Jose L. Santamaría
Visionary technology executive with over two decades of experience spearheading global digital transformations and scaling high-performance engineering organizations. I possess a proven track record of leading multidisciplinary teams of 250+ engineers across 18 countries, delivering mission-critical enterprise solutions for top-tier players in Banking, Telecommunications, Logistics, and Insurance. By bridging the gap between complex business objectives and cutting-edge technical architecture, I consistently drive sustainable growth and competitive advantage in rapidly evolving markets.
A champion of technical excellence and operational efficiency, I specialize in modernizing legacy ecosystems and deploying innovative platforms that redefine industry standards. My leadership is defined by a rigorous focus on engineering culture, ensuring large-scale software delivery cycles are executed with precision, on budget, and in total alignment with stakeholder expectations. I transform technical departments into high-output engines of innovation, fostering environments where technical rigor meets strategic execution to solve the most demanding organizational challenges.
Currently serving as VP of Engineering and a strategic board advisor, I leverage deep executive acumen honed through leadership tenures at industry leaders like Globant and Plain Concepts. My background combines the technical intuition of an architect with the commercial mindset of a C-suite partner, allowing me to serve as a pivotal driver of long-term product strategy and board-level decision-making. I am dedicated to building resilient, scalable technology organizations that empower global enterprises to lead in an increasingly digital landscape.
Here are some key figures about me:
Years of Experience in Digital Transformation
Driving enterprise-scale solutions across Banking, Telecom, Logistics, Retail, and Insurance sectors.
Engineers Managed Globally
Leading international teams across 18 countries in Europe and Middle East markets.
Pipeline Generated
Building strategic partnerships and expanding markets in EMEA region.
Education & Certifications
Executive MBA
Universidad Europea de Madrid
2016 - 2017
Computer Engineer
Universidad Católica de Ávila
2020 - 2022
Leadership Accelerator Program
Universidad Europea de Madrid
2016 - 2017
Professional Certifications:
AWS Solutions Architect Professional
Google Cloud Professional
Certified Scrum Product Owner
TOGAF Enterprise Architecture
I've had the privilege of working with these amazing organizations:
I am Jose L. Santamaría. CTO / CIO / VP Engineering
Jul 2024 - Present
Plain Concepts
VP Engineering
Europe and Middle East
Leading international portfolio expansion across Europe and Middle East, managing 200+ engineers.
Jul 2025 - Present
Bejo
Technology Advisor & Board Member
Europe and Middle East
Driving technology strategy and innovation.
May 2021 - Jul 2024
Globant
Technical Director
Europe and Middle East
Directed EMEA-focused portfolio with emphasis on emerging markets.
Feb 2019 - Apr 2021
Solera
CTO & Board Member
Spain & Portugal
Board member overseeing technology strategy.
Jun 2014 - Feb 2019
Salvesen Logistica
CTO & Board Member
Spain & Portugal
Led IT strategy for joint venture.
Oct 2013 - May 2014
Iberia Express
IT Manager
Spain
Established IT department.
May 2007 - Sep 2013
Codere
IT International Manager
Spain
Managed £10M budget.
2005 - 2007
YA.COM
IT Security Manager
Spain
Managed 480+ servers.
Core Competencies & Technical Skills
Leadership & Strategy
Digital Transformation • Agile & PMO • Budget Management • P&L Responsibility • Team Building • Vendor Management
Cloud & Architecture
AWS • Azure • Oracle Cloud • Microservices • DevOps & CI/CD • Kubernetes • Docker
Enterprise Systems
SAP • Oracle • Salesforce • Shopify • HubSpot • WMS & TMS
Development
Python • Java • JavaScript • React/Angular/Vue.js • NodeJS • Springboot
Emerging Tech
Generative AI • ML Models • Cybersecurity • RPA
95%
90%
85%
Key Achievements & Recognition
Led 200+ engineers across Europe and Middle East achieving agreed revenue targets
Recognized by Globant CEO within 6 months with 120% bonus
Achieved 10/10 NPS scores with KSA Princess Ranee and Boston Consulting Group
Delivered 15% annual budget reduction while improving service quality
Won 2019 Best Product Award and established Software Center of Excellence
Generated €25M+ qualified pipeline within 8 months
Won King Salman Park project RFP before Saudi Minister of Culture
Let's Connect
Ready to transform your digital strategy? Let's discuss how we can work together.
