José has been the chairman of the Australia-Latin America Business Council since 1992 and is widely regarded as one of the foremost advocates for closer engagement between Australia and the Latin American region.

Born in Spain, Jose’s professional career commenced as a lawyer in Australia in the firms Bodors and later, Cutler Hughes & Harris.

Jose joined Banco Santander in 1990 and was head of the bank’s Australian operations until 2011. During this period Jose also held a number of other positions, including as a member of the governing committee of the Australia-Chile Chamber of Commerce from 1991 to 2000; as vice chairman of the Council on Australia Latin America Relations from 2001 to 2010; and as president of the Spanish Chamber of Commerce in Australia from 2001 to 2007.

Upon leaving Banco Santander, Jose founded the independent advisory firm, Blanco Partners, which has partners in Australia, Spain and key markets in Latin America. He also took on the role of counsellor of Dragoman Global.