Colliers International has announced the appointment of Laura Hernando as Chief Executive Officer for its Iberia region, effective in the second quarter of 2026. The move represents a planned leadership succession, with outgoing CEO Mikel Echavarren transitioning to the role of Regional Chairman. Hernando will retain her concurrent position as Managing Director of Hotels for Colliers Spain during the transition.
Hernando brings more than two decades of professional experience in the Iberian real estate market, positioning her to guide the region's ongoing expansion. Her appointment underscores Colliers' commitment to maintaining continuity in leadership while advancing its strategic objectives across Spain and Portugal. The appointment aligns with the firm's medium to long-term growth initiatives in the region, which has seen increased activity in commercial real estate and hospitality sectors.
The leadership restructuring reflects a broader trend among major real estate service providers to strengthen executive benches across key European markets. Echavarren's elevation to Chairman will maintain institutional knowledge and oversight as the company pursues its regional development agenda.