Grupo Celsa is undergoing a leadership renewal following a decisive move by its creditors, who have selected Rafael Villaseca to lead as Chairman of the Board. This change was announced in a statement issued this Tuesday, signaling a strategic shift aimed at guiding the steel group through its restructuring phase.
With the creditors’ restructuring plan approved by the court, the company is poised to enter a new chapter in which a former energy sector leader will oversee the transition. The appointment reflects the creditors’ commitment to placing senior, independent executives with broad professional experience at the helm, reinforcing financial stability and long-term operational continuity. Their plan emphasizes safeguarding ongoing employment and preserving Spain’s industrial footprint while supporting international expansion.
Rafael Villaseca holds a degree from the Polytechnic University of Catalonia and an MBA from IESE Business School. He previously served as CEO of Gas Natural Fenosa for thirteen years, a tenure that ran from 2005 to 2018, and today he chairs the Naturgy Foundation, the organization that continues to carry the legacy of its former parent company. His broader governance portfolio includes roles as a director at Cementos Molins and VidaCaixa, and participation on the Advisory Council of Foment del Treball Nacional.
Villaseca’s leadership has been recognized with several honors. Notably, he was named CEO of the Year at the Platts Global Energy Awards in 2010, reflecting his influence in the energy sector on a global scale. His experience also encompasses senior positions at Enagás, Panrico Group, and Nueva Montaña Quijano, as well as leadership in infrastructure management and strategic oversight for major corporate groups. He has steered organizations through complex transformations and has played a pivotal role in shaping energy sector governance in Spain.
In addition to his executive roles, Villaseca has held leadership positions within industry circles, including the presidency of the Spanish Energy Club and membership on the board of the Círculo de Economía. This track record underscores why creditors view him as a credible figure to guide Celsa through its capital restructuring and into a period of renewed strategic coherence. The creditors expressed confidence that the new leadership will protect the company’s strategic structure and its significance for Spain’s economy, ensuring sustained employment and ongoing operations in Spain while fortifying its international projection.
As the changes unfold, it is anticipated that additional top-level appointments may follow, bringing together a leadership team with a shared vision for stabilizing the business, reinforcing financial discipline, and advancing Celsa’s role in the global steel market. The group’s creditors remain committed to a governance framework that aligns with the company’s long-term goals and the broader national economic interests, positioning Celsa to navigate the evolving industrial landscape with resilience and clarity.