Ana Botín: Leading Santander with the discipline of an Olympic athlete

Ana Botín doesn’t have "normal" days. As the executive chair of Santander for over a decade, she operates in a fast-paced world, constantly traveling between continents to oversee one of Europe’s largest banks. During a conversation with Fortune, Botín had just returned to Madrid from Mexico and was preparing to head to Doha and New York.

Taking the helm of Santander in 2014 after the passing of her father, Emilio Botín, she stepped into a legacy of banking excellence. Now, she is one of the few women leading a major global bank, serving more than 170 million customers worldwide. Her leadership has coincided with a period of tremendous growth for Santander, which reported blockbuster profits of €12.6 billion last year, a 14% increase from 2023. The bank also plans to return €10 billion to investors through share buybacks over the next two years.

Santander has navigated Europe’s complex regulatory landscape while strategically expanding its digital banking services, a move that has begun to yield significant rewards. Additionally, the bank has benefited from rising interest rates, strong retail spending, and a flourishing investment banking division in the U.S.

With over 170 million customers, Santander surpasses banking giants like JPMorgan Chase and Bank of America in sheer numbers. This growth has translated into market success: since the fall of 2020, Santander’s shares have more than tripled in value. This week, the bank reached a milestone with its market capitalization surpassing €100 billion, making it the first EU bank to cross that threshold in a decade.

Reflecting on this achievement, Botín likens Santander's trajectory to that of Amazon under Jeff Bezos. Like Bezos, she has endured years of underappreciation in the stock market before investors fully recognized the value Santander was creating.

Beyond Banking: Staying Ahead of the Curve

Botín’s role extends beyond traditional banking. She remains deeply engaged with emerging trends, particularly artificial intelligence and regulatory shifts. She believes in cultivating a culture of urgency and adaptability, a trait she actively seeks in those she hires at Santander.

"When you want to change an organization of 200,000 people, it’s almost like changing a government," Botín says.

Despite being one of the most influential women in European finance, Botín maintains a well-rounded life outside of banking. She enjoys golf, adheres to a disciplined wellness routine, and has a personal policy of avoiding emails after 7:30 p.m.

The Routine of a High-Performing Leader

Botín starts her day at 6 a.m. with a few minutes of relaxation, followed by warm water with fresh organic lemons, an Americano with cashew milk, and some light email management. She then dedicates 45 minutes to an hour of cardio and weight training before having breakfast, which consists of homemade gluten-free bread, avocado with apple cider vinegar, olive oil, and protein like eggs, turkey, or sardines.

She tries to refrain from sending emails after 7 p.m. on weekdays and avoids working on Saturdays, though she often spends Sundays reading, writing, and catching up with her team.

To optimize her performance, she relies on technology such as the Oura Ring and Fitbit to track her sleep and overall health. This level of monitoring ensures she has the stamina to meet the demands of her role while making time for personal well-being.

Inspiration and Leadership

When asked about the key influences in her life, Botín credits her mother, Paloma O’Shea, for instilling a strong work ethic. O'Shea founded the Escuela Reina Sofía, a globally recognized music academy, from the ground up. Botín’s husband, Guillermo Morenés, has also been a pillar of support, with both partners committing to an equal division of family responsibilities.

Botín also draws inspiration from the late golf legend Seve Ballesteros, whose bold approach to the sport taught her valuable lessons about confidence and perseverance.

Business Insights and Favorite Brands

As a consumer, Botín admires Inditex, the parent company of Zara, for its ability to blend affordability with aspirational fashion. She even owns a Zara jacket that has been mistaken for Chanel. Her vision for Santander’s digital banking arm, Openbank, mirrors Zara's ethos—accessible to all yet innovative and stylish.

Her favorite dish to cook? A classic Spanish tortilla de patatas, made simply with eggs, potatoes, onion, and olive oil.

A Legacy in the Making

Under Botín's leadership, Santander continues to solidify its position as a banking powerhouse, balancing traditional financial services with forward-thinking digital strategies. Her ability to navigate a complex, rapidly changing financial landscape with the discipline of an elite athlete sets her apart as a leader to watch in the years to come.