Álvaro Sánchez
I started working when I was 17, and now have two engineering degrees and a master’s in sales and marketing under my belt. Throughout my career, I’ve been motivated to solve customer problems through innovation and software solutions in disruptive industries. In 2018, I turned my interest in classic cars into a business with my company Marquess Collection—inspired by my inherited title as the Marquess of Antella. When I’m not working, I love spending time with my wife and our newborn son or practicing water sports like surfing and kitesurfing.
"What I like most about teaching is providing students with useful information that can complement their knowledge and help them overcome any barriers along the way."
Motivated to drive global success
Alvaro has been motivated ever since he started working at the age of 17. He kicked off his academic path with two engineering degrees—telecommunications and computer science—while also working in the fashion industry. His professional career began in Switzerland where he worked as an engineer at CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research on a project focused on precision timing in neutrino experiments.
Intrinsically driven to help people, Alvaro decided to study a master’s degree in sales and marketing direction. This degree triggered his transition to the satellite industry and his position at Integrasys. Working in various roles such as sales engineer, sales manager, sales director and general manager, Alvaro climbed the corporate ladder to his current role as CEO. As CEO, he expanded the company to the US, Asia and the Middle East, increasing his staff by 200% and revenues by 30% over the past three years.
Using his marketing skills, Alvaro led Integrasys in releasing numerous products for the satellite communication industry. The software solutions are based on customer requirements and demands, and have been sold throughout disruptive markets worldwide. His innovation hasn’t gone unnoticed—Integrasys earned four awards over the past few years including “The Most Innovative Technology of the Year” in the US and Europe.
As an award-winning leader, Alvaro has spoken at global conferences alongside influential people like Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos and high-tech CEOs. He has also traveled around the world, selling royalties and software to high-profile clients like the US military and companies owned by Bill Gates.
Alvaro continues to lead Integrasys’ global strategies department as CEO, but in 2018 he founded his own passion project. He turned his hobby of collecting classic cars into a business called Marquess Collection. His team imports and restores sports cars from Europe and the US, then sells them in auctions or personally delivers them to exclusive customers. Their collection ranges from Corvettes and Mustangs to Mercedes and Jaguars.
Adding to his professional repertoire, Alvaro recently started collaborating with IE University to achieve his lifelong goal of helping others. He considers it an honor to be able to share what he’s learned from great mentors throughout his career. This knowledge has enabled him to work across a wide range of industries and positions, while easily adapting to an increasingly dynamic and globalized world.
He enjoys teaching “Introduction to Business Management” as it provides critical information for any professional who would like to take an idea and turn it into a business. He compares this to what happens in many technology companies, where the founder does not understand the business side of things. They might have a great idea, but they can’t see the full picture, which hinders their chances of success. He hopes to provide his students with a global business mindset and the visibility to shift towards an engineering point of view. After all, a great innovation is only great if there’s a market for it.
Alvaro also applies his passion for people and education to his inherited role as Marquess of Antella. He continues to foster a relationship with the School Michelet at Antella and has founded multiple initiatives for students, including providing surgical masks to combat the spread of COVID-19.
When he’s not working, Alvaro is spending time with his wife and newborn son. Or, when the weather permits, you can find him at the beach kitesurfing.
