Internal promotion and mobility

ANNnews: Eva, when did you start working at Aernnova and in what position? How has your role evolved since then?

EVA GRANDE: I joined Aernnova in 2003. My first position was at the Getafe plant, hired by Luis Cillero, then Plant Manager, to perform duties in Production Control, mainly in the assembly of different parts of the A380. Over time, I had the opportunity to take on the responsibility of Production Control and Warehouses with an exceptional team, both professionally and personally.

In 2010, Pepe Álvarez, Manager of the Composites division, offered me a position at the Aernnova Composites Illescas (ACI) plant, where I participated in exciting projects such as the A350, A220, and Boeing 787 programs. During this stage, I initially reported to Enrique Molés and later to Néstor Aristegui as head of Purchasing and SCH, leading a team for 13 years that I am deeply proud of.

In 2023, Félix Rodríguez, then Manager of the Composites division, asked me to lead a more global project: to take on the role of Director of Purchasing and Logistics for the Composites division. I admit that at first I felt dizzy and was about to reject the proposal, but I accepted the challenge and it was a great opportunity to continue learning.

At the end of 2023, Goretti Sampayo, Aernnova’s new CPO, offered me the position of Purchasing Director for five commodities.

Each of these changes has been both a challenge and an opportunity for growth.

I firmly believe that internal mobility is positive, both for the company and for individuals, because it encourages continuous learning and innovation.

ANNnews: What moments would you highlight as the most significant in your career at the company?

EVA GRANDE: Having managers who believed in me and gave me real opportunities, and leaders who were generous enough to think about my professional development, encouraging me and pushing me to accept changes that, although challenging, have been decisive for my growth.

ANNnews: What lessons have had a particular impact on you?

EVA GRANDE: Although it sounds cliché, teamwork in the most difficult and pressured moments has been the key to overcoming challenges. In addition, facing change quickly and proactively is essential to achieving goals and, of course, continuous improvement and customer focus: there are always opportunities to optimize processes and add more value.

ANNnews: How did you experience those changes? What challenges and opportunities did they offer you?

EVA GRANDE: I approached some of them with enthusiasm, others with respect and a certain amount of trepidation. Taking on more responsibilities, leading new teams, and developing different skills has always been a significant challenge, but also an opportunity for growth.

ANNnews: What has helped you adapt to new work situations?

EVA GRANDE: Maintaining a flexible mindset and seeing change as an opportunity.

If I had to say what I miss, it would be having a mentor for a reasonable amount of time to acquire essential knowledge. This benefits both the employee, who gains confidence, and the company, which reduces risks and ensures the success of the change.

ANNnews: Have you had any work experience outside your city or country?

EVA GRANDE: Although I have not been an expatriate, I have traveled frequently throughout Spain and abroad to visit suppliers, attend events, and meet with teams. These experiences are very enriching: they allow you to learn about different ways of working and question how to improve your own.

ANNnews: What conditions would you consider important in order to accept a geographical move?

EVA GRANDE: Personally, I believe that the most important thing when accepting a transfer is to have a clear career plan for when you return, as well as suitable conditions and defined objectives. This would make more people interested in a geographical change.

ANNnews: What motivated you to take on these changes?

EVA GRANDE: The trust placed in me by the people who counted on me, and the need to take advantage of this opportunity to continue learning.

ANNnews: What advice would you give to someone starting at the company today?

EVA GRANDE: To take advantage of every opportunity to learn, develop teamwork skills, and maintain a flexible attitude toward change. Adaptability is key to improving and growing.

But it’s also important for the company to work to identify key people based on their attitude and aptitude and train them properly. I consider this essential for the success of future leaders.

ANNnews: How do you see the future of the company and your role in it?

EVA GRANDE: We are in a complex moment. Strategic purchases have not had the weight they perhaps should have had in the past… but I believe we are moving in the right direction, although there is still a long way to go to reach a situation of stability.

ANNnews: What motivates you to keep growing?

EVA GRANDE: Learning, contributing, and improving every day.