Dr. José Rafael Cárdenas García

Executive and academic with extensive leadership experience in management and executive roles across international corporations since 2001. Former Manager at a thermal power plant and Head of Mechanical Maintenance at a calcium carbonate multinational. Served for 19 years at the German multinational GEA, holding key leadership positions including Technical Director for GEA Westfalia Separator Ibérica at the Olive Oil Development and Competence Center for the first 8 years, and Managing Director (CEO) of the same center for the remaining 11 years.
Academic & Teaching Experience
Collaborating Lecturer and Professor across leading postgraduate programs, including:
University of Jaén: Master’s Degree in Olive Growing, Olive Oil, and Health; University Expert Course in Olive Oil Extraction Processes.
University of Córdoba: Master’s in Agro-Industrial Plant Management & Projects; Master’s in Olive Oil and Health; Master’s in Engineering and Architecture Design.
International University of Andalusia (UNIA): Specialized executive and academic courses.
Research & Academic Contributions
Research Group Member: Active researcher in the TEP233 Research Group at the University of Jaén, registered in the Andalusian Scientific Information System (S.I.C.A.).
Publications & Speaker: Co-author of numerous scientific, research, and outreach publications, including peer-reviewed journal articles, book chapters, conference papers, and contributions to international congresses. Keynote speaker at academic conferences, industry symposia, and scientific events in Spain and internationally.