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Fernando Alarcón de la Lastra, Canagrosa's new CEO

After nearly 40 years at the helm of Canagrosa, Salvador Alarcón de la Lastra, founder and CEO, has handed over general management to his son Fernando Alarcón de la Lastra, until now deputy director of the company. This transition marks the culmination of a generational handover process planned over the last decade. A decision that reflects Canagrosa's commitment to the continuity of its philosophy and values, while driving its future growth with renewed energy and an innovative vision.

Salvador Alarcón de la Lastra, who founded Canagrosa in 1985, has made this decision after deep reflection. “It is time to give way to a new generation, with innovative ideas and a proven management capacity throughout these years of sustained growth,” he said, adding that, ”although I will assume a less visible role, I will continue to be linked to the project and will be available to contribute my experience and knowledge, motivated by the personal and emotional bond that unites me to the company.”

Throughout these years, Salvador has transformed Canagrosa, which started as a small company dedicated to agricultural analysis, into an industrial project of international reference specialized in the aeronautical sector. “This growth -he has emphasized- would not have been possible without the unconditional support of my family, especially in times of uncertainty; the trust of our customers, who gave us their collaboration from the beginning and have maintained their support during our development and expansion phase; and, of course, the dedication of all the people who have been part of the Canagrosa team over the years”. Salvador has also shared that “in Canagrosa I have deposited not only my professional aspirations, but also my personal ones, with the hope of contributing to the technical and technological growth of our region and of the professionals who live and work here”.

Regarding his decision, Salvador adds: “The time has come to continue the natural process and take a step back in visibility, knowing that the project I built 40 years ago is in the best hands and with the best team”.

Fernando Alarcón de la Lastra: committed to innovation and corporate culture.

Fernando Alarcón de la Lastra, an industrial engineer from the University of Seville and MBA from the Instituto de Empresa, joined Canagrosa in 2012 as an intern. Since then, he has assumed various responsibilities within the company, from metrology technician and process and materials technician to deputy director in 2019. Under this last role, he was responsible for managing the challenges associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, leading a sustained growth close to 50%, as well as consolidating long-term contracts with reference customers.

All these years of experience and trajectory have provided him with a holistic view of Canagrosa's services, both from the company's and the client's perspective. In addition, during his management, he has promoted a strategy of diversification, technological innovation and international expansion.

Fernando assumes the leadership of Canagrosa at a time of new opportunities. The company has consolidated its structure, focusing on diversification and autonomy in each service area, thus strengthening its brand and market position. Now, it is preparing to face new challenges. “The corporate strategy for the coming years focuses on international growth and the vertical integration of our business processes. This includes, on the one hand, expansion outside the national territory and diversification of our customer portfolio in industrial sectors beyond aerospace; and, on the other, improving operational efficiency and increasing capacity through a vertical integration plan,” explains Fernando Alarcón de la Lastra.

Under this new management, Canagrosa seeks sustainable growth that remains faithful to the culture that has characterized the company during its first 40 years. It also intends to strengthen its integration in the value chain of its customers, thanks to its service vocation and its proximity relationship.

The succession in leadership represents, therefore, a generational change, but without losing sight of the principles and mission that have defined the company since its beginnings. A company with a clear identity and solid vision that respects its founding roots and values, while maintaining the capacity to continue to lead the region's aeronautical sector and evolve into the future.