Manel VALLET
Biography
Parent, La Grande Boissière Middle School
Father of a Middle School student at the International School of Geneva, I offer the Ecolint Foundation Board more than twenty years of leadership in corporate governance, financial strategy, and foundation stewardship. A Catalan entrepreneur with a truly global perspective, now residing in Geneva, my career unfolds across eight countries—from the Caribbean's vibrant shores to Europe's financial hubs—where extended stays have woven an invaluable international network of enduring partnerships.
As ex-CEO and co-owner of Catalonia Hotels & Resorts, I spearheaded tourism innovation; co-founded a pioneering digital bank; and today advise Santander, among Europe’s foremost banking groups. I lead a Family Office, serve on the board of Fundació Enciclopèdia Catalana, and established The Nook coworking space in Barcelona, blending for-profit acumen with non-profit governance.
With my wife, we help promote female artists via our private foundation, fostering cultural diversity and gender equity. Hands-on experience in designing and delivering large-scale Caribbean hospitality projects—functioning as self-sustaining communities—hones my skills in sustainable planning and multidisciplinary harmony. This blend of entrepreneurial drive and social commitment allows me to support Ecolint’s mission of excellence and humanistic education.
What are your main motivations for becoming a Board member?
My core motivation lies in advancing Ecolint’s foundational educational and humanistic ideals. As a committed parent, I aim to repay the profound opportunities our school affords by safeguarding innovation, academic rigour, and inclusive principles—ensuring the Foundation evolves resiliently while honouring its origins.
What skills/expertise would you bring to the Governing Board?
- Governance
- Financial management and oversight
- Sustainability
- Architectural design and planning
- Strengthening diversity, equity and inclusion
In light of the Ecolint Governing Board’s interest in primarily seeking individuals with skills/expertise/experience in financial management, governance, and fundraising, please share concrete examples of how your experience would be relevant, and how this could benefit Ecolint.
Governance: Two decades across diverse boards, refining strategic direction, consensus-building, and accountability frameworks.
Financial management and oversight: From digital banking origins to Santander advisory, delivering expertise in fiscal strategy, risk supervision, and value optimisation.
Sustainability: Steadfast advocate for ethical growth, social good, and environmental stewardship throughout professional endeavours.
Architectural design and planning: Directed Caribbean resort developments—miniature societies demanding precise, sustainable, collaborative execution.
Diversity, equity, and inclusion: a national of a linguistic minority. Actively promoting equity; our foundation uplifts women artists in culture.
How would you support the mission of the Foundation if you are elected to the Governing Board? Emphasising the skills/expertise that were highlighted above, and other leadership and soft skills you would bring to the Board Governing.
Elected, I pledge governance, finance, and sustainability proficiencies to propel the Foundation’s vision via transparent, forward-looking stewardship rooted in Ecolint’s values. Collaborative style merges data-driven insight with empathy, dialogue, and diversity reverence.
Finally, could you describe your understanding of relationships within the Governing Board and your approach to the Governing Board culture? How do you imagine the collaboration between the Board members with other stakeholders such as staff, other parents and the local community?
I view the Board’s culture as one grounded in trust, listening, and co-responsibility. Constructive debate and evidence-based deliberation are essential to good governance. I believe the relationship between the Board, school leadership, staff, parents, and the broader community should be built on open communication and mutual respect. By fostering such collaboration, we can ensure that Ecolint continues to thrive as an innovative, inclusive, and forward-looking institution — faithful to its founding vision and uniquely positioned to prepare future generations to engage responsibly with the world.