PRISA announces leadership succession at Santillana

• Alberto Polanco Blanco to become Chief Executive Officer of the Group’s education subsidiary effective January 1, 2026

PRISA’s Board of Directors today approved the succession plan for Santillana’s Chief Executive, Francisco Cuadrado, following the favorable report of the Appointments, Remuneration and Corporate Governance Committee (CNRGC). Cuadrado has served as Executive Chairman of the company since July 2021.

His unanimously chosen successor is Alberto Polanco Blanco, currently Managing Director of Santillana Mexico, who will assume the role of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and top executive of the company effective January 1, 2026. Polanco has developed his entire professional career at Santillana, holding positions of responsibility over the past 25 years in Bolivia, Argentina, Central America, Colombia, and Mexico.

Francisco Cuadrado has dedicated more than 35 years to the education sector, with a particular focus on Latin America. Since 2010, he has served as Global Head of Education, leading the company’s decisive shift toward the digital business, which is now Santillana’s main source of revenue. Previously, he was Global Director of the Trade Division, Managing Director in Colombia, and Deputy Director of Santillana in Mexico. He has been Executive Chairman of Santillana — and an Executive Director of PRISA — since July 27, 2021.

The Chairperson of PRISA, Joseph Oughourlian, on behalf of the Board of Directors, expressed his appreciation for Cuadrado’s work:

"Paco has been instrumental in the digital transformation of Santillana, in strengthening its profitability, and in its resounding success in the Americas. Those of us who have had the good fortune to work with him recognize and admire his commitment to education, to progress, and to the need for transformation. He ensured that Santillana evolved from being a content company into a provider of integrated, comprehensive solutions for schools. Working with him has been a privilege.”

Following the announcement, Francisco Cuadrado reiterated his “passion for Latin America and for education.” He added: “Our commitment to students, and to improving the social and economic conditions of an entire continent, has been the driving force behind transforming the company and equipping schools with the best educational and technological tools. I step down satisfied with the results achieved, proud of the team that has worked alongside me, and confident that the future Chief Executive Officer is the best possible candidate.”