OREANDA-NEWS. June 07, 2013. The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Repsol, Antonio Brufau, has been given the 2013 ESADE Award in recognition of his executive career. Brufau received the award at the 28th Annual ESADE Conference of Alumni from this prestigious business school, which took place in Barcelona.

The jury selected Antonio Brufau "for his brilliant management career wonderfully combining strategic vision, innovation and sustainability". This recognition adds to others recently received by the Repsol Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, such as the 2012 Best CEO award from the specialised Platts agency, which rewards leadership, innovation and excellence in the energy sector.

In his speech, Brufau stressed that "the only thing we know for sure is that tomorrow will be different. Today's executives have to get used to managing in a context of constant change and uncertainty. We must subject organisations to change and transformation. And we must manage with audacity, courage, optimism and prudence to tackle the challenges that lie ahead".

Antonio Brufau also indicated the key tool to face this changing environment: "Technology, technology, technology. It is the foundation to adapt and be prepared for the coming future. We must commit to continuous technological innovation in order to be competitive, well-positioned and to take advantage of the opportunities of an increasingly globalised world".

The ESADE awards are given by ESADE Alumni, the association of former students of the business school, in order to distinguish individuals and organisations which, through their career, activities or services offered, have demonstrated the values that define its founding spirit and that may serve as benchmarks or examples for other people. Last year they were given to Pablo Isla, Chairman of Inditex, and Mikael Ohlsson, Chairman of Ikea.

Awarding an executive career
Antonio Brufau holds a Degree in Economics from the University of Barcelona and an Honorary Doctorate from Ramon Llull University in Barcelona. During his extensive business career, Antonio Brufau has served on the board of directors of several companies, including Enagas, Abertis, Aguas de Barcelona, Colonial, Suez, Caixa Holding, the CaixaBank France and CaixaBank Andorra. Until December 2005, he was the only Spanish member of the Executive Committee of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC). In July 2002, he was appointed president of Circulo de Economia de Barcelona, a position he held until July 2005.

Currently he is the Executive Chairman of Repsol, the Chairman of the Repsol Foundation and the Vice Chairman of Gas Natural Fenosa.

ESADE Alumni
ESADE Alumni, the association for former students of ESADE, which grants this award, has a network of more than 48,000 business school alumni and 17,000 associates who hold positions of responsibility in companies on all five continents.