Javier Echave to join Merlin Properties as CFO

Javier Echave Espot will join Merlin Properties as Chief Financial Officer, marking his return to Spain after nearly 19 years at Heathrow Airport in the United Kingdom. Echave, who currently serves as Chief Operating Officer (COO) at Heathrow, is expected to formally transition to his new role in October.

Echave’s tenure at Heathrow included significant financial leadership roles, having served as CFO from 2016 to 2024. During his time there, he managed major financing operations and supported the airport’s large-scale investment plans.

His appointment at Merlin Properties comes as the real estate company accelerates its expansion into the data center sector. The company recently completed a €767.5 million capital increase to fund the third phase of its data center investment program, a segment that has become a primary driver of its recent growth.