Gema Sotoca Rodríguez

Gema Sotoca is an expert in recognizing, analyzing and launching new business initiatives inside and outside organizations.

She began her entrepreneurial experience 20 years ago leading numerous corporate projects at the Entrepreneurship and Innovation Center at IE Business School. She participated in the design and launch of ICEVED (International Center for Entrepreneurship and Ventures Development) platform, a global online portal to facilitate the contact between entrepreneurs and investors, with the participation of the top 25 business schools in Entrepreneurship worldwide. In 2008 she moved to Barcelona where she has continued developing her career within Grupo Planeta, in the division of Education and Universities, which is a referent in the creation and acquisition of universities nationally and globally. This Division is present in Spain, Italy, France, Egypt, Morocco and Latin America. During these years, she held different positions, among which stand out: (1) Director of Innovation and Product, responsible of analyzing and launching innovative educational solutions, and (2) Academic Manager at Ostelea, university specialized in Tourism with campuses in Barcelona, Madrid and Rabat, being member of the executive committee since its creation. She is currently the Academic Director of Barcelona Culinary Hub, a university specialized in high gastronomy, that is currently in launch phase. During her experience with Grupo Planeta, se has gained a vast experience in intrapreneurial projects.

Her interests are focused on analyzing and launching new ventures, implementing innovative business models and strategic planning. Her experience in startups and intrapreneurial projects allows her to have a broad perspective of Entrepreneurship.

Corporate Experience

• Academic Director of Barcelona Culinary Hub, Planeta Formación y Universidades, Spain, 2019-Present

• Academic Manager at Ostelea, Planeta Formación y Universidades, Spain, 2016-2019

• Director of Innovation and Product, Planeta Formación y Universidades, Spain, 2008-2016

• Corporate Project Manager at International Center of Entrepreneurship, IE Business School, Spain, 2000 -2008

Academic Experience

• Adjunct Professor of Entrepreneurship at IE Business School. She has been nominated several times by her students as the best professor of the MBA Program. Spain, 2006-Present

• Mentor of corporate innovation projects, IE Business School, Spain, 2005-Present