- By: SpainUS Chamber of Commerce
Miami | October 28, 2025
The Spain–U.S. Chamber of Commerce in Florida today announces the recipients of the 2025 Ponce de León Awards: Henkell Freixenet as Company of the Year, and Iván Tornos, Chairman, President, and CEO of Zimmer Biomet Holdings, Inc., as Corporate Leader of the Year. The Chamber recognizes Henkell Freixenet for its outstanding contribution to the global sparkling wine industry, its commitment to sustainability, and its strong presence in the U.S. market, as well as Iván Tornos’s exemplary leadership, transformative vision, and impact on the global health and medical technology sector.
The awards will be presented during the Chamber’s 45th Anniversary Gala, to be held on November 6, 2025, at Jungle Island (Miami). The event will bring together more than 400 guests, including senior executives, diplomats, institutional leaders, and business representatives from the United States, Spain, and Latin America.
Company of the Year: Henkell Freixenet
Henkell Freixenet represents the perfect fusion of tradition, excellence, and global vision. A world leader in sparkling wines, the company combines more than a century of history with a steadfast commitment to innovation, sustainability, and quality. Its philosophy, “Celebrate Life!”, reflects a spirit that transcends borders and celebrates wine’s ability to connect cultures and people around life’s most meaningful moments.
Freixenet’s relationship with the United States dates back to 1934, when it established its first international office in New Jersey. Since then, the brand has maintained steady growth, marked by the launch of its iconic Cordon Negro, known as “the black bottle bubbly,” which won over the U.S. market and became the country’s best-selling cava. Following the union with Henkell in 2018, the group consolidated its global leadership under Freixenet Mionetto USA, extending its legacy to more than 150 countries and reaffirming its commitment to innovation, excellence, and the expansion of business ties between Spain and the United States.
Corporate Leader of the Year: Iván Tornos
Born in Spain and at the helm of one of the world’s largest medical technology companies, Iván Tornos exemplifies Spanish talent with global impact. As Chairman, President, and CEO of Zimmer Biomet, he has led the company’s transformation through innovation, diversification and digital health, a focus on operational excellence and a strong commitment to people, culture and business ethics.
For nearly a century, Zimmer Biomet, a Fortune 500 company, has been dedicated to alleviating pain and improving the quality of life for people around the world. Today, the company is focused on solving some of the most meaningful challenges in healthcare through technology and purpose-driven innovation.
Under Tornos’s leadership, Zimmer Biomet has expanded its global presence and impact, redefining standards of care for millions of patients worldwide by driving pioneering solutions such as AI-enabled surgical robotics and navigation platforms. Recognized for his human-centered leadership, integrity, and focus on people, Tornos is also an active advocate for diversity, responsible innovation, and talent development across the healthcare sector.
An evening of recognition and connection
The Ponce de León Awards are the Chamber’s highest annual honors, recognizing companies and leaders whose vision, innovation, and achievements strengthen economic and cultural ties between Spain and the United States.
“This year we celebrate not only the leadership and excellence of our honorees, but also 45 years of building bridges across the Atlantic,” said Mónica Vázquez, President of the Spain–U.S. Chamber of Commerce in Florida. “We are proud to recognize Henkell Freixenet and Iván Tornos, two benchmarks who represent innovation, talent, and the ability to transcend borders.”
45 years of building bridges
Founded in 1980 by a group of 20 visionary entrepreneurs, the Spain–U.S. Chamber of Commerce celebrates its 45th anniversary as a leading institution promoting economic, business, and cultural exchange between both nations. Under the theme “45 Years Building Bridges,” the Chamber will pay tribute to two of its founders and key champions: Raúl Valdés-Fauli, esteemed attorney and the longest-serving former Mayor of Coral Gables, and Julián Linares, entrepreneur, communicator, and visionary whose leadership and commitment were instrumental in establishing and consolidating the institution as a key platform for international cooperation.
SPAIN–U.S. CHAMBER OF COMMERCE IN FLORIDA he Spain–U.S. Chamber of Commerce in Florida—one of the leading binational chambers in the United States—continues to play a vital role in fostering trade relations between Spain and the U.S. With more than 540 members, the Chamber provides essential support to companies seeking to grow and thrive in the U.S. market. The annual gala celebrates these achievements and offers opportunities for networking and collaboration among business leaders from the U.S., Spain, and Latin America.
For more information, please contact Ana Lluch, Head of Marketing and Communications, Spain–U.S. Chamber of Commerce in Florida: all@spainchamber.org | Tel. +1 305 358 5988.
- The Official Chamber of Commerce of Spain in the United States is a recognized nonprofit organization aimed at enhancing business and commercial ties between Spain and the United States. Founded in 1980 and located in Miami, this Chamber is of considerable importance due to its strategic location, multicultural component, and excellent communication network. Miami is the perfect city to target both the American and Latin American markets.
- https://spainuschamber.com/
