In Recognition Of His Important Contribution To The Growth And Development Of Latin America César Alierta Receives In New York The Americas Society Gold Medal

César Alierta, Executive Chairman of Telefónica (NYSE:TEF) (LSE:TDE), received last night the Americas Society of New York’s Gold Medal in recognition of his important contribution to the growth and development of Latin America. Alierta is also the first Spaniard and person born outside of the American continent to receive this award.

Telefónica’s chairman received the gold medal from John Negroponte, chairman of the board of the Americas Society, at the annual gala held by this institution every year in New York, in the presence also of David Rockefeller, the Society’s honorary chairman.

John Negroponte affirmed that “César Alierta is both a visionary and a global leader. Under his leadership, Telefónica has expanded its presence throughout the Americas and around the world. A strong belief in corporate social responsibility, together with a desire to improve people’s lives and social progress through the use of new communication and information technologies were driving forces in his vision.”

The Americas Society Gold Medal has been awarded to César Alierta for his contribution to the growth and development of Latin America, mainly through Telefónica with the creation of thousands of jobs, the development of new businesses and pioneering initiatives involving company employees in educational and CSR projects in the countries where the company operates.

In his words of thanks, César Alierta pointed out that “The new Latin America -a Latin America of growth, opportunity and transformation- is a connected Latin America. And Telefónica is proud to be at the front of creating and sustaining that network.”

The Telefónica chairman was accompanied at the gala dinner by his wife, Ana Placer, and members of the company’s Executive Committee and Board of Directors, as well as other US Telefónica executives. The dinner was also attended by figures from the business and institutional world in Spain and the US. The Americas Society, and its twin organisation, the Council of the Americas, are the two leading organisations in the Americas dedicated to the promotion of knowledge and dialogue, especially in relation to issues affecting the region. The ambassador John Negroponte is the Chairman of both institutions.