Esther Alcocer Koplowitz Receives Excellence Award from the Community of Madrid
Esther Alcocer Koplowitz, president of the FCC Group, has been honored with the Excellence Award granted by the Community of Madrid as part of the prestigious Madrid Excelente Awards. The recognition celebrates the exemplary leadership and management of the company under her chairmanship, as well as FCC’s distinguished business trajectory and enduring contribution to the economic and social development of the Madrid region.
The award also highlights FCC’s remarkable 125-year history, reaffirming its leadership position within Spain’s infrastructure, environmental services, and construction sectors. Over more than a century, FCC has evolved into a global benchmark while maintaining strong roots in Madrid, where it continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the region’s development.
Official Ceremony at the Royal Post Office
The award was formally presented by Rocío Albert, Minister of Economy, Finance, and Employment, during an official ceremony held at the iconic Real Casa de Correos (Royal Post Office). The venue, located in the heart of Madrid, provided a fitting backdrop for an event dedicated to celebrating companies that embody excellence, competitiveness, and job creation.
During the ceremony, Madrid-based companies were recognized for their outstanding contributions to innovation, sustainability, and economic growth. The Madrid Excelente initiative also presented awards across four key categories—Purpose, Planet, Progress, and People—reflecting a holistic evaluation framework designed to measure positive impact on society and commitment to responsible business practices.
These distinctions are awarded based on rigorous criteria established by an independent jury, ensuring that recipients demonstrate measurable excellence in governance, sustainability, innovation, and social responsibility.
A Personal and Symbolic Acceptance Speech
In her acceptance speech, Esther Alcocer Koplowitz delivered heartfelt remarks, emphasizing the collective effort behind the recognition. Speaking on behalf of the entire FCC workforce, she described the award as a shared achievement.
“It is an honor for me to accept, on behalf of every FCC employee, the ‘Best Company’ award,” she stated, underscoring the central role of the company’s professionals in reaching this milestone.
She also reflected on FCC’s deep connection to Madrid, noting that many of the capital’s most significant and emblematic infrastructure projects have involved the Group’s expertise. From transport systems and public facilities to environmental services and urban development initiatives, FCC’s presence has been instrumental in shaping modern Madrid.
“It would be difficult to understand Madrid’s most outstanding works without the presence of our Group in them,” she remarked. “That is precisely why we feel so connected to Madrid and so proud to continue being part of its history, 125 years after it began.”
Her words captured not only pride in the company’s achievements but also a sense of long-term commitment to the city and region that have been central to FCC’s identity.
Celebrating 125 Years of History and Legacy
The year 2025 marks a significant milestone for FCC as the company celebrates its 125th anniversary. This landmark anniversary reflects a journey that began at the dawn of the 20th century and has spanned generations of leadership and transformation.
In her speech, Esther Alcocer Koplowitz paid tribute to the founders and leaders who shaped the organization’s legacy. She recalled that her grandfather, Ernesto Koplowitz, laid the foundations for the Group’s development by founding Construcciones y Contratas in Madrid in 1944. That company later merged with Fomento de Obras y Construcciones, which had been established in Barcelona in 1900.
This merger consolidated expertise and resources, forming what would eventually become the modern FCC Group. Over time, the company diversified into environmental services, water management, infrastructure development, and urban solutions, expanding its footprint both nationally and internationally.
Esther Alcocer Koplowitz also acknowledged the leadership of her mother, Esther Koplowitz, who played a pivotal role in expanding and strengthening the Group during key phases of growth and transformation.
Today, FCC operates under the executive leadership of engineer Carlos Slim, whose strategic vision has supported the company’s continued expansion and modernization in an increasingly competitive global environment.
The Strength of 72,000 Professionals
A central theme of the president’s speech was recognition of the people behind the FCC’s success. She highlighted the dedication, talent, and commitment of the company’s workforce, which today comprises more than 72,000 professionals worldwide.
These employees contribute daily to building infrastructure, delivering environmental services, managing water resources, and developing sustainable urban solutions. Their work not only drives economic value but also enhances the quality of life in communities where the FCC operates.
Esther Alcocer Koplowitz emphasized that it is this collective effort that sustains the Group’s legacy and ensures its continued relevance in a rapidly evolving business landscape.
“The professionals at FCC are part of a great family,” she concluded. “Their effort, talent, and commitment are vital to continuing to build, day by day, the history of this Group.”
Her message reinforced the idea that corporate excellence is rooted not only in strategic leadership but also in human capital and shared purpose.
Madrid Excelente: Recognizing Business Impact
The Madrid Excelente Awards aim to distinguish organizations that generate a meaningful and measurable positive impact on society. By focusing on excellence in governance, innovation, sustainability, and social responsibility, the initiative encourages companies to align business performance with broader societal goals.
Through categories such as Purpose, Planet, Progress, and People, the awards framework recognizes enterprises that combine profitability with environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and inclusive growth.
For FCC, receiving this recognition underscores its role as a benchmark organization within Spain’s business ecosystem. It also reaffirms the Group’s commitment to sustainable development, technological innovation, and long-term value creation.
A Symbol of Commitment to Madrid’s Future
The Excellence Award granted to Esther Alcocer Koplowitz on behalf of FCC symbolizes more than corporate recognition; it reflects a shared history between the company and the Madrid region. Over 125 years, FCC has contributed to the development of essential infrastructure, urban modernization, and environmental management systems that underpin the region’s prosperity.
As Madrid continues to evolve into a global economic hub, companies like FCC remain integral to delivering the infrastructure and services required to sustain growth and competitiveness.
The recognition by the Community of Madrid, therefore, not only honors past achievements but also signals confidence in FCC’s continued role in shaping the future of the region.
In celebrating this milestone, FCC reaffirms its enduring mission: to build, manage, and maintain infrastructure and services that contribute to economic development, social well-being, and environmental sustainability—both in Madrid and beyond.
Source link: https://www.fcc.es/
