María Lledó

María is a Spanish diplomat with a distinguished career in international relations, European affairs and public policy. Since entering the diplomatic corps in 1999, she has held senior positions across Spain’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation, as well as other government departments.

Her career includes roles as Head of the Consular Action Service in the General Directorate of Legal and Consular Affairs, Head of the Coordination and Cooperation Service in the General Directorate of Political Affairs and for the United Nations, advisory member in the Minister’s cabinet, and Director of the Cabinet of the Secretary of State for International Cooperation.

María also has extensive experience in European Union affairs. She served as Deputy Permanent Representative to the EU’s Political and Security Committee and Parliamentary Affairs Advisor at Spain’s Permanent Representation to the EU. She has also held senior roles as Director-General for the Internal Market and Other Community Policies, and Deputy Director-General for Foreign Cultural Promotion.

In 2021, María was appointed Secretary General for the European Union, where she was responsible for coordinating preparations for the Spanish Presidency of the Council of the European Union in the second half of 2023.

María chairs the H/Advisors office in Brussels, where her senior diplomatic background and deep command of EU institutions, policy-making and international affairs translate into sharp, grounded counsel for clients with complex European and global stakes.