“The quality of life in Asturias adds value to any company in the world”

by time news

2023-05-28 04:00:28

The Mexican businessman José Antonio Fernández Carbajal (Puebla, 1954), with family origins in Asturias and closely linked to the Principality, gave LA NUEVA ESPAÑA his first interview after being awarded the “José Luis Álvarez Margaride” Award for Business Trajectory, in recognition of his three decades at the head of Fomento Económico Mexicano (Femsa), a multinational based in Monterrey dedicated to sectors such as commerce, the distribution of beverages and fuels, or digital and financial services. It is a giant with a presence in nine countries, with 23,500 establishments and 354,000 employees. Fernández Carbajal will receive the award on June 23 in Gijón, in a ceremony presided over by Adrián Barbón, who at that time will be acting head of the Government of Asturias.

–What does it mean to you to receive the “Álvarez Margaride” award for business career?

–When I receive the “Álvarez Margaride” award, I feel great pride and deep gratitude for being recognized in Asturias, my ancestral land. I want to share that I am making an exception to my conviction of not receiving awards because this award directly links me to my roots: with my migrant grandparents, who dared to leave Asturias to seek opportunities to “make America”. In addition, this award is a reminder for me of the positive impact that we can generate in society as entrepreneurs when we create opportunities, daring to undertake projects. I also feel a great responsibility towards the winners of other editions, who encourage me to continue working for a more equitable and sustainable society.

What is, specifically, your relationship with Asturias?

–My relationship with Asturias is both family and cultural. My two maternal grandparents and my paternal grandfather are originally from Pola de Siero and their ancestors are from Alles; and along with my parents, they provided me with a strong connection to the region. In addition, I have several relatives in Asturias, including cousins ​​and cousins, as well as friends of my parents. On the other hand, my wife and family have a strong bond with the region, since we have been visiting it for 40 years and that has definitely influenced our love for Asturias.

–How often do you usually come to Asturias?

–I usually visit Asturias with some regularity, a couple of times a year, and the truth is that we love the whole region.

–What are your favorite places?

–We know more about the Orient, with its rich history and culture, as well as its impressive landscapes. I also really enjoy visiting Taramundi, a truly unique place. However, we always like to explore new places because Asturias is a very diverse region full of wonders that never cease to amaze us.

How would you summarize your 30 years at the helm of Femsa?

–This year I celebrate 35 years working at Femsa and 28 years leading it, and although it is not easy to summarize, I can say that it has been incredibly gratifying.

– Is there any aspect of your management as president of which you are especially proud?

–One of the aspects that I am most proud of is having managed to integrate a very talented team with whom I have had the opportunity to implement significant and strategic changes, which has allowed us to generate economic and social value for all our shareholders and the communities where we operate. With the dedication and commitment of this great team, we have managed to innovate and grow, maintaining the essence and values ​​of more than 130 years of history. I am excited about how much we still have to do and our next evolution; because Femsa’s growth potential is tremendous. I am confident that we will continue to build on a solid foundation, acting sustainably and enhancing our talent and culture. Perhaps what makes me most proud is that today Femsa has become one of the companies that generates the most jobs in all of Latin America and that does create value in the communities where we invest.

–Femsa has made a great evolution in the last century, becoming a conglomerate with different activities and segments. What is the sector that the company is betting on for the future?

–Femsa is firmly committed to three main sectors. The first is the retail sector, in which we see great opportunities for long-term growth in the proximity, health and fuel businesses, in the Americas and in Europe. Next, the beverage sector, as a partner of The Coca-Cola Company, where our leadership position and efficient operational execution allow us to seize strategic opportunities. And I also highlight our digital division, whose objective is to build a solid financial ecosystem that adds value, playing a crucial role in connecting all our business units.

–You are a professor at the Instituto Tecnológico de Monterrey. What things have you learned from your activity as a teacher that have helped you in your job as president of Femsa?

–I have been teaching at the Tecnológico de Monterrey (Tec) for more than 40 years. Teaching has been a very valuable experience for me, with great fundamental learning for my personal and professional development. First, because the Tec has allowed me to witness the transformation of lives through quality education. Even my students have transformed my life with how much they have taught me over the years. His sense of wonder, his adaptability and his enthusiasm to face the challenges of today’s world, particularly with all the technological changes we are witnessing, are inspiring. And second, because young people are the future and they are building it with their decisions. They remind me of the importance of staying current and open to new ideas. This also allows me to have an open approach towards the leadership of Femsa, as a great opportunity to attract young talent to our group. Undoubtedly, teaching is the best way to return to society so many blessings received; and for this reason, I will always be linked to the Tec.

–There is a strong business relationship between Mexico and Asturias. Recently one of the historical companies of the region, Hard Felguera, has approved the incorporation into its capital as majority partners of the companies Prodi and Mota Engil-Mexico. Do you think that in the near future there will continue to be business alliances between the two territories?

-Absolutely. I believe that the continued collaboration and business alliances will continue to strengthen in the future due to the many benefits of boosting the economic growth of Mexico and Asturias. The quality of life in Asturias, combined with advances in technology and scientific research, which also allows working remotely, brings great value to companies around the world. This aspect will encourage greater collaboration as companies are able to take advantage of the opportunities presented by mobility, remote work and globalization. For example, in tourism, Mexico and Asturias have a lot to offer in exchange. In addition, there is great research capacity in the medical area, beginning with the great Fernández-Vega clinic, which is the pride of all of Asturias and of Spain. I believe that if the strengths are used correctly, new opportunities can open up for greater collaboration and alliances between both regions on these and many other issues.

–From a business and economic point of view, what advantages do you think Asturias offers investors?

–The world is undergoing great transformations and Asturias represents a great opportunity for investors seeking legal certainty, guarantees and incentives. The region is positioned with growth potential thanks to its competitive business environment; its excellent location; its great offer of quality of life; the security and services it offers; and as well as their valuable and creative talent, the result of a high quality educational system. Considering that connectivity, mobility and sustainability are great attractions for companies and for young talent today, I am convinced that Asturias is in an excellent position to face current and future challenges, offering great possibilities for those who bet on this wonderful land.

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