EIB Group names María Romano to lead Madrid Office and strengthen institutional agenda in Spain

EIB Group names María Romano to lead Madrid Office and strengthen institutional agenda in Spain

(IN BRIEF) The European Investment Bank Group has named María Romano as the new Head of its Madrid Office, where she will lead institutional relations and coordinate support for major projects in Spain. Romano, who succeeds Fernando Torija, has extensive experience at both the EIB and the EIF, most recently serving as Head of the Regional Representations Division at the EIF. A lawyer and economist, she previously worked at Arcano Partners before joining the EIB Group. Her appointment highlights the Group’s focus on supporting Spain’s green and digital transition and strengthening economic competitiveness.

(PRESS RELEASE) LUXEMBOURG, 6-Sep-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — The European Investment Bank (EIB) Group has announced the appointment of María Romano as the new Head of its Madrid Office, where she will lead the institution’s representation in Spain. Romano succeeds Fernando Torija, who is retiring after four years of service in the role.

In her new capacity, Romano will oversee the Group’s institutional relations agenda in Spain and coordinate activities aimed at supporting transformative projects across the country. Her appointment underlines the EIB Group’s commitment to strengthening Spain’s green and digital transitions and fostering economic competitiveness.

Romano has built an extensive career within the EIB Group, holding senior roles at both the European Investment Bank (EIB) and the European Investment Fund (EIF). Most recently, she served as Head of the Regional Representations Division at the EIF, where she focused on boosting access to finance for small and medium-sized businesses, mid-caps, and innovative firms across Europe. A lawyer and economist by training, she previously worked at Arcano Partners, an independent alternative asset management company, before joining the EIB Group.

EIB Group President Nadia Calviño welcomed the appointment:
“María Romano’s successful track record within the EIB Group and her strong understanding of the investment ecosystem will bring great value to our work in Spain. I would also like to express my gratitude to Fernando Torija for his excellent leadership of the Madrid office over the last four years.”

Commenting on her new role, Romano said:
“I am honoured to take on this responsibility and to continue contributing to the EIB Group’s mission. Spain is a key partner for the Group, and I look forward to working with institutions and stakeholders to support projects that strengthen sustainability, digitalisation, and competitiveness in the Spanish economy.”

Background information

EIB

The European Investment Bank (ElB) is the long-term lending institution of the European Union, owned by its Member States. The EIB finances investments in eight core priorities that support EU policy objectives: climate action and the environment, digitalisation and technological innovation, security and defence, cohesion, agriculture and the bioeconomy, social infrastructure, a stronger Europe in a more peaceful and prosperous world and Europe’s capital markets union.

The EIB Group, which also includes the European Investment Fund (EIF), signed nearly €89 billion in new financing for over 900 high-impact projects in 2024, boosting Europe’s competitiveness and security.

Approximately half of the EIB’s financing within the EU targets cohesion regions, where per-capita income is below the EU average, while almost 60% of annual EIB Group investments support climate action and environmental sustainability.

In Spain, the EIB Group signed €12.3 billion of new financing for more than 100 high-impact projects in 2024. This financing is contributing to the country’s green and digital transition, economic growth, competitiveness and improved services for residents.

Photo of María Romano new Head of the EIB Group Madrid Office

In addition, high-quality, up-to-date photos of the organisation’s headquarters for media use are available here.

Media Contacts:

Maite Cordero
m.corderomunoz@eib.org
+34 606 66 82 62

Press Office

press@eib.org
+352 43791

SOURCE: European Investment Bank