Alfonso González-Herrero is Director of Government and Regulatory Affairs at IBM Spain. In his current role, he explains IBM’s views on public policy issues to some of the main stakeholders of the company, such as politicians, civil servants, local communities, trade associations, think-tanks, business groups, etc. He provides factual information and lobbies on issues that could impact upon IBM’s ability to operate successfully. Alfonso combines skills on government relations, issues management, strategic communications, corporate social responsibility, media communications, and social media. His aim is to influence public policy, build and maintain a strong reputation and find common ground with stakeholders. Alfonso joined IBM in 1999 and has held a number of local and international communication assignments. He was Director of External Communications for IBM SPGI (Spain, Portugal, Greece & Israel), managing a multidisciplinary team of 12-people in 4 different geographies. Under that position, he led the digital transformation of IBM’s external communications department, implementing numerous media, analyst, and influencer relations programs successfully. Prior to IBM, he worked for Burson-Marsteller (now part of the WPP Group) as a manager in the Corporate Communications and Public Affairs Practice, Spain and Portugal. He began his professional career at the New York office of Hill & Knowlton (WPP Group), as a consultant for a variety of consumer- and industry-oriented organizations. Alfonso holds a Ph.D. and B.A. from the Complutense University of Madrid and an M.A. from Michigan State University in the USA.