More than 1,500 business leaders have gathered at the Palacio de Congresos y Exposiciones de Galicia to participate in the 7th Executive Congress organized by the Association for the Advancement of Management (APD). Under the theme “The New Global Company. Keys to Compete in Today’s World”, the meeting aims to provide attendees with tools and strategies to face the challenges of an increasingly disruptive environment marked by technological and geopolitical changes.
The two-day event brings together over 50 high-level speakers, including executives, international analysts, and institutional leaders, with the objective of reflecting on the trends that will define the future of business. The president of APD, Laura González-Molero, emphasized during the opening the importance of a techno-humanistic approach that prioritizes people in the age of artificial intelligence, highlighting the responsibility of leaders in creating value, employment, and wealth.
Public-Private Collaboration and Business Resilience in the Spotlight
During the opening day, María Jesús Lorenzana Somoza, Councilor for Economy and Industry of the Xunta de Galicia, highlighted the role of public-private collaboration as a driver of territorial development, while Alfonso Rueda, president of the Xunta, emphasized in a recorded message the risks and opportunities faced by executives in a constantly changing world.
In the inaugural session titled “Roadmap for the New Global Company”, the characteristics of future companies were explored, addressing issues such as the impact of geopolitical risks and the need to prioritize resilience over profitability. Juan Carlos Escotet, president of ABANCA, highlighted the transformative role of the pandemic in globalization, while Adolfo Zunzunegui from EY pointed out that operational continuity is now a top priority.
Business Leadership and Sustainability as Drivers of Change
The day also included sessions focused on business leadership in the 21st century, the impact of technology on sustainability, and ethics in the application of disruptive innovations. Experts like Alejandro Beltrán, president of McKinsey & Company Spain and Portugal, and Alberto Terol, president of Ontime, analyzed how ambition and the elimination of regulatory barriers can drive business growth in a highly competitive environment.
In later sessions, topics such as the redefinition of sustainability in the business context, the need for ethical leadership in technology, and the power of brands in the era of hyper-personalization were discussed. The first day will culminate in debates on the social impact of leadership and the redefinition of the “Marca España” as a symbol of positive leadership.
A Meeting to Build the Business Future
The congress will continue tomorrow, focusing on technological megatrends, complexity as a driver of competitiveness, and education in values as pillars of business development. Supported by institutions like the Xunta de Galicia and sponsors such as Abanca, Gadisa, and The Adecco Group, this event reaffirms APD’s commitment to being a key space for knowledge development and networking in the executive realm.
The 7th APD Executive Congress not only reflects on current challenges but also offers a unique platform for business leaders to drive a more competitive, sustainable, and ethical future.