Julia Maria Gomez de Avila Segade | 02/10/2025
De tú a tú is an initiative that forms part of AGERS’ Alumni Plan. Its aim is to create a welcoming space for deep, inspiring conversations between professionals in the insurance sector. The first program, released in June 2023, featured Juan Aznar, Managing Director of HDI Global in Spain.
In this second season, AGERS (the Spanish Association of Risk and Insurance Management) continues with an interview format where leading figures in the industry share not only their professional experience, but also personal reflections on their journey. These conversations broaden the usual technical focus to explore the human side of risk management as well.
In previous editions, we have heard from professionals such as Alejandra Galdos, attorney on the Dispute Resolution team at Herbert Smith Freehills, and Pablo Trueba, CEO of Marsh. This time, seated at the table was Sara García González-Herrero, Risk Manager at Iberia, whose established career gives her a mature and committed vision of the sector’s evolution. Across from her was Alicia Soler, director of AGERS.
A mother of three, Sara devoted herself wholeheartedly to both her family and her work for many years. She looks back on those years of dedication with pride, aware of the effort they demanded. Today, with a senior position at one of the most prominent companies in Spain’s aviation sector, she approaches her daily work with professional curiosity that continues to grow.
Forged through challenges and milestones
Like many in the industry, she came to insurance “by accident,” without prior training or a clear vocation (she originally studied law). But soon after starting work, the sector drew her in. “It’s fascinating,” she says, showing how her view of risk extends well beyond the purely technical. She emphasizes that the job is not just about paperwork or contracts: it requires getting out into the field, understanding the business, and offering real support. “You have to be that shoulder to lean on,” she stresses, underscoring the importance of communication, listening, and a conciliatory attitude.
One of the most important milestones of her career took place in 2011, with the merger of Iberia and British Airways. “I had the privilege of witnessing and leading the process, where we—with a much more executive profile—joined forces with them, more accustomed to procedures… the best of both worlds,” she recalls. That union posed an organizational challenge: two different ways of working that had to find common ground.
Accustomed to mentoring new talent, she remains optimistic about all that young professionals can contribute to the sector. Far from rejecting new ways of thinking and working, she embraces the mix of generations. “They bring a different mindset, freshness, and expertise in the latest technology… I like to see their commitment,” she says. What she tries to pass on to them is that in this profession, you can’t just stay on the surface: you have to get your hands dirty, ask questions, and truly get involved.
Emerging risks
In her conversation with Alicia Soler, Sara recalls one of the most challenging episodes of her career: a lawsuit in Miami in which Iberia had to defend itself against accusations from a passenger—claims she feels were completely unjustified. “There’s a lot of fear around litigation in the U.S. because of the high costs involved,” she acknowledges. Thanks to perseverance and courage, however, the case not only ended in Iberia’s favor, but also set a precedent in how to handle this type of claim.
This legal development is crucial, since such cases are becoming increasingly common, especially in the form of class actions. This model—well established in regions like the United States—involves lawsuits where one person or a small group sues on behalf of many others who have suffered similar harm, often against companies in industries such as consumer goods, transportation, and pharmaceuticals. “That worries me,” she admits, not only because of the economic impact but also because of what she sees as a potential drift toward a litigation culture driven by questionable interests.
To this specific challenge, she adds many of the risks shared by other large industries undergoing technological transformation: cyberattacks and the rollout of artificial intelligence. Even so, she remains optimistic about the changes ahead, seeing them as a new kind of “industrial revolution” full of opportunities. “I’m one of those people who always sees the glass as half full,” she says.
A challenging and sustainable future
Although she doesn’t work directly in the environmental area, Sara García is acutely aware of the efforts being made by the aviation industry to achieve a future without CO₂ emissions. She specifically highlights the work Iberia Group is doing in sustainability, particularly its use of SAF (Sustainable Aviation Fuel), which drastically reduces emissions without requiring modifications to aircraft infrastructure.
As the conversation draws to a close, Sara makes it clear that risk should not only be seen as something to be managed, but as a constant source of learning and growth for the sector. “The market adapts. New risks will always emerge, and we’ll have to design tailor-made solutions for them,” she concludes.
AGERS: Over 40 years supporting leadership in risk and insurance
AGERS, the Spanish Association of Risk and Insurance Management, has celebrated 40 years as a non-profit organization. With a clear mission to enhance and share best practices in risk management across business and organizational settings, AGERS stands as a benchmark in the sector. Focused on integrating effective methodologies through Enterprise Risk Management (ERM), AGERS brings together professionals from diverse disciplines—including risk management, insurance, brokers, appraisers, and consultants—serving as a hub and representing companies and professionals committed to comprehensive risk management.
