Onur Genc

Onur Genc is the CEO of Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria (BBVA), Spain's second-largest bank and one of the most internationally diversified banking groups in Europe. BBVA's most valuable franchise is BBVA Mexico (formerly Bancomer), the largest bank in Mexico and a major beneficiary of the country's nearshoring-driven economic boom. BBVA also operates through Garanti Bank in Turkey, and has significant businesses in Spain, Colombia, Peru, and Argentina. Genc, Turkish-born and previously head of Garanti, has led BBVA to record profitability driven largely by Mexico's strong economic performance and high interest rates. His most consequential strategic move was launching a hostile takeover bid for Banco Sabadell in 2024, which would create Spain's dominant domestic bank. The bid faced political opposition and required regulatory approval across multiple jurisdictions. His key decisions involve the Sabadell acquisition outcome, Mexico franchise management, Turkey/Garanti strategy in a volatile macro environment, digital banking leadership (BBVA is widely regarded as one of the most digitally advanced traditional banks globally), and capital allocation across the diverse geographic portfolio.