Silvia García Ledesma

Global Head of AI Special Projects - Group Vice President

Madrid, Community of Madrid, Spain

About

I believe the future of AI is not about replacing people, but about empowering them. With over two decades bridging HR, technology, and organizational culture, I’ve dedicated my career to making AI human-centered, ethical, and inclusive. At Santander, I lead AI Special Projects with one mission: ensuring technology amplifies human potential, strengthens trust, and creates value with transparency and purpose. From workforce planning to ethical governance, I’ve built frameworks where employees, managers, and AI collaborate as partners. For me, true innovation happens when technology honors people, nurtures diversity, and drives progress for society. That’s the journey I want to continue, shaping a future where humans and AI thrive together. Highlighted Achievements ✨ Co-designed AI systems with employees to humanize HR decision-making. ✨ Built governance models ensuring AI deployments were ethical, transparent, and explainable. ✨ Guided global leaders to use AI as augmentation, not replacement, for strategic decisions. ✨ Fostered a culture where AI is seen as a partner for inclusion, creativity, and purpose.

Experience

  • Santander (Full-time · 1 yr 11 mos)
    • Global Head of AI Special Projects -Group Vice President
      Jun 2025 - Present · 1 yr 1 mo

      We lead the AI Special Projects team, driving cross-functional, high-impact initiatives and special cases with strategic focus. We co-lead the Group’s AI Governance framework alongside Ignacio Bernal, José Palacio, Marco Bressan, Natalia Clavero, Laura Jiménez, Patricia Fernández, José Manuel de la Chica and Javier Ros, setting ethical policies and aligning AI adoption with our ESG commitments. We collaborate across the AI ExCom and with Compliance, Legal, Risk, Audit, PO&C, IT, Cost, Financial Accounting and Management Control, Strategy and Communications to move forward as ONE TEAM. We support People & Culture in their Data & AI journey, fostering a culture of innovation, inclusion, and excellence. We humanize technology by ensuring every AI deployment is ethical, integral, responsible, transparent, and delivers positive impact for employees, customers, and society.

    • Head of Global Compensation Planning, Projects and Solutions- Group Vice President
      Aug 2024 - Present · 1 yr 11 mos

      As the Head of Compensation Planning, Solutions, and Projects at Santander, I spearhead global initiatives designed to streamline structures and optimize processes, driving efficiency while delivering significant value to both local and global business units. With a cross-functional approach, I champion collaboration, embrace team diversity, and develop innovative solutions that underpin operational excellence. I coordinate teams to tackle the challenges of European transparency, overseeing the design and implementation of harmonized, simplified, and enhanced global bonus processes, all aligned with our strategic objectives for People & Culture and business transformation

  • Santander España (11 yrs 4 mos)
    • Head of People Analytics (Data Management & Governance) - Group Vice President
      Oct 2019 - Aug 2024 · 4 yrs 11 mos

      A department was created from scratch, similar to the CRM in Business, consolidated and aligned with IT, CDO, and DPO of Santander España. Led multiple HR, legal, IT, and data teams to implement data science techniques that transformed data quality procedures and improved efficiency. Focused on standardizing European data initiatives, leveraging collaborative efforts to drive strategic impact in HR. Led initiatives to integrate data governance frameworks aligned with company-wide objectives.

    • Director of Planning & Governance and Chief of Staff in HR
      Oct 2018 - Oct 2019 · 1 yr 1 mo

      Managed resource coordination and oversaw the implementation of HR strategies and policies. Led projects aimed at optimizing HR governance and improving strategic alignment between HR and business objectives.

    • Director of HR Coordination & Compensation & Benefits
      Mar 2017 - Oct 2018 · 1 yr 8 mos

      Coordinated HR processes between Central Services and local HR teams. Managed salary programs and played a key role in implementing compensation policies for Material Risk Takers (MRT) and other critical functions

  • Counselor, Secretary of the Permanent Committee and Board of Directors at umivale, Mutua Colaboradora con la Seguridad Social nº 15
    Oct 2019 - Sep 2022 · 3 yrs

  • Banesto (6 yrs 3 mos)
    • HRBP
      Nov 2009 - May 2013 · 3 yrs 7 mos

      Managed the career development of a portfolio of 250 employees through quarterly, semi-annual, and annual interviews, focusing on their skills, personal capabilities, and business evolution (Strategic Business Partners). Conducted visits to Executive Quality offices with a commercial focus to improve performance. Addressed new management models adapted to the current economic situation. Analyzed, planned, and managed personnel costs while supporting Labor Relations (SMAC)

    • Senior Credit Risk Manager
      Feb 2008 - Nov 2009 · 1 yr 10 mos

      Responsible of credit risk and operational quality improvement initiatives, with a focus on unpaid debt and refinancing management in 15 retail Branches in Madrid.

    • Branch Director
      Mar 2007 - Feb 2008 · 1 yr

      Focused on branch profitability and team leadership, supporting commercial operations and customer engagement strategies.

  • BBVA España (2 yrs 10 mos)
    • Branch Director
      Nov 2006 - Mar 2007 · 5 mos

      Led a retail branch, managing business development for individual and SME clients, and overseeing risk analysis and profitability.

    • Deputy Branch Director
      May 2005 - Nov 2006 · 1 yr 7 mos

      Managed customer advisory, compliance with sales targets, and product commercialization.

    • Commercial Manager
      Jun 2004 - May 2005 · 1 yr

      Focused on client acquisition, achieving sales targets, and promoting financial products.