Miami, FL – The Spain-US Chamber of Commerce in Florida is proud to announce that the recipients of the 2024 Ponce de León Awards for “Company of the Year” are Iberdrola and its U.S. subsidiary, Avangrid and the “Executive of the Year” is Alejandro Pardiñas, CEO of ABS, recognizing their exceptional contributions to energy innovation and industrial leadership.
In acknowledgment of their visionary approach, strong U.S. brand presence, and long-standing achievements, these recognitions will be presented at the Chamber’s 44th Anniversary Gala on November 21, 2024, at the Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables, Miami.
This event will gather business leaders and companies from the U.S., Latin America, and Spain, providing an exceptional platform for networking, investment promotion, and reinforcing economic and cultural ties.
Mónica Vázquez, President of the Spain-US Chamber in Florida, emphasized the importance of this year’s honorees: “It is a special occasion for us to honor Iberdrola and Avangrid, global leaders united by a common mission to advance energy innovation and sustainability on a global scale. Additionally, we are proud to recognize Alejandro Pardiñas for his leadership in engineering, industrial growth, and his philosophy of hard work¨.
Executive of the Year: Alejandro Pardiñas
The Ponce de León Executive of the Year Award will be presented to Alejandro Pardiñas, co-founder and CEO of Atlantic Bearing Services (ABS), whose leadership has driven the company since its founding nearly 25 years ago, transforming it into one of the fastest-growing startups in the U.S. Guided by Pardiñas’ vision and entrepreneurial spirit, ABS has become a global leader in engineering solutions for heavy industry and the renewable energy sector, with operations in 15 countries.
Under his direction, ABS has expanded its portfolio with successful brands such as MGS Gears, ACB Custom Bearings, AEC Engineering Chains, and ABS Wind, a division specializing in services for the wind industry that has become a global reference in repair and maintenance for major turbine manufacturers and wind farm operators.
However, Pardiñas’ commitment goes beyond his role at ABS. As a board member of the American Bearing Manufacturers Association (ABMA), he actively works to develop and promote the North American industry, strengthening its competitiveness and leadership. Additionally, his position on the National Industrial Advisory Board of the College of Engineering and Computing at Florida International University (FIU) reinforces his commitment to educational excellence and the development of the next generation of engineering talent.
Reflecting on the award, Pardiñas commented: “For an American entrepreneur, born in Cuba, who maintains strong personal and business ties with Spain and whose business extends and creates value across various Ibero-American countries, receiving this recognition from the Spain-U.S. Chamber of Commerce as a testament to my professional journey is both an honor and a source of deep pride. I share this achievement with my Spanish partners at Royse, the Ortega family, who believed in this venture, and with all members of the ABS and ABS Wind teams.”
SPAIN-US CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
The Spain-US Chamber of Commerce, one of the leading binational chambers of commerce in the United States, continues to play a vital role in fostering business relationships between Spain and the U.S. With over 540 members, the Chamber offers indispensable support to companies looking to expand and succeed in the U.S. market. The annual gala provides a platform to celebrate these successes while offering opportunities for networking and collaboration among business leaders from the U.S., Spain, and Latin America.
IBERDROLA
Iberdrola is one of the world’s largest energy companies and a leader in renewable energy, spearheading the transition to a low-carbon economy. The group supplies energy to almost 100 million people in dozens of countries. Iberdrola focuses on renewable energy, smart networks, and smart solutions for customers, with key markets including Europe (Spain, the United Kingdom, Portugal, France, Germany, Italy, and Greece), the United States, Brazil, Mexico, and Australia. With nearly 40,000 employees and assets in excess of €141.7 billion, Iberdrola has been a benchmark in the fight against climate change, investing over €130 billion over the past two decades to build a sustainable energy model based on sound environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles.
AVANGRID
Avangrid, Inc. (NYSE: AGR) aspires to be the leading sustainable energy company in the United States. Headquartered in Orange, CT, with approximately $50 billion in assets and operations in 24 U.S. states, Avangrid has two primary lines of business: networks and renewables. Through its networks business, Avangrid owns and operates eight electric and natural gas utilities, serving more than 3.3 million customers in New York and New England. Through its renewables business, Avangrid owns and operates a portfolio of renewable energy generation facilities across the United States. Avangrid has been recognized for its ESG+F framework and commitment to sustainability, having been named one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies by the Ethisphere Institute for six consecutive years.
ABOUT ABS, Atlantic Bearing Services
ABS is a global engineering company specializing in bearings and customized power transmission solutions for heavy industry. The group’s services encompass the entire value chain, from design and manufacturing to distribution, repair, and maintenance, addressing a wide range of industrial applications. With a strong focus on technical excellence, ABS has established itself as a leader across four continents, delivering innovative solutions that meet the evolving challenges of the industrial sector.
For more information, please contact Ana Lluch, head of the marketing and communication department of the Spain-US Chamber of Commerce in Florida: all@spainchamber.org | Tel. +1 305 358 5988