Former CSO of Renfe – Expert in public policy, PPPs, and economic development
25 March 2026, at Hotel Orfila, Madrid
In January, Spain was deeply marked by a tragic railway accident, a reminder of how essential infrastructure is to our daily lives, our economies, and our collective resilience. Beyond the emotion such events provoke, they invite a broader reflection: how can Europe build safer, stronger and more competitive systems in an increasingly uncertain world?
At our LeadHers breakfast, we explored these questions with Paloma Baena, international executive and former Global Strategy Director of the RENFE Group.
At a time when strategic autonomy and competitiveness are reshaping Europe’s agenda, Paloma shared her perspective on the strategic role of key infrastructure, and particularly high-speed rail — as a driver of economic sovereignty, innovation and territorial cohesion across Spain and Europe. Drawing on a career spanning global institutions, governments and major corporations, she offered an insider’s view on how mobility, public-private cooperation and long-term strategy can contribute to a more resilient and connected Europe.
With more than two decades of international experience across the public, private and non-profit sectors, Paloma has advised heads of government, CEOs and multilateral organisations in over twenty countries. Formerly with the OECD, the World Bank and the Inter-American Development Bank, she later served as Chief Strategy & Development Officer at Renfe and co-CEO of Renfe of America, leading complex strategic and international initiatives at the intersection of policy, investment and geopolitics.