Nemesio Fernández-Cuesta
Nemesio Fernández-Cuesta | |
|---|---|
| Born | Template:Birth date Madrid, Spain |
| Died | May 12, 2009 (aged 80) Madrid, Spain |
| Occupation(s) | Economist, entrepreneur, journalist, politician |
| Years active | 1963–1995 |
| Known for | Minister of Commerce (1974–1975) |
Nemesio Fernández-Cuesta (1928–2009) was a distinguished Spanish economist, entrepreneur, journalist, and political figure. He held the position of minister of commerce from 1974 until 1975 during the period known as the Franco regime.
Early life and education
Born in Madrid on 24 May 1928, Fernández-Cuesta was the son of Nemesio Fernández-Cuesta, who was both a military officer and journalist, and María Teresa Illana. At the age of four, he contracted polio, which resulted in permanent disability of his right arm. His father served as commander of the Moroccan Flag under Francisco Franco, while his uncle Manuel Fernández-Cuesta was the founder of the sports daily Marca. He obtained academic qualifications in both law and economics.
Career
Fernández-Cuesta’s professional journey began at Banco Exterior de España. Between 1963 and 1969, he contributed economic commentary to ABC. In 1969, he was appointed undersecretary of commerce and later became deputy governor of the Bank of Spain in 1973. As deputy minister of commerce, he accompanied Foreign Minister Gregorio López-Bravo on a visit to Cuba. He was named minister of commerce in January 1974 within Prime Minister Carlos Arias Navarro’s government, serving until March 1975.
Following Spain’s shift towards democracy, Fernández-Cuesta maintained a presence in journalism through frequent contributions to ABC and served as CEO of its publishing company Prensa Española from October 1975 to March 1976. From 1976 to 1981, he presided over the energy firm Petronor. Subsequently, he managed the financial division of Banco Exterior de España and assumed leadership as president of the insurance company Hércules Hispano beginning in 1981.
In the realm of sports administration, he backed Ramón Mendoza’s bid for the presidency of Real Madrid CF in 1994 and was appointed vice president for social affairs in February 1995, a role he relinquished later that same year.
Personal life and death
Fernández-Cuesta was married to María Victoria Luca de Tena, daughter of Juan Ignacio, Marquis of Luca de Tena. The couple had ten children. He passed away in Madrid on 12 May 2009. His funeral took place on 18 May in Madrid, where he was interred.
Awards
His honors include receiving the Order of Charles III, the Order of Civil Merit, and the Order of Isabella the Catholic.