The Hurry Media Group<\/strong>, owner of renowned institutions such as The Country<\/em> and Cadena Ser, has officially announced a significant leadership change at the helm of its subsidiary, Santillana<\/strong>. Effective January 1, 2026, Alberto Polanco<\/strong> will take over as the company’s chief executive, succeeding Francisco Cuadrado, who has served in this role since 2021.<\/p>\n This leadership transition comes at a pivotal moment for Hurry Media Group as they prepare to unveil their new strategic plan<\/strong>. According to Joseph Oughourlian<\/strong>, the principal shareholder and president of Hurry, the plan focuses on enhancing operations rather than selling off the main assets of the company to alleviate debts. This strategic pivot underscores the importance of maintaining control over core business entities while expanding into new market segments.<\/p>\n Polanco<\/strong> brings a wealth of experience to his new role. He has been with the company for an impressive 25 years<\/strong>, having previously directed the Mexican subsidiary of Santillana. Under his leadership, the company has pivoted towards a stronger digital education model, particularly after the sale of the Spanish business to the Finnish company Sanoma in 2020. This shift marks a significant move as the company now focuses largely on the Latin American market.<\/p>\n In these regions, Santillana has embraced digital education<\/strong> and innovative subscription models, positioning the company for growth. Polanco\u2019s hands-on experience in various Latin American countries such as Bolivia, Argentina, Central America, and Colombia has equipped him with the insight and expertise needed to guide Santillana through these transformative times.<\/p>\n An important aspect of the upcoming leadership change is the financial backdrop against which it is occurring. In 2024<\/strong>, Santillana reported earnings of 467 million euros<\/strong>, reflecting a 9% decline<\/strong> from the previous year’s total of 515 million euros<\/strong>. This financial performance emphasizes the urgency for the new leadership to develop effective strategies that can reinvigorate the company’s growth trajectory.<\/p>\n As the educational publishing industry evolves in the digital age, Santillana’s ability to adapt and innovate will be critical. Under Polanco\u2019s leadership, a renewed focus on digital services is expected to align closely with the market’s needs and consumer preferences.<\/p>\n This shift in Santillana\u2019s leadership is part of a broader strategy at Hurry Media Group. It appears that the company is completing a comprehensive overhaul of its executive management. With the exception of Oughourlian, who remains a central figure, Pilar Gil replaced Carlos N\u00fa\u00f1ez earlier in the year as the head of the media segment after a contentious push for launching an open television channel, which shareholders ultimately rejected. This change emphasizes the company\u2019s commitment to restructuring and positioning itself for future success.<\/p>\n The transition to Alberto Polanco represents not just a new chapter for Santillana but also highlights the strategic foresight of the Hurry Media Group. With an intention to enhance core operations rather than divest key assets, the group seems poised to navigate current market challenges effectively. Polanco\u2019s extensive experience in Latin America and leadership in embracing digital transformation will be instrumental in guiding Santillana toward a more prosperous future. As the company prepares to unveil its strategic blueprint, stakeholders and industry observers will be keenly watching how these changes may impact Santillana\u2019s market position and growth potential. The combination of seasoned leadership and a clear path forward could very well set the stage for exciting developments in the educational landscape.<\/p>\nStrategic Decisions for Growth<\/h2>\n
Alberto Polanco: A Focus on Latin America<\/h2>\n
Financial Overview: Santillana’s Income Report<\/h2>\n
The Bigger Picture: Completing the Leadership Relay<\/h2>\n
Conclusion<\/h2>\n