Globalvia has appointed Javier Pérez Fortea has its new chief executive, the Madrid-based infrastructure investor announced today.
Pérez joined Globalvia in 2011 as its corporate development, construction and O&M Director. He became the firm’s corporate managing director in March 2013.
He was previously Cintra’s highways director for Spain, Europe and Chile, and has been involved in the management of Toronto’s ETR 407 in Canada, the world’s largest toll road by revenues. He began his career in the construction sector as a country manager for several Spanish construction companies such as OHL or Acciona in Indonesia, the Philippines, the US and Jamaica.
Pérez will replace Juan Béjar, whom to date cumulated the top role with that of chairman. Béjar will continue to head the company’s board of directors.
Pérez’ appointment closely follows the completion of Globalvia’s fundraising round. Earlier this month, the UK’s Universities Superannuation Scheme, Dutch pension PGGM and Toronto-based OPTrust agreed to commit an additional €350 million to the firm’s PPP-dedicated fund.
The fresh capital came on top of the €400 million already pledged by PGGM and OPTrust in 2011, allowing Globalvia to reach its €750 million fundraising target. USS, a new investor with Globalvia, contributed €150 million, while PGGM and OPTrust committed €100 million each.
The proceeds were earmarked to fund the cash requirements of Globalvia’s current portfolio as well as the firm’s international expansion.
Globalvia was formed in 2011 through a joint venture between transport conglomerate FCC and national lender Bankia, formerly Caja Madrid. The firm bills itself as the world’s second-largest investor and operator of transport projects.