Miguel Recio, new president at Spain’s Privacy Association APEP
The Spanish Professional Privacy Association (APEP), the country’s leading privacy and data protection organization, held its sixth general election on July 10 — a landmark moment as two slates competed for the first time in its 16-year history.
The slate led by Miguel Recio secured nearly 60% of the vote, defeating the list headed by Noemí Brito (40%). The result underscores APEP’s growing influence and democratic maturity in the privacy sector.
Recognized by Spain’s Ministry of Justice and a member of the Advisory Council of the Spanish Data Protection Agency (AEPD), APEP has over 1,400 members and is considered the country’s main professional body for privacy and data protection experts.
New Leadership for 2025–2028
Miguel Recio (CMS Albiñana & Suárez de Lezo) will lead the new Board of Directors as President, alongside:
- Ana de la Higuera (Iberdrola), First Vice President
- Pablo Garrote (Grupo IMQ), Second Vice President
- Cecilia Álvarez (Meta), Third Vice President
- Lídia Gimeno (Wallapop), Secretary
- María Arias Pou, Treasurer
Additional board members include María Luisa González (Ramón y Cajal Abogados), Sergio de Juan-Creix (Croma Legal), Javier Álvarez (University of Valladolid), and outgoing president Marcos Judel.
Under the slogan “Committed to who we are. Ready for what’s next,” the new team pledges to combine continuity and renewal, reinforcing APEP’s leadership in privacy and AI governance in Spain and beyond.
Recio highlighted the importance of unity and collaboration, thanking the opposing slate for their contribution and vowing to incorporate their proposals. “This is a time of transformation in Europe’s privacy landscape. APEP must be a credible and independent voice for professionals and institutions,” he said.
The new board will assume office in the coming weeks, aiming to strengthen APEP’s role as a technical hub, training platform, and trusted institutional partner.
