José Manuel Benito: providing a service of excellence to internal clients
The GC of Juan Roig’s conglomerate of companies, which includes Mercadona, José Manuel Benito, talks to us about the entrepreneurial ecosystem surrounding the group
by Mercedes Galán
Behind every successful businessman, it’s often said, along with a great woman, there is always a great team of professionals. Such is the case with José Manuel Benito, who serves as the legal director for several initiatives launched by Juan Roig, the president of one of the country’s leading supermarket chains. One notable initiative is Marina de Empresas, situated in a unique enclave, the Marina de Valencia, representing a space for innovation, education, and entrepreneurship unlike any other in Spain. Iberian Lawyer spoke with him about the entrepreneurial ecosystem surrounding Mercadona and other pioneering initiatives of the group.
How and why does the Marina de Empresas initiative emerge?
Juan Roig believes that true success stems from the generosity of sharing resources, experience, and lessons learned throughout life. In 2015, he created Marina de Empresas with the primary goal of consolidating and expanding the business fabric of Spain. This project is the result of the generosity and altruism with which Juan Roig aims to radiate the values of the culture of effort in various fields. It extends beyond entrepreneurship, touching areas such as sports, with sports patronage that includes Valencia Basket Club, l’Alqueria del Basket, and the Trinidad Alfonso Foundation; culture and art through the Hortensia Herrero Foundation; and entertainment with the Roig Arena.
And how is it structured?
Marina de Empresas consists of three initiatives: EDEM, a university center and business school that trained over 3,700 students last year; Angels, an investment company that invested over €36 million in 51 companies accelerated by Lanzadera; and Lanzadera, a business accelerator that has already propelled over 1,300 startups.
Do you collaborate with external lawyers and law firms?…
