eUROPE 2025 SPEAKER

Alvaro Ontanon, CIO & CTO, Merlin Properties

Alvaro Ontanon, CIO & CTO, Merlin Properties

Bio:

Alvaro is a seasoned technology leader with over 20 years of experience driving digital transformation, innovation, and operational excellence in the Real Estate sector. As Chief Information Officer (CIO) at Merlin Properties—one of Europe’s largest REITs—he has shaped the company’s digital vision for more than a decade, modernizing its infrastructure and unlocking value across all asset classes. His role blends strategic leadership with hands-on execution across IT, cybersecurity, ESG-led innovation, and data infrastructure. Alvaro has led the integration of multiple large-scale acquisitions and the divestment of non-core business units, delivering multimillion-euro IT transformations under tight timelines and within complex regulatory frameworks. A strong advocate for resilient and secure enterprise architecture, he has established governance and cybersecurity programs while championing sustainability and smart building technologies. His focus on operational technology (OT) is improving energy efficiency, safety, and tenant experience across Merlin’s portfolio. Currently, Alvaro is leading the integration of Data Centers as a new business vertical—supporting the shift toward digital infrastructure in parallel with the company’s expansion into logistics and e-commerce. These initiatives signal Merlin’s evolution into a future-proof, tech-enabled platform. With experience managing distributed, multicultural teams across Europe, the U.S., and India, Alvaro is a trusted advisor and solutions architect to listed Real Estate firms and global asset managers. He is passionate about real estate, technology, and sustainability, with a deep commitment to improving well-being through meaningful innovation.
Alvaro’s LinkedIn:
Alvaro is a seasoned technology leader with over 20 years of experience driving digital transformation, innovation, and operational excellence in the Real Estate sector. As Chief Information Officer (CIO) at Merlin Properties—one of Europe’s largest REITs—he has shaped the company’s digital vision for more than a decade, modernizing its infrastructure and unlocking value across all asset classes. His role blends strategic leadership with hands-on execution across IT, cybersecurity, ESG-led innovation, and data infrastructure. Alvaro has led the integration of multiple large-scale acquisitions and the divestment of non-core business units, delivering multimillion-euro IT transformations under tight timelines and within complex regulatory frameworks. A strong advocate for resilient and secure enterprise architecture, he has established governance and cybersecurity programs while championing sustainability and smart building technologies. His focus on operational technology (OT) is improving energy efficiency, safety, and tenant experience across Merlin’s portfolio. Currently, Alvaro is leading the integration of Data Centers as a new business vertical—supporting the shift toward digital infrastructure in parallel with the company’s expansion into logistics and e-commerce. These initiatives signal Merlin’s evolution into a future-proof, tech-enabled platform. With experience managing distributed, multicultural teams across Europe, the U.S., and India, Alvaro is a trusted advisor and solutions architect to listed Real Estate firms and global asset managers. He is passionate about real estate, technology, and sustainability, with a deep commitment to improving well-being through meaningful innovation.

Bio:

Merlin Properties’s Website and LinkedIn:
Merlin Properties is the leading listed real estate company in the Iberian region. It is listed on the Spanish (IBEX-35) and Portuguese stock exchanges. Its main activity is the acquisition and management of commercial real estate assets in the office, logistics, shopping center, and data center markets. Its differential value is the diversification and management of real estate assets with a vocation for service. Merlin Properties works to create spaces that provide a better service and experience to clients and to society using innovation, technology, and sustainability. The company faces the future with a transformative, innovative, and pioneering attitude in the real estate sector to help build the cities of tomorrow.
About Merlin Properties:

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