The Spanish space services company PLD Space has appointed Hilario Albarracín, former president and CEO of KPMG in Spain, as its new independent director, with the aim of "continuing to strengthen its corporate governance".
This appointment comes just days after the entry of "space sector pioneer" Candace Johnson to the board and reinforces the Comunitat Valenciana-based company's aspiration "to form a board composed of prestigious international strategic profiles," as the firm explained in a statement released this Monday.
Albarracín's arrival is considered "key" in the current stage of preparing for the commercial operations of the MIURA 5 launcher, as he brings a "top-tier track record in finance, risk management, and corporate strategy".
Board reinforcement during expansion phase
PLD Space's executive chairman, Ezequiel Sánchez, emphasized that continuing "to strengthen the board of directors with a profile like Hilario's is essential on the company's path to leadership in space transportation in Europe." "His deep experience in corporate governance prepares us for the challenges and opportunities of large-scale commercialization," he stated.
From the perspective of the new director, Albarracín stated that "being part of this successful project represents both a challenge and an opportunity in his professional career." "PLD Space represents an innovative Spanish and European private initiative that can become a key player in the aerospace sector," he indicated, remarking that the company is currently in a "solid phase, with a clear and advanced industrial project, and a promising future ahead."
Career at KPMG and presence on other boards
Hilario Albarracín held the presidency and CEO position at the consulting firm KPMG Spain between 2016 and 2021, after more than three decades of career at the firm. During his tenure, he was part of the Global Board of KPMG and the EMA Board, which groups Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.
Currently, he serves on the boards of directors of Banca March, Grupo Celsa, and LLYC, among other high-responsibility positions. "I have been deeply impressed by the quality and enthusiasm of the entire team, their talent, and the structure of an innovative industrial project that faces the future with great confidence," Albarracín concluded.