sciences Po Paris and co-founder and deputy director of the public policy think tank Future Policy Lab. Javier is the founder and director of the Opportunities Lab, the first research center in Spain dedicated to studying inequality and social mobility using administrative big data.
This pioneering project is the result of a unique collaboration between Harvard’s Opportunity Insights, the World Inequality Lab at the Paris School of Economics, Future Policy Lab, and the Felipe González Foundation. With an academic career marked by excellence and a commitment to social impact, Javier combines his research work with leading initiatives aimed at connecting academic knowledge with effective solutions. His vision has been highlighted by the national press, underscoring his key role in creating a unique center in Europe to study solutions to Spain’s major economic challenges.
RICARDO VINUESA
Dr. Ricardo Vinuesa is an Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm. He is also a Principal Investigator at the KTH Climate Action Center.
He studied Mechanical Engineering at the Polytechnic University of Valencia (Spain) and earned a PhD in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at the Illinois Institute of Technology in Chicago. His research combines numerical simulations and data-driven methods to understand, control, and predict complex turbulent flows bounded by walls, such as the boundary layers that develop around wings and urban environments.
Dr. Vinuesa has received, among other honors, an ERC Consolidator Grant, the TSFP Kasagi Award, the MST Emerging Leaders Award, the Goran Gustafsson Award for Young Researchers, the IIT Outstanding Young Alumnus Award, and the SARES Young Researcher Award. He also leads several major Horizon Europe projects and is a member of the Young Academy of Spain.
