Repsol has appointed Emilia Martínez Serrano as the new Chief Technology Officer (CTO), a position from which she will take on the highest responsibility for the group’s technology strategy. Her responsibilities include the Repsol Technology Lab, the company’s main research, development, and innovation (R&D&I) center, and Corporate Venturing, the division dedicated to investing in and collaborating with tech startups.
The key points of Emilia Martínez Serrano’s appointment in 20 seconds
- Emilia Martínez Serrano assumes the role of Repsol CTO and leads the group’s technology strategy.
- She will oversee the Repsol Technology Lab, which employs over 230 scientists and experts.
- The center features 20 specialized laboratories and 35 pilot plants.
- She will also be responsible for the Corporate Venturing area.
- Repsol Deep Tech has a fund of 50 million euros to invest in technologies linked to the energy transition.
This appointment places a company veteran with experience in digital environments, industrial processes, mathematical optimization, and artificial intelligence at the forefront of Repsol’s technology leadership.
Martínez Serrano joined Repsol in 2008 after spending ten years in consulting. She holds a degree in Mathematics from the University of Oviedo and a master’s in Information Systems from the Escuela de Organización Industrial (EOI), along with SMP and AMP training at IE Business School.
Throughout her career at Repsol, she has held roles related to asset optimization, advanced mathematics, and technological laboratories. Part of her work involved integrating industrial process knowledge with optimization, simulation, and AI tools.
Her new role expands this responsibility to encompass a technological strategy that spans from laboratory research to bringing new solutions into real industrial environments.
Over 230 scientists and 35 pilot plants at the Technology Lab
One of the main assets under the new CTO’s responsibility is the Repsol Technology Lab.
This facility operates as the technological hub of the multi-energy company and employs over 230 scientists and specialists in technology, science, and innovation. Its infrastructure includes 20 specialized laboratories and 35 pilot plants.
The combination of laboratories and pilot plants is especially critical in the energy sector. Many technologies can perform well at an experimental scale but require further validation phases before deployment in industrial settings.
Pilot plants enable testing in this intermediate stage to assess performance, costs, safety, stability, and scalability.
Martínez Serrano’s prior experience aligns well with this process. Her previous roles involved teams that combine laboratory capabilities with simulation, mathematical optimization, and AI techniques to test and deploy new technologies and business models.
AI is thus integrated into a broader technological framework. In an industrial company like Repsol, AI applications may relate to process analysis and optimization. Although the announcement about her appointment does not specify new projects or investments in AI linked directly to her role as CTO, its inclusion indicates a strategic focus.
From internal research to tech startups
The second major area reporting to Martínez Serrano is Corporate Venturing.
Repsol uses this division to invest in and collaborate with startups developing technologies related to decarbonization. The goal is to connect external capabilities from emerging companies with the company’s existing scientific and industrial knowledge.
With over a decade of experience in such initiatives, Repsol maintains an international portfolio of startups.
Within this strategy is Repsol Deep Tech, an investment vehicle with 50 million euros focused on technologies with the potential to support the energy transition.
Deep tech differs from other startup investment models as many of these projects originate from scientific or engineering breakthroughs and may require longer development periods, specialized facilities, and higher capital before reaching commercial markets.
Leveraging investment alongside laboratories, pilot plants, and industrial expertise can help test these technologies under conditions closer to commercial deployment.
Therefore, the new CTO will oversee both internally developed technologies and external technological projects.
A mathematician leading Repsol’s technology
Choosing a mathematician to lead the technological strategy of one of Spain’s largest companies highlights how these roles are evolving.
The CTO of a major industrial organization no longer works solely on corporate IT systems. Digital technologies, mathematical models, simulation, automation, AI, new materials, and industrial processes can all be integrated within the same strategic framework.
In Martínez Serrano’s case, Repsol emphasizes her experience combining industrial knowledge with mathematical and digital tools.
This appointment also represents an internal promotion. She has been with Repsol for about 18 years and is familiar with both operational processes and some of the company’s technological and research capabilities.
Now, her scope extends significantly: coordinating a strategy that includes scientific research, technological development, industrial experimentation, and engagement with startups.
Repsol positions this move as part of its commitment to STEM profiles (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) and internal talent development.
No specific increases in R&D budgets or new technological objectives have been announced alongside her appointment. However, the role consolidates several areas capable of transferring research and technology into the group’s industrial operations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Repsol’s new CTO?
Emilia Martínez Serrano has been appointed as Repsol’s Chief Technology Officer. She joined the company in 2008 after a decade in consulting.
What responsibilities will Emilia Martínez Serrano have?
She will be responsible for Repsol’s technology strategy and will oversee Repsol Technology Lab and Corporate Venturing, among other areas related to the company’s technology initiatives.
What is the Repsol Technology Lab?
It is Repsol’s primary R&D&I center, comprising more than 230 scientists and experts, 20 specialized laboratories, and 35 pilot plants for developing, testing, and scaling technologies.
What is Repsol Deep Tech?
It is an investment fund focused on technologies with potential to aid the energy transition. It has a budget of 50 million euros and is part of the company’s Corporate Venturing activities.
