SANTO DOMINGO.- The Board of Directors of Grupo Popular announced, after its session on Thursday, February 26, important institutional moves aimed at strengthening its governance structure and ensuring the continuity of its institutional management and its strategic vision of growth, sustainability and corporate modernization.
These organizational changes are part of a planned evolution process, which will allow the Group to respond with greater agility and strength to the transformations of the financial environment and the expectations of its shareholders and stakeholders, explains a press release.
According to the information, the decision is aimed at further streamlining the coordination of functions related to corporate governance, shareholder relations, and economic analysis. The changes approved by the Board of Directors will be ratified by the Grupo Popular shareholders' meeting at the end of April.
Recognition of Rafael del Toro's career
Rafael A. del Toro G., senior executive vice president of Corporate Governance, Shareholder Relations and Economics, will take voluntary retirement in July of this year, after developing a fruitful and outstanding career in the service of Grupo Popular.
The bank notes that over 39 years, Del Toro enjoyed an outstanding professional career in numerous strategic and executive roles at Grupo Popular and its subsidiaries. His leadership has been instrumental in consolidating and establishing the organization as a leading national and regional financial holding company, recognized for its institutional presence, transparency, and commitment to best practices in corporate governance.
The organization expresses its gratitude for their dedication and vision, which leave a firm institutional foundation upon which this new stage of evolution is built.
Appointment of Manuel Grullón Hernández
In line with this orderly transition process, the Board of Directors approved the appointment of Manuel Grullón Hernández as Executive Vice President of Corporate Governance, Shareholder Relations and Economics of Grupo Popular, a position he will assume effectively from July 2026.
This appointment reflects a natural and planned generational change, ensuring the continuity of the institutional legacy while incorporating a renewed vision, aligned with new trends in governance, sustainability, innovation and strategic stakeholder management.
With this, Grupo Popular strengthens its ability to anticipate and respond quickly to the growing complexity of the regulatory and competitive environment, while consolidating its strategic vision to solidify its long-term diversification and value creation agenda.
Global vision and extensive training in governance
The Popular Group emphasizes that Manuel Grullón Hernández brings a robust track record in corporate governance and a comprehensive vision of the financial and business ecosystem, with initiatives linked to sustainability and financial inclusion in the technological field.
She is currently pursuing a doctorate in Corporate Governance and Diversity at Penn State University in the United States. She also holds a master's degree in Social Responsibility and Sustainability from the Pontifical Catholic University Madre y Maestra and the Polytechnic University of Valencia.
He has completed executive programs specializing in governance and leadership at INSEAD (International Directors Programme, Leading from the Chair) and at Barna Business School.
Regarding his professional experience, since 2008 Mr. Grullón Hernández has been Chairman of the Board of Directors of GCS International, a subsidiary of Grupo Popular, where he has led the evolution of this pioneering fintech company in inclusive digital solutions.
He has also been a member of the Boards of Directors of Grupo Popular and Banco Popular Dominicano since 2020, serving as Vice Chairman of the Board of the latter and Chairman of its Technology Committee since 2022. He also serves on the Board of Directors of the subsidiary Servicios Digitales Popular.
In addition, he was the founding president of ADOFINTECH (Dominican Association of Fintech Companies), from where he promoted the growth of the Dominican fintech sector.
He has served on internationally prestigious bodies, such as the Board of Trustees of Rumsey Hall School, and is treasurer of the Museum Foundation of the Virgin of Altagracia, as part of his ethical and humanist profile.
Institutional evolution for the future
These moves, the banking organization says, reaffirm Grupo Popular's commitment to modern, agile governance aligned with international standards.
The integration of Grullón Hernández will strengthen institutional support for Grupo Popular, Banco Popular and the rest of the subsidiary companies, enhance the modernization of governance policies and processes, and deepen the strategic dialogue with shareholders and other stakeholders.
With these changes, the organization begins a new stage for the future, with the purpose of continuing to generate trust, opportunities and sustainable value creation for its shareholders and Dominican society, the statement concludes.
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