Press Release
Boyden Expands in Europe by Appointing Six New Partners and One Principal
New additions strengthen client support in executive search and interim management
Isabel Linares is a former CEO with decades of experience on executive teams and boards as a director, non-executive director and chair. With this substantial board experience and a deep understanding of board dynamics, she serves as a trusted advisor and expert on board recruitment and corporate governance, helping clients maximise board effectiveness and enhance organisational performance.
Professional Focus
- More than 30 years’ experience in leadership including C-suite executive and board roles as a director, non-executive director, chair and committee leader
- Extensive expertise in corporate governance and board consulting including director recruitment, board composition, diversity, assessment, compensation and optimisation
- Strong strategic and functional leadership with background in leadership development, organisational design, diversity & inclusion and change management
- Broad industry knowledge in the public and private sectors, spanning technology, insurance, healthcare, media (television & radio), executive education and professional services
- Native Spanish, fluent in English
Business Expertise
- Executive Director PwC Public Sector Observatory at ESADE Business School, focused on the Spanish public sector; created Executive Program for Public Leadership for senior executives in the public sector and government officials
- Non-Executive Director, Audit Committee Chair and Member of the Remuneration Committee of Grupo Memora
- Senior Counselor at PwC Spain; Member of the Advisory Board to the President; established Women to Watch initiative for female C-suite executives aspiring to board roles
- General Manager, PwC Public Sector Center at IE Business School, Madrid
- CEO of public broadcaster Telemadrid and Onda Madrid
- Deputy Managing Director and Executive Board Member of Sanitas Group, Spain’s leading private health insurer and healthcare provider, part of U.K.-based Bupa; previously Executive President of Sanitas Mayores, Institutional Relations Director, Mergers and Acquisitions Director; joined as Director of the Legal Department
- Started career as a corporate lawyer, serving as General Counsel at IBM; prior roles included Senior Counsel, Deputy to the CEO, and Attorney at IBM Spain and IBM Europe HQ in Paris
Additional Expertise
- CEO & Board Services
- Technology
- Insurance
- Healthcare
- Media (Television and Radio)
- Executive Education
- Professional Services / Consulting
Areas of Expertise
Education & Certifications
- Law degree and Master’s degree from Complutense University of Madrid
- Post-Graduate Program at IESE Business School, University of Navarra
- Accelerated Master’s Program (AMP) at the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania
- Executive Program at George Washington University School of Business
- Certification in Corporate Governance, Spanish Institute of Board Directors (IC-A)
- Creating Public Value: Challenges for Management and Public Policy, Harvard University
- Digital Business Management Executive Program, The Valley Business School, Madrid
- European Community Law at King’s College, London University
Affiliations & Awards
- Member, Madrid Bar Association
- Graduate Member, Spanish Institute of Board Directors
- Board Member and Global Communications Committee Member, International Women’s Forum (IWF), Madrid Chapter; former Global Board Director, Washington DC
- Board Member, Sanitas Foundation
- Board Member, Integra Foundation
- Board Member, Memora Foundation
- Advisory Board Member, IESE Business School
- Advisory Board Member, IE Business School Women Mentoring Program
- Named to Top 100 Women Leaders in Spain (2012)
- Numerous earlier board roles, including Board Chair, Executive and Non-Executive Board Director for public and private companies, non-profits, educational institutions and professional associations, primarily in health insurance and media
Case Studies
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Strengthening Advancement Capacity and Culture Through a Long-Term Search Partnership
With Boyden’s support, Loyola Marymount University built a high-performing advancement team by filling 15 key fundraising roles over five years, strengthening collaboration, continuity, and campaign readiness.
Guiding a Family-Owned Manufacturer Through a Private Equity Transition
With Boyden’s support, a private equity–backed organization appointed its first HR leader to formalize people operations and navigate cultural and structural transformation during a pivotal ownership shift.
From Transition to Transformation: CFO Leadership in Premium Wine Operations
How Boyden navigated a high-stakes CFO search for a global wine producer’s U.S. subsidiary.
Thought Leadership
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Articles & Papers
Private Equity's Role in Powering the Energy Transition
As energy markets transform, private equity is driving the transition with diversified portfolios and leaders who can master both legacy and renewable systems.
Blog Post
The New Leader's DNA: 5 Key Skills for Leadership in the Age of AI and Uncertainty
Discover the five essential leadership skills for thriving in the age of AI and uncertainty: empathy, adaptability, generative leadership, technological mastery, and coaching. Learn how modern leaders can balance human connection with innovation to drive purposeful growth.
Boyden Report Series
What’s Next for Industry? AI, Transformation, and the Talent Imperative
Industrial Trends Report: Analysing markets, studies, and trends on how AI, machine learning, and digitalisation are reshaping the industrial sector, with expert insights on talent and leadership from Boyden’s Global Industrial Practice Members.
Boyden Report Series
As social impact organisations stir our conscience, where does your organisation stand?
Social Impact Report: Analysing the trends and companies reshaping the role of enterprise in society, with expert insights from Boyden's Global Social Impact Practice Members
News & Events
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Event
Fintech at the Forefront: Leading in a Digitally Driven Economy - A BlueSteps Panel Event featuring Boyden's Lourdes Lopez
Press Release
Boyden Sees Growth Across Europe, Welcoming New Partners in the East and the West
Boyden announces new partners and promotions in Bulgaria, Ireland, Netherlands, Spain and the United Kingdom
Contact Isabel Linares today and let's get started