José Ignacio Goirigolzarri facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
José Ignacio Goirigolzarri
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José Ignacio Goirigolzarri Tellaeche
4 February 1954 |
| Nationality | Spanish |
| Alma mater | University of Deusto University of Leeds |
| Occupation | Executive Chairman of Bankia |
José Ignacio Goirigolzarri Tellaeche (born 4 February 1954) is an important Spanish economist and business leader. He is currently the Chairman of CaixaBank since 2021. He also leads BFA, a state-owned company. Before this, he was the Chairman of Bankia from 2012 to 2021. From 2001 to 2009, he was the chairman and chief operating officer (COO) of BBVA.
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Early Life and Education
José Ignacio Goirigolzarri was born in Bilbao, Spain, on February 4, 1954. He studied Economics and Business at the University of Deusto in Bilbao. He also earned a degree in Strategic Finance and Planning from the University of Leeds in the United Kingdom.
His Career in Banking
Goirigolzarri started his career in banking in 1977 at Banco de Bilbao. This was the beginning of a long and successful journey in the financial world.
Working at BBVA
In 1992, he became a General Director at BBV. Later, in 1999, two big banks, BBV and Argentaria, joined together to form BBVA. Goirigolzarri became a key member of the new bank's management team. He was in charge of their business in Latin America. From 2001 to 2009, he served as the president and COO of BBVA. After working there for 30 years, he decided to retire early from the bank.
Leading Bankia
On May 9, 2012, Goirigolzarri took on a new challenge. He became the president of Bankia, which was one of the largest banks in Spain. At that time, Bankia was facing big financial difficulties.
To help Bankia, the Spanish government's fund for banks, called FROB, provided a large amount of money. Because Bankia received this help, it had to make some big changes. The bank had to reduce its size, limit how much money it paid out, and cut down on the number of branches and employees.
By the end of 2015, Bankia had successfully met all the goals set by the European Commission. This was two years earlier than expected! Under Goirigolzarri's leadership, Bankia became one of the most efficient and profitable banks in Spain.
Chairman of CaixaBank
In 2021, Bankia merged with CaixaBank. José Ignacio Goirigolzarri then became the Chairman of the new, larger CaixaBank. He continues to play a major role in the Spanish banking sector.
Other Important Activities
Besides his work in banking, Goirigolzarri is involved in other important organizations:
- He is a member of the Board of Trustees for the Elcano Royal Institute for International and Strategic Studies. This institute studies international relations and strategies.
- He also chairs the Board of the Deusto Business School.
Recognition and Awards
José Ignacio Goirigolzarri is recognized as one of Spain's top business leaders. In 2016, he was ranked tenth in the MERCO list of best Spanish business leaders. The following year, in 2017, he moved up to seventh place on the same list.
His Views on Important Topics
Goirigolzarri has shared his thoughts on various important subjects, including education and the economy.
Thoughts on Education
In 2010, Goirigolzarri talked about the state of education in Spain. He pointed out that many people in Spain do not finish high school. He also noted that university degrees sometimes do not match what businesses need. He believes that improving education is super important for a country's success and wealth. Even though changes in education take time to show results, he thinks it's a vital area to focus on for the future.
Views on Financial Crises
Goirigolzarri also spoke about the financial crisis that affected Spain. He explained that the crisis was mainly caused by people and companies borrowing too much money. He believes that when there's too much debt, the solution isn't to borrow even more. Instead, it's important to manage debt carefully to avoid future problems.
Thoughts on Public Banks
In 2016, Goirigolzarri shared his opinion on banks owned by the government (public banks). He said that he had not seen public banks work well in the past. He remembered that when he joined Bankia, it was a public bank that needed to be saved. He believes that banks run by politicians and unions often face difficulties.
Images for kids
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José Ignacio Goirigolzarri in 2015.
See also
In Spanish: José Ignacio Goirigolzarri para niños
