The economist Aldo Olcese dies at the age of 68

Aldo Olcese Santonja died this Sunday at the age of 68 from a heart attack. Olcese was a prominent intellectual in the field of economics and a pioneer in the integration of corporate social responsibility and good corporate governance in Spain. The economist, born in Tetouan, Morocco, was a leading figure in the modern economy, and his legacy left a deep impression on both the academic and business worlds. 

With a degree in Economics and a Doctorate Cum Laude, Olcese was a tireless advocate of corporate responsibility. His most emblematic work, 'Treaty on Corporate Social Responsibility: Proposal for a New Economy of Responsible and Sustainable Business', published in 2007, became the pillar on which the implementation of CSR in large Spanish companies was based. In this treatise, the author proposed a renewed vision of the business economy, oriented towards sustainability, ethics and transparency, and had the support of renowned businessmen such as Emilio Botín, president of Banco Santander, and Juan Roig, president of Mercadona. 

Throughout his career, Aldo Olcese was a key figure in the shaping of far-reaching economic policies. At the age of 43, he became the youngest member of the Royal Academy of Economics and, for eight years, he chaired its Business Sciences Section. His entry into the Academy marked the beginning of a journey full of achievements and responsibilities. His intellectual leadership led him to chair and advise numerous prestigious institutions, such as the Fundación Independiente and the Europe Foundation, where he also played prominent roles in the promotion of business ethics. 

As an entrepreneur, Olcese founded and chaired Fincorp Mediación, an investment and corporate advisory company, and was the main promoter of Africa's first Energy Efficiency Fund, Energy Efficiency Fund Africa. In addition, his influence transcended the borders of Spain, acting as Senior Advisor in world-renowned companies such as Álvarez & Marsal, McGraw-Hill and Eurona. He was also an advisor to international financial institutions such as Attijari Wafa Bank, and actively participated in the development of financial reforms that transformed both the Spanish and European economies. 

His work was not limited to theory. Olcese was a key player in major Spanish and European financial reforms, particularly during his presidency of the Spanish Institute of Financial Analysts and the Foundation for Financial Studies between 2000 and 2006. Under his leadership, these institutions became influential think tanks promoting economic reforms from a perspective of ethics, transparency and good governance. He also played a crucial role in the reform of European financial markets, contributing to Spain's negotiating position in the development of the Lisbon Treaty. 

For his outstanding career, Olcese was recognised with various decorations, including the Grand Cross of Civil Merit, and received the highest honours from Italy, Morocco and Luxembourg. His legacy, both in the academic and business spheres, is a testament to his dedication to building a more ethical, transparent and responsible economy. 

Aldo Olcese Santonja was not only a renowned academic and businessman, but also a humanist committed to the creation of a fairer and more sustainable economic model. His work and his contributions to the global economy continue to be a benchmark in the study and practice of good corporate governance and corporate social responsibility.