Repsol

Chaired by Their Royal Highnesses The Prince and Princess of Asturias

Repsol hosts the 'Spain Brand' Honorary Ambassadors Award Ceremony

Press Release

25 June 2009 14:15 CET

Repsol hosted the third Spain Brand Honorary Ambassadors Award Ceremony at its technology and research centre in Mostoles (Madrid). HRH the Prince and Princess of Asturias chaired the event which was hosted by Repsol Chairman Antonio Brufau and attended by Industry, Tourism and Trade Minister Miguel Sebastian and the Mayor of Mostoles, Esteban Parro.

Their Royal Highnesses The Prince and Princess of Asturias toured the facilities before the event, visiting some of the laboratories where the company develops cutting-edge technology. The Prince and Princess, accompanied by Repsol’s Chairman and company executives, took the opportunity to talk to the investigators and staff at the technology centre.

Following the visit, the Honorary Ambassadorships were awarded by the Leading Brands of Spain Forum to those who through their work contribute to improve and strengthen the image of Spain abroad. Jose Carreras, Valentin Fuster, Severiano Ballesteros and Juan Antonio Samaranch are amongst those who were awarded honorary ambassadorships in past editions.

The new Honorary Ambassadors 2009 are eight leading personalities in Spanish society who are a role model in their fields:

- Institutional Relations: Buque Juan Sebastian Elcano
- Management: Emilio Botin
- Social Action: Kike Figaredo
- Communication: Agencia EFE
- Culture: Placido Domingo
- Sport: Pau Gasol
- Science and Innovation: Margarita Salas 
- Posthumous recognition: Enric Puig

Repsol Chairman Antonio Brufau highlighted Repsol’s commitment to the Spain brand, which the company feels especially close to since a large part of its business is done abroad. Brufau also highlighted the importance of innovation and technology as key values which Spanish brands must prioritise to create added value that helps set a benchmark. 

The Leading Brands of Spain Forum Chairman Jose Luis Bonet highlighted the importance of Spain’s brands as basic assets for the international competitivity of the country. Bonet said the forum’s companies employ 1 million people and their combined sales represent more than 30% of Spain’s gross domestic product. He also thanked Repsol and its chairman for their hospitality in hosting the award ceremony. 

HRH the Prince of Asturias closed the event saying that “the Honorary Ambassadors of the Spain brand are a very solid tool with which to leverage the image of the country, just as the leading Spanish brands which compete successfully abroad are a key pillar for the Spain brand. The country’s image is a fundamental asset to defend the interests of Spain at every level, including our economic and commercial interests".

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

LEADING BRANDS OF SPAIN FORUM
The LBSF includes 97 leading Spanish brands, the Industry Tourism and Trade Ministry, The Foreign Affairs and Cooperation Ministry, The Spanish Institute of Foreign Trade and the Spanish Patent and Trade Mark Office. The Forum aims to promote and defend Spanish Brands.

"Honorary Ambassadors of the Spain brand".  
These awards are a public recognition for those people of institutions who have contributed throughout their professional careers to the improvement and strengthening of the image of Spain. They are awarded every two years. 

Ambassadors 2009
- Institutional Relations: Buque Juan Sebastián Elcano
- Management: Emilio Botín
- Social Action: Kike Figaredo
- Communication: EFE
- Culture: Plácido Domingo
- Sport: Pau Gasol
- Science and Innovation: Margarita Salas 
- Posthumous recognition: Enric Puig

Ambassadors 2007
- Institutional Relations: Javier Solana
- Management: Rafael del Pino
- Social Action: Pedro Luis Alonso
- Communication: Grupo Hola
- Culture: Pedro Almodóvar
- Sport: Real Madrid
- Science and Innovation: Joan Massagué

Ambassadors 2005
- Institutional Relations: Juan Antonio Samaranch
- Management: Amancio Ortega
- Social Action: Jose Carreras
- Communication: El País
- Culture: Ferran Adria
- Sport: Severiano Ballesteros
- Science and Innovación: Valentin Fuster