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Fernando Diez
Engagement Executive
Professional Background
Fernando Diez is a seasoned business professional with over a decade of experience in facilitating successful business operations between Europe and China. His extensive career spans across various high-level managerial roles, including interim CEO, CFO, and COO roles, demonstrating his adaptability and comprehensive understanding of business dynamics at the executive level. Fernando has dedicated the last 12 years of his career to commuting between Europe and Asia, focusing on helping businesses navigate the complexities associated with global expansion, an area where many enterprises struggle.
Growing up in Spain, Fernando's journey in business began early, shaped by the rich cultural diversity of southern Europe. His commitment to professional development is reflected in his robust educational background, with an MBA from the prestigious London Business School and an exchange program at the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth. He also holds a Bachelor of Science from Colegio Nuestra Senora del Recuerdo and additional certifications in financial analysis. Fernando's passion for understanding different cultures is evident in his studies of Mandarin Language and Fine Arts at the Beijing Language and Culture University, equipping him to bridge the vast cultural and business divides between Asia and Europe.
Fernando began his professional career in various essential roles, including his time as a Vice President of Business Development at Bouygues Immobilier and early stages with Deutsche Bank as an Associate in Private Equity Real Estate Opportunities. His experience extends to producing films with Lagarto Films and engaging in renewable energy investments. Notably, he served as Managing Partner and Chairman at China Minds, where he honed his skills in advising on business strategy and development in the Chinese market, demonstrating his expertise in public and private sectors.
Most recently, Fernando took on a pivotal role at Globalator, an organization that embodies a unique managerial approach to executing global strategic transactions for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). At Globalator, he passionately supports strategic initiatives at the board level while emphasizing the critical importance of the human factor in business transactions. His wealth of experience and ability to understand cross-cultural nuances positions him as a valuable asset for companies looking for success in alliance, licensing, spin-off, acquisition, and divestment dealings across continents.
Education and Achievements
Fernando’s academic journey has played a significant role in shaping his career. With foundational studies at ICADE E2 at Universidad Pontificia Comillas where he earned a Bachelor of Arts over five years, he went on to explore advanced business concepts at the London Business School. His dual MBA qualifications have given him a sophisticated understanding of global business operations and a broad perspective on market dynamics.
Beyond his formal education, Fernando is also actively involved in mentoring early-stage entrepreneurs. His commitment to fostering the next generation of business leaders is exemplified by nearly 20 years of mentorship at the London Business School's Entrepreneurship Summer School. He continues to provide guidance to budding entrepreneurs in both Europe and Asia, sharing his invaluable insights in business development, strategy, and innovation to help them navigate their paths towards success.
Achievements
Fernando Diez's impressive portfolio is complemented by a series of notable achievements in diverse industries. As an interim executive, he has seamlessly transitioned leadership roles at organizations such as Classical Renaissance and Discovery Communications, where he facilitated crucial financial and operational strategies. His contributions as a consultant for Arup in Real Estate and Integrated Urbanism highlight his expertise in managing complex projects with cross-disciplinary teams.
A standout achievement in Fernando’s career is his strategic role at China Minds, where he played a significant part in bridging communication and operational gaps between European and Chinese businesses, thereby enhancing collaboration and investment opportunities. Furthermore, his tenure as an investment manager and founding team member of E-Start.Com showcases his entrepreneurial spirit and ability to identify investment opportunities across sectors, including technology and real estate.
Through his work, Fernando has established a multifaceted career that merges strategy, finance, and cross-cultural collaboration into a comprehensive outlook on global business. His expertise in private equity, venture capital, and business development encompasses a deep understanding of market needs, making him a crucial player in any organization striving for international growth.
