Santander Executive and Leadership Team

June, 2026

Leadership Overview

Santander has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, technology, and risk management.

Driven by a commitment to financial inclusion, Santander provides essential banking products and services, fostering economic growth across its operational regions.

Leadership Roles at Santander

  • Santander President & Chief Executive Officer (US) - Christiana Riley
  • Chief Operating Officer - Luis Rivera
  • Executive Director, Head of China Chief Operating Officer Office - Xiaoye Chen
  • Chief of Staff - Carlos Garcia
  • Chief Information Officer - Victor Fuica
  • Chief Technology Officer - Marcela Aranha
  • Cyber Security Architect & Chief Information Security Officer, Identity Management & Support Chief Information Officer & Chief Technology Officer - Jamila Antonio
  • Chief Risk Officer & Chief Revenue Officer - Omar Santana
  • Superintendent Community Software Engineering & Chief Information Officer - Caio Moribe
  • Group Chief Revenue Officer, Office - Guillermo Montes
  • Christiana Riley - Santander President & Chief Executive Officer (US)

    Christiana Riley, the Santander President & Chief Executive Officer (US) at Santander, directs the overall strategic vision and operational execution for the bank's United States division. Overseeing all major business units, Riley ensures alignment with global corporate objectives while driving market-specific growth initiatives. This leadership role involves managing extensive retail and commercial banking portfolios, focusing on expanding customer reach and enhancing digital service delivery. By optimizing operational efficiency and fostering a culture of innovation, Christiana Riley directly impacts the bank's financial performance and market positioning within the competitive US financial landscape. Riley's strategic oversight extends to regulatory compliance and risk management, ensuring robust governance across all US operations.
    Christiana Riley

    Luis Rivera - Chief Operating Officer

    Luis Rivera, the Chief Operating Officer at Santander, orchestrates the day-to-day operational functions across the organization. Rivera manages critical infrastructure and process optimization, ensuring seamless service delivery for both retail and commercial clients. This role involves enhancing operational efficiency through technology integration and process refinement, directly supporting the bank's strategic goals. By streamlining workflows and improving resource allocation, Luis Rivera drives productivity and cost-effectiveness throughout the company's extensive network. Rivera's focus includes overseeing business process re-engineering and implementing best practices to maintain high standards of service quality and operational resilience. The Chief Operating Officer ensures that all operational activities align with regulatory requirements and the bank's overarching mission.

    Xiaoye Chen - Executive Director, Head of China Chief Operating Officer Office

    Xiaoye Chen, the Executive Director, Head of China Chief Operating Officer Office at Santander, directs operational strategy and execution within the China market. Chen oversees the integration of global operational standards with local market requirements, ensuring efficient business processes and service delivery. This leadership position involves managing key operational functions, driving process improvements, and fostering strong relationships with local stakeholders. By optimizing operations in China, Xiaoye Chen supports Santander's strategic expansion and market penetration in the region. Chen's responsibilities include ensuring regulatory compliance, enhancing operational resilience, and contributing to the overall success of the bank's activities in China.

    Carlos Garcia - Chief of Staff

    Carlos Garcia, the Chief of Staff at Santander, acts as a key strategic advisor and facilitator for executive leadership. Garcia manages critical cross-functional initiatives and ensures effective communication and coordination between departments. This role involves driving special projects, optimizing executive decision-making processes, and enhancing organizational efficiency. By providing strategic support and operational oversight, Carlos Garcia enables the leadership team to execute its vision effectively. Garcia's responsibilities include preparing executive briefings, managing strategic planning cycles, and ensuring the timely implementation of key corporate directives. The Chief of Staff plays a pivotal part in translating strategic objectives into actionable plans across the bank's global operations.

    Victor Fuica - Chief Information Officer

    Victor Fuica, the Chief Information Officer at Santander, directs the bank's information technology strategy and infrastructure. Fuica oversees the development and implementation of robust IT systems that support all banking operations, ensuring data security and system reliability. This critical role involves managing technology investments, driving digital transformation initiatives, and enhancing the bank's technological capabilities to meet evolving market demands. By optimizing IT resources and fostering innovation, Victor Fuica ensures that Santander maintains a competitive edge through advanced technological solutions. Fuica's leadership focuses on leveraging technology to improve customer experience, streamline internal processes, and mitigate technological risks across the enterprise.

