The Malaga region has long depicted a figure described as brilliant in academic circles and highly capable in finance. Those who knew him or met him offered a blend of praise and candid observation: a scholar with a sharp mind who remains steady under pressure, persistent in pursuit of clarity, and at times deliberate in pace. This profile centers on Jose Manuel Domínguez, who recently transitioned from his role as director of Unicaja Banco. He has been named to succeed Braulio Medel as the head of the Unicaja Foundation, a move announced in the preceding week. The Foundation remains the majority shareholder of Unicaja Banco, holding a significant stake that underscores the importance and sensitivity of leadership changes within the group. The path ahead is watched closely by industry observers as the organization calibrates its governance and long-term strategy during this period of transition, with changes expected to unfold in a measured and orderly manner.
Domínguez, aged 63, holds a PhD in Economic Sciences and serves as a professor of Applied Economics at the University of Malaga. His academic responsibilities extend to the UMA where he specializes in Public Finance, Economic Policy, and Political Economy within the Economics and Business Faculty. Over a long and productive career, he has published more than a hundred scholarly articles and authored multiple books on public and financial sector issues. His tenure at Unicaja Banco spans several decades, beginning with his early work at Caja de Ronda and progressing to leadership roles, including the position of Technical Secretary for the last six years. Even while carrying major administrative duties, he maintained a commitment to teaching. That dedication earned him recognition from his own institution and sparked the creation of a broader educational initiative in 2005. The Edufinet project, a Unicaja program, grew from his leadership and continued to advance financial education as a cornerstone of the foundation’s mission.
Described as a person of warmth, modesty, and prudent judgment, Domínguez has attracted admiration for his substantial work ethic and collaborative approach. Observers characterize him as approachable and practical, with a talent for aligning diverse groups toward common goals. His management style earned respect across various sectors, including relationships with labor unions, where he was seen as someone attentive to the needs of the workforce and committed to fostering a positive workplace culture. During his time overseeing Human Resources at Unicaja Banco, unions such as UGT and CESICA acknowledged his focus on improving conditions for staff and sustaining a constructive environment, a reputation that persisted even as the bank underwent changes in its organizational structure and personnel strategy. His leadership tenure coincided with a period of adaptation within the bank, as it navigated workforce transitions following structural shifts in related entities.
Domínguez exited his post at Unicaja in February amid reports that a voluntary departure was sought to devote more time to scholarly pursuits at the university. Industry insiders noted that the move was not retirement or a formal severance under an employment reduction plan, but rather a personal choice that aligned with ongoing academic commitments. The broader context involved a merger between Unicaja and Liberbank, with stakeholders emphasizing continuity and governance considerations rather than immediate management upheaval. The narrative surrounding his departure points to a desire for deeper engagement with academic work and research activities rather than an abrupt shift away from the financial sector. [Attribution: industry sources cited in regional financial press]
In the trajectory toward leading the Unicaja Foundation, the possibility emerged after consensus among the region’s governing parties. The two major political groups with representation in the Foundation, the PP and PSOE, reportedly converged on Domínguez as a joint candidate to succeed the outgoing president. The announcement of his candidacy was made ahead of formal confirmation, reflecting a proactive effort to map leadership continuity within the foundation and the broader corporate ecosystem. The timing aligns with broader reform discussions surrounding the Foundation’s leadership and its strategic role in guiding Unicaja’s philanthropic and educational initiatives.
The situation surrounding the outgoing president, Braulio Medel, adds another layer of complexity. Medel had signaled intentions to depart in connection with a compliance review conducted by the Undersecretariat of Banking Foundations. The review’s outcomes could influence the timing of any leadership transition, potentially extending the process into late June as the authority examined institutional procedures and governance standards. In parallel, the Baker McKenzie law firm was engaged to oversee work related to the foundation as part of the governance review.
Options to effect the change included a formal vote by the foundation’s trustees to dismiss Medel; however, a comprehensive board vote had not occurred at the time of reporting. Observers suggested that persuading key stakeholders to align behind a leadership shift presented challenges, with parties needing to balance political dynamics and the interests of the institution’s diverse stakeholder groups. The mayor of Malaga, Francisco de la Torre, underscored the urgency of progressing the leadership transition in public comments, noting that a change in leadership at the foundation would be a critical step for the region’s economic and social programs. The broader sentiment among local and regional actors framed the transition as a pivotal moment for aligning the foundation’s mission with the needs of employers and employees alike, while ensuring ongoing support for Unicaja’s long-term strategic goals. [Source attribution: regional governance updates]