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MDS strengthens its operation in Spain with four strategic hires in Employee Benefits, Marine, and Surety insurance

MDS strengthens its operation in Spain with four strategic hires in Employee Benefits, Marine, and Surety insurance
04.02.2026
Spanish version

The MDS Group continues the expansion of its operations in Spain with the addition of four experienced professionals in the key areas of Employee Benefits, Marine and Surety insurance. The move is in line with MDS’s strategy of sustained growth, specialization, and consolidation of its capabilities in the Iberian market. 

José Antonio Heredia joins as Director of Employee Benefits and Manuel Lezama Leguizamón as Director of Marine, two strategic appointments that strengthen MDS’s positioning in these high-value areas. 

They are joined by Santiago Mufarech, as Account Manager of the Marine Unit, and Carlota Alba, as Account Manager of the Surety Unit, reinforcing operational capacity, client service, and support for companies in an increasingly complex environment.  

The new appointments reflect MDS’s commitment to specialized knowledge as a lever for growth and differentiation, expanding its ability to offer advanced risk management, insurance, and benefits solutions to meet clients’ increasingly sophisticated business needs. 

Álvaro Mengotti, CEO of MDS Spain, commented: "With these new integrations, MDS continues to consolidate its Iberian growth through a strategy based on specialization, team strengthening, and expanding capabilities in key areas, solidifying its position as a reference partner in comprehensive risk and insurance management for companies operating in increasingly demanding and global environments.” 

Strengthening the Employee Benefits area 
 
With a solid career in the insurance and employee benefits sector, José Antonio Heredia takes on the role of Director of Employee Benefits at MDS Spain, with the goal of driving the development of this strategic area. 

José Antonio Heredia has built his professional career in leading companies and groups including Howden Employee Benefits, March RS (Banca March Group), ASISA, and ADESLAS, among others. Throughout his career, he has led projects related to health, benefits, and compliance, bringing a comprehensive vision of employee benefits solutions. 

At MDS Spain, he will lead the growth of the Employee Benefits area, strengthening the value proposition for companies and organizations seeking tailored solutions that adapt to regulatory and social changes. 

Boosting the Marine and Surety Business 

Manuel Lezama Leguizamón joins as Director of the Marine operation, bringing extensive experience in marine and aviation insurance at both national and international levels. 

He has developed his career at companies including Generali Global Corporate & Commercial, where he led the Marine & Aviation division for the Mediterranean and Latin America regions. He has also held leadership positions at Inversiones Proil, co-founded and served as Executive Director of Lebasoaz, and worked as an account manager at broker ATL. 

At MDS Spain, he will enhance technical expertise and expand MDS’s capacity to handle complex projects with international reach. He will report to Adrián Larrondo, Managing Director of MDS’s Marine area. 

Additionally, the integration of Santiago Mufarech and Carlota Alba strengthens the Marine and Surety operations, supporting business growth and ensuring close, specialized service to clients. 
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