    Marcela Aranha - Chief Technology Officer

    Marcela Aranha, the Chief Technology Officer at Santander, leads the technological innovation and development efforts across the organization. Aranha is responsible for architecting and implementing cutting-edge technology solutions that enhance product offerings and operational efficiency. This role involves exploring emerging technologies, driving research and development, and ensuring the scalability and security of the bank's technology platforms. By fostering a culture of technological advancement, Marcela Aranha ensures Santander remains at the forefront of digital banking innovation. Aranha's strategic direction guides the integration of new technologies to improve customer engagement, optimize service delivery, and maintain a robust technological infrastructure.

    Jamila Antonio - Cyber Security Architect & Chief Information Security Officer, Identity Management & Support Chief Information Officer & Chief Technology Officer

    Jamila Antonio, the Cyber Security Architect & Chief Information Security Officer, Identity Management & Support Chief Information Officer & Chief Technology Officer at Santander, spearheads the bank's comprehensive cybersecurity strategy and identity management frameworks. Antonio oversees the protection of sensitive customer data and critical IT infrastructure against evolving cyber threats. This multifaceted role involves designing robust security architectures, implementing advanced identity and access management solutions, and ensuring compliance with stringent data protection regulations. By fortifying the bank's digital defenses, Jamila Antonio safeguards Santander's reputation and customer trust. Antonio's leadership ensures the integrity, confidentiality, and availability of information systems, providing a secure environment for all banking transactions and operations.

    Omar Santana - Chief Risk Officer & Chief Revenue Officer

    Omar Santana, the Chief Risk Officer & Chief Revenue Officer at Santander, holds dual responsibility for managing the bank's risk appetite and driving revenue growth initiatives. Santana oversees the identification, assessment, and mitigation of financial and operational risks across all business lines. Concurrently, this executive directs strategies to maximize revenue streams and enhance profitability. By balancing prudent risk management with aggressive growth targets, Omar Santana ensures sustainable financial performance and market competitiveness. Santana's integrated approach supports the bank's long-term stability and expansion objectives, ensuring that revenue generation activities are conducted within acceptable risk parameters.

    Caio Moribe - Superintendent Community Software Engineering & Chief Information Officer

    Caio Moribe, the Superintendent Community Software Engineering & Chief Information Officer at Santander, leads the development and management of the bank's software engineering capabilities and overall IT infrastructure. Moribe oversees the creation of robust, scalable software solutions that support diverse banking functions and enhance customer experiences. This role involves guiding engineering teams, implementing best practices in software development, and ensuring the reliability and security of the bank's technology platforms. By fostering innovation in software engineering, Caio Moribe drives technological advancements that align with Santander's strategic objectives. Moribe's leadership ensures that the bank's IT systems are efficient, secure, and capable of supporting future growth and digital transformation initiatives.
    Caio Moribe

    Guillermo Montes - Group Chief Revenue Officer, Office

    Guillermo Montes, the Group Chief Revenue Officer, Office at Santander, directs the overarching revenue generation strategies across the bank's global operations. Montes is responsible for identifying new market opportunities, optimizing pricing strategies, and enhancing sales performance to drive top-line growth. This executive role involves close collaboration with business units to ensure cohesive revenue-focused initiatives and effective market penetration. By implementing data-driven revenue management practices, Guillermo Montes maximizes profitability and market share. Montes's strategic leadership ensures that all revenue-generating activities are aligned with the bank's financial targets and long-term growth objectives, contributing significantly to Santander's overall economic success.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Santander Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Santander?
    Santander is led by Christiana Riley (Santander President & Chief Executive Officer (US)), along with executives such as Luis Rivera (Chief Operating Officer) and Xiaoye Chen (Executive Director, Head of China Chief Operating Officer Office).
    Who is part of Santander’s executive team?
    The executive team of Santander includes leaders such as Christiana Riley (Santander President & Chief Executive Officer (US)), Luis Rivera (Chief Operating Officer), Xiaoye Chen (Executive Director, Head of China Chief Operating Officer Office) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Santander have?
    Santander has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Santander’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Santander includes roles such as Santander President & Chief Executive Officer (US), Chief Operating Officer, Executive Director, Head of China Chief Operating Officer Office, Chief of Staff, Chief Information Officer.