Esther Koplowitz, 7th Marchioness of Casa Peñalver
Esther Koplowitz | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1953 |
| Occupation(s) | Entrepreneur, philanthropist |
| Known for | Vice-president of Fomento de Construcciones y Contratas (FCC), president of the Esther Koplowitz Foundation |
| Notable work | Philanthropic initiatives supporting elderly and disabled individuals |
Esther María Koplowitz y Romero de Juseu, 7th Marchioness of Casa Peñalver is a prominent Spanish entrepreneur and benefactor.
Biography
Koplowitz holds the position of vice-president on the Board of Fomento de Construcciones y Contratas (FCC), a major Spanish conglomerate with a workforce nearing ninety thousand employees. Additionally, she occupies board memberships in various domestic and international corporations, including serving as vice-president of Cementos Portland Valderrivas. She has also previously been a board member of the French multinational Veolia Environnement.
As president of the Esther Koplowitz Foundation, she directs charitable initiatives aimed at aiding disadvantaged groups. The foundation has established and donated several care facilities such as “Nuestra Casa” in Collado-Villalba (Madrid), “La Nostra Casa” in Barcelona, and “La Nostra Casa de Vall de la Ballestera” in Valencia, all dedicated to supporting elderly and disabled individuals lacking financial resources. Plans are underway to open two more care centers in Valladolid and Valencia with similar missions.
Her philanthropic efforts and business acumen have earned her multiple prestigious accolades, including the Grand Cross of the Order of Civil Merit, Gold Medal of the Civil Order for Charitable Acts, the Madrid Region Gold Medal, Catalonia’s Blanquerna Award, an Academic Honor from the Royal Academy of History, and the French distinction of Chevalier de l'ordre de la Légion d'honneur.
According to WikiLeaks, Koplowitz has financially supported the conservative organization Hazte Oír, which backs the Vox political party.
Titles
Esther and her sister Alicia inherited noble designations from their mother. Esther previously held the titles Marchioness of Casa Peñalver and Marchioness of Campo Florido, which are now held by her daughters: Carmen Alcocer y Koplowitz (Marchioness of Casa Peñalver) and Alicia Alcocer y Koplowitz (Marchioness of Campo Florido). Her sibling Alicia holds the noble title Marquesa de Bellavista.
In 2003, Esther Koplowitz wed Fernando Falcó, 3rd Marquess of Cubas; their marriage ended in divorce in 2009.
Awards and Honors
Esther Koplowitz’s contributions to business leadership and philanthropy have been recognized through numerous awards. Notable distinctions include:
- 2001: Grand Cross of the Order of Civil Merit awarded by the Spanish Council of Ministers for social support efforts.
- 2004: Honorary Citizenship granted by the city of Valencia.
- 2005: Montblanc Award for Best Executive of the Year.
- 2005: Shield of Barcelona for her social work through Fundación Ayuda al Desvalido.
- 2005: Silver Cross from the Guardia Civil’s Order of Merit.
- 2006: Annual Award from the Adecco Foundation recognizing social commitment.
- 2007: Gold Medal bestowed by the Royal Academy of History.
- 2007: Named Business Leader of the Year by the Spanish Chamber of Commerce in the United States.
- 2007: "Goxua" Bilbotarra Award from Bilbao’s Women Entrepreneurs and Professionals Association.
- 2008: Golden Cross of the Civil Order of Social Solidarity presented by Queen Sofia.
- 2008: Grand Cross for Health from the Community of Madrid.
- 2008: IMSERSO Infanta Cristina Award acknowledging social merit.
- 2008: Gold and Diamond Insignia from the Orphan Foundation associated with Spain’s National Police Corps.
- 2008: XV Blanquerna Prize awarded by Catalonia’s government for regional development contributions.
- 2009: Gold Medal from the Community of Madrid.
- 2010: Silver Medal granted by the Valencian Council for Culture.
- 2012: Knight’s Cross of France’s Legion of Honour recognizing business success and philanthropy.
- 2012: Gold Medal from Spain’s Road Association (AEC) honoring infrastructure advocacy.
- 2013: Grand Cross of the Civil Order for Environmental Merit awarded by Spain’s government.
- 2013: Gold Medal for Scientific Merit granted by Barcelona City Council.
- 2014: Medal of Honor from Francisco de Vitoria University.
- 2014: "Count of Latores" Prize for humanitarian efforts bestowed by Asturias Nobility Corps.
- 2014: Asturias Nobility Corps awarded her Gold Medal for Work Merit and Dame title.
- 2014: Grand Cross of the Order of Alfonso X the Wise.
- 2019–2020: VI Ibero-American Philanthropy Award recognizing her significant charitable impact.
- 2023: Medal of Honor conferred by the Royal National Academy of Medicine (RANME).
These honors highlight Koplowitz’s distinguished status as a business executive deeply committed to social responsibility and humanitarian causes.
External links
- 1953 births
- Living people
- 20th-century Spanish businesswomen
- 20th-century Spanish businesspeople
- 21st-century Spanish businesswomen
- 21st-century Spanish businesspeople
- Businesspeople in construction
- Chairpersons of non-governmental organizations
- Chairwomen
- Knights of the Legion of Honour
- Female billionaires
- Marquesses of Cubas
- Recipients of the Civil Order of Alfonso X, the Wise
- Spanish billionaires
- Spanish people of Cuban descent
- Spanish people of German-Jewish descent
- Spanish philanthropists
- Veolia