Strategic leadership at Nortia and the evolving role of its holding structure
Nortia’s leadership is undergoing a deliberate transition with the appointment of Juan Antonio Alcaraz as chief executive and as a representative of the holding company across its diversified portfolio. This change places Alcaraz at the center of governance, reporting directly to Manuel Lao Gorina, who serves as executive vice president. The move signals Nortia’s readiness to strengthen oversight and unify strategic direction across its family office and portfolio companies.
The new phase at Nortia emphasizes enhanced management performance. Alcaraz brings extensive experience in finance and business leadership to the table, contributing to the value creation that Nortia seeks for its family council and stakeholders. The aim is to align operational execution with long term investment strategy, ensuring that portfolio companies benefit from clear governance and decisive leadership.
Nortia remains a major shareholder in key ventures. Merlin Features holds an 8.2 percent stake in the company’s equity, a position that underscores its leadership role in commercial real estate and its prominence within the IBEX 35 market. The holding company also maintains important investments in infrastructure through a stake in Sacyr and pursues sustainable infrastructure opportunities via Serena Industrial Partners. In renewable energy, Nortia participates through the Q-Energy fund, reflecting a diversified approach to growth sectors.
Recent activity includes a strategic investment of 15 percent in the asset manager Enigmaticis, a recognized name in investment banking and alternative asset management. This acquisition broadens Nortia’s footprint in financial services while reinforcing its capacity to manage complex asset portfolios.
In real estate and development, Nortia oversees projects with selective development strategies that elevate flagship properties. The Marbella development Dunique and the Pulitzer Group in the hospitality sector illustrate the blend of premium real estate and experiential venues in Nortia’s portfolio.
Alongside these activities, Nortia Capital has collaborated with industry players such as Next Tech ICOIberdrola and Seaya to establish Andromeda, a major technology fund aimed at accelerating the energy transition and sustainability initiatives. This initiative aligns technology investment with environmental objectives, reinforcing Nortia’s commitment to responsible growth.
Beyond real estate and tech, Nortia invests in other areas that support a balanced portfolio. The McWin Food Ecosystem Fund targets sustainable innovations in the foodtech sector, reflecting a broader strategy to back ventures with tangible social and environmental impact.
In public recognition, Manuel Lao appears among Spain’s top wealth holders, frequently cited in rankings by Forbés and El Mundo. His leadership is reflected in how Nortia manages its assets through a structured holding company, coordinating an ecosystem of strategic investments and joint ventures that span finance, infrastructure, real estate, and technology.