Don Julio Fernández Gayoso

I have always believe in the proverb "De bien nacido es ser agradecido" (Meaning: we should always be thankful).

That's why I wanted to say thanks again to D. Julio Fernández Gayoso, for the kind hand he has always held to my family, and specially, to me. I would like to wish him the best in his new position as Executive President in Caixanova.

During his more than 25 years as CEO of Caixanova, he has done a great job, promoting Galician economy. He was awarded the individual medal for the 'saving merit' by the Exchequer in 1970, the gold badge of Santiago University in 1982, commander of the Order to the Civil Merit in 1983, gold medal of Vigo in 1997, medal to the 'saving merit', awarded by the Spanish Confederation of Savings Banks in 1998, gold medal of the Chamber of Commerce (Vigo, 1999). In 1999, he got the distinction 'best financial executive in Galicia' according to the readers of the famous magazine 'Actualidad Económica'.

D. Julio started his professional activity in the bank firm 'Caixavigo' in 1948 and was elected CEO (Director General) in 1965 when he was 33. During his leadership, Caixanova growth from a small local entity with a total balance of 15,6 million euros and 44 locations, to become one of the main financial institutions in Spain, managing over 30.734,5 million euros with 1.652,9 million euros in equity, at the end of 2005.

He is on the board of directors of several firms and institutions representing the bank firm (the Spanish Confederation of Savings Banks, 'Caser', 'Lico-Leasing', 'Lico-Corporación', 'Ahorro Corporación Financiera', 'Grupo Cable' and 'Inversiones Estratégica de Galicia'). He is the vice-president of 'Banco Gallego', ('Caixavigo' got 50% of its capital in 1998). He is also a foundation member of the Foundation 'Empresa Universidad Gallega', 'FIES' Foundation (Fund for the Economical and Social Investigation), 'Pro-Vigo' Foundation and member of several societies such as the Galician Centre of Contemporary Art, 'Laxeiro' Foundation and 'Camilo José Cela' Foundation, among others.

Last Thursday, June 22, 2006, he retired as CEO to assume the Executive Presidency. The new Caixanova CEO is one of his loyal dolphins, D. José Luis Pego.

Not only, D. Julio is worth mentioned by his accomplished professional career, but also, his human aspect is worth mentioning. He is a noble, loyal, social aware business man, and that is even more important than his amazing business skills. He is a great person.

With this article I just wanted to pay tribute to a great man that has always been there for us, and has been a key player in my home city (Vigo) development.

So, I just wanted to say thanks to D. Julio, and wish him all the best in his future!