Marc Armengol prepara el nuevo plan estratégico para Sabadell

Marc Armengol, the new CEO of Sabadell, is preparing a new strategic plan to take the bank to the next level. The plan, which follows the one previously established by César González-Bueno, is set to expire at the end of 2027. Armengol aims to incorporate artificial intelligence (AI) to make the bank more competitive and efficient, increase dividends, gain market share in businesses, and simplify management.

Armengol, who took over as CEO in May, has already chosen key personnel for the upcoming stage. He is planning to launch the new business strategy before the previous one concludes. During his first road show on July 29 and 30, he presented some aspects of the plan alongside the CFO Sergi Palavecino and Director of Investor Relations Lluc Sas.

The bank has been focusing on strong commercial performance after the tumultuous period following BBVA's hostile takeover. Sabadell's ROE (Return on Equity) is currently at 14.9%, up from 14.3% in the previous quarter. Armengol stresses the importance of AI in banking and believes Sabadell is large enough to compete in Spain while being small enough to manage the technology-driven future efficiently.

Armengol has created a Corporate Transformation and AI area, led by Robert Duran, and appointed Jorge Rodríguez Maroto to accelerate digitalization in the retail segment. The organization aims to streamline processes, enhance collaboration, and adapt to changing customer needs through innovative solutions. The bank needs to maintain a ROE between 15% and 20% in the next strategic plan to demonstrate its long-term viability while paying a reasonable dividend.