Pablo López-Aguilar Beltrán
Program Operations and Business Associate Director, Internet Integrity Program
I start my new journey at GCA as the Internet Integrity Program Operations and Business Associate Director. The position seeks to align the operational part of our projects with the needs of our partners. I will have the opportunity to talk with very different profiles and be the bridge between the technical and non-technical communities. I could not be more excited!
Years ago, I owned a company where the few resources we had were aimed at generating business value. At that time, I would have loved to have access to all the free material that GCA is currently offering to protect businesses. Too bad it did not exist in those years!
In addition, I always wished to be part of a project whose results generate a global positive impact for citizens, companies, and infrastructures. What could be more rewarding than feeling part of an organization that helps create a safer and more sustainable Internet for everyone?
The Telecommunications Engineer’s Degree I hold, my entrepreneurial mindset, and my experience in the field of cybersecurity make mine a hybrid profile, which I think is interesting for this position. Previously, I worked for other non-profit organizations also focused on building a safer digital world. This led me to collaborate with several national and supranational institutions and achieve a good understanding of the Internet ecosystem.
GCA’s challenge is, in my opinion, truly fascinating. Building a safer Internet seems a difficult topic to accomplish. However, the degree to which people are prepared, their human quality and, certainly, their fervent belief in the mission is totally aligned with my professional and personal aspirations. Moreover, I see every day more key players of the Internet industry joining GCA. This confidence given by such relevant actors fosters even more my desire to be part of this project.
My favorite quote is from Edmund Burke, who says: “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.” Good reason to be part of GCA. Let us hope we are making life quite more difficult for cybercriminals.
Where’s your favorite place in the world?
There is a small town in the south of Catalonia (Spain) called St. Carles de la Rápita where I always have the feeling of freedom and happiness. It is surrounded by a natural parc, the Delta del Ebro, where they make the best rice in the world. And, of course, you can also eat all kinds of fresh seafood.
What’s the last book you read?
The last book I read is titled: “AI Superpowers – China, Silicon Valley, and the New World Order, by Kay-Fu Lee”. It deals on how Artificial Intelligence (AI) could change the future of humanity in the medium term (around the 2030). In addition, it provides a very interesting vision on what (and how) certain current cultural and regulatory aspects could affect and balance the development of the AI industry.
What is one thing on your bucket list?
I would love to go to the Patagonia! If I had time I would like to rent a car and tour the entire south of Argentina stopping at places surrounded by nature, an immensity that probably does not exist in Europe.
