Telefónica’s Executive Chairman, José María Álvarez-Pallete, today took center stage during the closing of the traditional “ringing of the bell” with which the trading day on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) closes. This event commemorates Telefónica’s Centenary and pays tribute to the more than 500,000 employees who have worked in the Company throughout its 100-year history.
Telefónica has forged a long history of constant transformation and anticipation, always focused on innovation and technology as levers for growth. An evolution and success that would not have been possible without the constant support of its shareholders, to whom Álvarez-Pallete dedicated a few words: “Our shareholders have made us grow. Their trust has made Telefónica a leading technology group and one of the largest telecommunications operators in the world.”
Telefónica, a Spanish pioneer in Wall Street
The ceremony holds historical significance as it not only celebrates Telefónica’s centenary but also marks 37 years since the company’s shares first traded on the NYSE on June 12th, 1987. At thata time, Telefónica became the first Spanish company listed on the New York Stock Exchange.
Telefónica’s listing on Wall Street -the largest stock market in the world- was considered “a historical event” within Telefónica and Spain. The admission to trading of 54 million shares represented the largest inflow of European capital ino the New York Stock Exchange to date.
In his welcome address at the New York Stock Exchange, Telefónica´s Executive Chairman emphasized that “the NYSE, with over 200 years of successful history, is an iconic institution. It deeply appreciated the value of organizations that withstand the test of time and, like us, has been abele to transform and prove useful to society”.
Álvarez-Pallete, recognized business leadership
On the other hand, Álvarez-Pallete received last night the Gold Medal of the Americas Society for his exceptional ability to face the challenges of technological evolution; his leadership, key in the transformation of the Company; his strategic vision and its permanent commitment to innovation.
The award was presented during the celebration of the 2024 Spring Gala of the Americas Society. It recognizes Telefónica’s significant contribution globally and, specially, in Latin America “expanding connectivity, changing people’s lives and promoting growth and inclusion” said Telefónica´s Executive Chairman.
Álvarez-Pallete emphasized the company’s trajectory in Latin America, stating: “Telefónica cannot be understood without Latin America. One day our path led us there, and since then, we transformed and became part of the region. Today, the company serves over 225 million customers in Latin America. The region has changed us for the better, and we will continue working to ensure that Europe and the Americas progress together.”
He also reflected on the company´s history and its forward-looking approach: “We are tackling the challenges for our next 100 years more youthfully than ever and will continue connecting people´s lives”.
The Americas Society is an organization dedicated to education, debate, and dialogue about the Americas. It was established by David Rockefeller in 1965. Its mission is to foster understanding of contemporary political, social, and economic issues facing Latin America, the Caribbean, and Canada, as well as to increase public awareness and appreciation of the diverse cultural heritage of the Americas and the importance of the inter-American relationship.
