Lawyer Mario Fernández passes away

The firm Uría Menéndez has announced with great sorrow the passing of Mario Fernández, who was a partner at its Bilbao office and a prominent figure in the legal and financial sectors. He passed away on Tuesday at his home in Las Arenas, near Bilbao, at the age of 81, after battling a neurodegenerative illness that had distanced him from public life in recent years.

In a heartfelt message, the firm expressed its profound sadness at this loss, highlighting the professional and personal legacy that Mario Fernández leaves among all those who had the privilege of knowing and working alongside him. “His professional and personal legacy will endure in all those who had the honor of knowing him and working by his side,” the statement reads.

Born in Bilbao in 1943, Mario Fernández had a distinguished career spanning decades. He served as Vicelehendakari in the Basque Government under Carlos Garaikoetxea, played a crucial role in the BBVA and Iberdrola mergers, and became the first president of Kutxabank after leading its predecessor, BBK. His tenure at Kutxabank was marked by a visionary approach, advocating for the involvement of private investors and a potential stock market listing—ideas that led to a silent confrontation with the Basque Government and his eventual resignation a decade ago.

Mario Fernández was also a renowned expert in Financial and Commercial Law, a partner at Uría y Menéndez, and an influential figure in Spain’s corporate landscape. He was married to lawyer Arantxa Estefanía and was the father of four children. Despite his professional successes, his later years were overshadowed by health challenges and legal disputes, including a 2017 conviction for irregular payments at Kutxabank.

After leaving Kutxabank, he stepped down from his position on Repsol’s board, marking one of the final roles in his extensive professional journey. Despite these challenges, his contributions to the financial and legal sectors remain deeply respected.

In this time of grief, the firm has extended its sincerest condolences to the family and his loved ones, standing with them in this difficult moment.

The legal and financial communities have also begun to express their sorrow over the loss of a figure who left an indelible mark on Spain’s professional landscape. Undoubtedly, his memory will live on in those who shared personal and professional experiences with him.