Manolo Falcó, el banquero español más internacional, se despide de Citi tras 28 años en la firma

Manolo Falcó, a Spanish banker with an international reputation, is leaving Citi after a 28-year tenure at the U.S. investment bank. Born in California in 1968, Falcó has climbed to the highest levels in international corporate finance. Starting his banking career in 1989 at S.G. Warburg, he joined Citi in 1998 as head of investment banking for Spain and Portugal.

In 2009, he moved to a global role overseeing investment banking and capital markets in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, based in London. In September 2018, he became co-Global Managing Director of this division. Falcó is known for his exceptional client relationships and his ability to handle complex mergers and acquisitions operations, which is not typical for a Spaniard due to limited M&A culture in his home country.

A bank insider praised Falcó for his trustworthiness and operational excellence. In an internal memo to Citi's 200,000 employees worldwide, Ernesto Torres Cantú, Citigroup's International Director, called Falcó a sensational banker who helped build the bank's business and strengthen its global presence. However, what sets Falcó apart is not just his business acumen, but also his leadership in developing talent within the bank.

Notable former collaborators include Ignacio Gutiérrez-Orrantia, now Citigroup's Chief Executive for Europe, and Jorge Ramos, who leads investment banking for Spain and Portugal. Falcó will remain in his current position until December, allowing him to focus on family and personal investments, such as his stake in the fashion brand Ecoalf.

He will also continue his wine business alongside his sister Xandra Falcó, who is the Deputy Director of the Marqués de Griñón winery and president of the Fortuny Circle. Falcó and his siblings also share plans to restore the historic El Rincón Palace in Aldea del Fresno, Madrid, converting it into a large resort.