El Corte Inglés appoints Javier Catena as CEO and boosts travel division

El Corte Inglés' shareholders in Madrid approved the appointment of Javier Catena as chief executive of the group's distribution arm. President Cristina Álvarez used the meeting to outline an updated Strategic Plan to be presented to the board in September, featuring a more ambitious investment programme aimed at expanding the business, enhancing logistics and adopting new technologies. She highlighted the continued importance of physical stores as a differentiating asset while noting the growing share of online sales.

Álvarez also singled out Viajes El Corte Inglés, the travel subsidiary, as a key pillar of future growth. The division posted €3.489 billion of revenue and a record €107 million EBITDA, reinforcing its position as a market leader. The board unanimously approved all board proposals, signalling strong shareholder support for the new strategic direction.