This was the Impact Day 2025
On May 13, in the heart of the Alhambra in Granada, we celebrated the third edition of Impact Day, the reference event for business leaders in terms of sustainability and impact in Spain, organized by the Impact Observatory, which drive Transcendent, ONTIER and Advantere School of Management.
In this edition, the focus was on the transformative role of the family business as an engine of economic growth and an agent of social transformation. At a time of change, marked by geopolitical uncertainty, climate emergency and growing inequality, this space defended a new business vision: one in which solutions to major social and environmental challenges become profitable business opportunities. In short, a model where the impact is not a cost, but a generator of economic value and business opportunity.
A Day with Inspiring Leaders
Impact Day 2025 brought together 100 of the main Spanish family businesses committed to building a stronger society through their business activity. Thanks to the support of Family Business Institute and the Friends of the Alhambra Foundation, And with the sponsorship by Iberia and CaixaBank, the event offered a unique experience in a heritage environment of enormous symbolic value, the Alhambra Palace in Granada. In addition, it had the collaboration of SEC Newgate and Publicis Group like Partners of communication.
Voices that set the course of impact
Among the featured speakers were:
- Paul Polman, ex CEO of Unilever and one of the most influential voices in corporate sustainability, who shared his vision on how companies should move from “doing no harm” to a purely positive impact.
- Sir Ronald Cohen, considered the father of impact investing, who inspired attendees on the way in which we measure business success, placing social and environmental impact at the center of business strategy.
They also participated Ignacio Rivera, president of the Family Business Institute, and Jose Luis Blanco, executive general director of the Family Business Institute, who stressed that impact is not a social work, but must be integrated into the own business model. They emphasized that the positive impact is not a passing trend, but rather a profound conviction: a business model that is not only measured by how much it grows, but by how it does it and who benefits in the process.
Social companies that contribute to solving a social challenge
At the first table, moderated by Arturo Benito, CEO and co-founder of Impact Bridge, spoke about initiatives that demonstrate that entrepreneurship can — and should — be a transformative force and a viable business model in the face of challenges such as homelessness or social exclusion, based on viable and scalable business models.
- Blanca Hernández, president of TuTechô, shared how her organization offers decent homes to homeless people.
- Albert Alberich, general director of Moda re-, highlighted how textile recycling can become a tool for inclusion: in 2024 they recovered 47 million kilos of clothing and generated 1,600 jobs.
Projects that generate a positive impact
The second table, moderated by Sonia Sanchez, Director of Communication, Institutional Relations and Social Impact at Iberia, brought together family businesses that are leading initiatives with social and economic impact:
- Jorge Cosmen, president of ALSA, presented the ALSA training program for women drivers in Morocco and Spain, which promotes women's economic independence in vulnerable contexts.
- Eduardo Petrossi, CEO of Mahou San Miguel, spoke about the program We Create Opportunities in Hospitality and Tourism, which trains excluded young people to join the sector.
The day ended with a table promoted by CaixaBank, on sustainability and impact as drivers of shared value. Moderated by Álvaro Colino, Director of Coordination of Sustainable Business Products, participated:
- Ángeles Orantes-Zurita, CEO of Industrias Cárnicas Zurita and La Cueva in 1900, who shared how his company integrates sustainable practices into its operations.
- José Antonio Ramírez, CEO of the Maracof Group, who spoke about business growth linked to environmental and social principles.
Both agreed that betting on impact not only responds to a growing social demand, but also offers clear competitive advantages: openness to new markets, attraction of talent and customer loyalty.
Impact Day: Inspiration in Action
Impact Day 2025 was not only a space for inspiration, but also an invitation to action. The community of leaders gathered in Granada reaffirmed that sustainability and impact are not a fad or an obligation, but rather a real opportunity to generate shared value.
The Impact Observatory, promoted by Transcendent, Ontier and Advantere School of Management, will continue to promote this conversation and build, together with companies, institutions and leaders, a space to make visible, share and promote initiatives that are already demonstrating that it is possible to combine purpose with economic benefit.
The meeting had a wide impact on the media, consolidating the role of the Family Business as a reference in the conversation about sustainability and business purpose.
More information on the website of Impact Day 2025:
