MADRID, Spain — POLITICO has named its first hires in Spain, appointing Angel Villarino as senior editor and Enrique (Kike) Andres-Pretel as deputy editor, marking the next step in its global expansion ahead of the launch of its first Spanish-language Playbook this fall.
Madrid Playbook will bring POLITICO’s signature mix of original reporting, political intelligence, transatlantic perspective, and a touch of humor to Spain’s vibrant political scene. The newsletter will provide political, policy and business leaders with the essential information they need to stay ahead — to understand not just what is happening, but who is shaping decisions, how power is shifting and what comes next.
The appointments build on POLITICO’s growing presence in Spain, following its successful European Pulse Forum in Barcelona earlier this year and its expanding coverage of Spanish politics and policy ahead of the launch of Madrid Playbook.
With the fourth-largest economy in the European Union, major industries spanning energy, defense, finance and technology, and growing influence on European Union policy, Spain is a natural next step in POLITICO’s European growth.
“Spain is an essential part of some of the most important political and policy conversations in Europe,” said Kate Day, POLITICO senior executive editor, Europe. “With Madrid Playbook, we want to bring readers closer to the people, decisions and dynamics shaping Spanish politics every day. Angel and Enrique bring exactly the mix of deep local knowledge, editorial judgment and a track record of producing eye-catching exclusive journalism we were looking for to build POLITICO’s presence in Spain and make Playbook essential reading in Madrid.”
As senior editor, Villarino will lead POLITICO’s editorial operation in Spain, working to establish POLITICO’s voice in the Spanish media market while helping shape Madrid Playbook and building the founding Spanish newsroom. He will work closely with POLITICO’s wider network of journalists and publishing professionals to connect Spanish politics to the European and global conversations shaping policy and power.
Villarino joins POLITICO from El Confidencial, where he most recently served deputy editor-in-chief. A deeply experienced journalist and newsroom leader, he has previously worked as a foreign correspondent in Rome, Bangkok, Beijing and Washington, D.C., giving him a strong track record of translating domestic politics and policy for international audiences.
“Joining POLITICO is an exciting challenge. It’s a chance to become part of one of the world’s most influential news organizations, renowned for its editorial independence and original journalism,” said Villarino. “Madrid is a vibrant political capital with growing influence, and this is the right moment for a publication that connects Spain’s political conversation with the wider European and international agenda. I’m excited to help build that.”
As deputy editor, Andres-Pretel will play a hands-on role across Madrid Playbook and POLITICO’s broader Spanish-language coverage, helping write and report for the newsletter while strengthening coverage in policy areas central to POLITICO’s audience. He will also help identify stories from Spain that resonate with POLITICO’s English-language readers across the world.
Andres-Pretel also joins POLITICO from El Confidencial, where he worked as defense and foreign affairs editor. He brings deep expertise in defense and security, as well as international reporting experience from his time covering Central and Latin America as a correspondent for Reuters.
POLITICO Playbook is the go-to briefing for political power players and the most successful newsletter franchise in political journalism across every capital where POLITICO operates. Each edition combines insider reporting, sharp analysis and a distinctive voice, adapted to the rhythm and culture of each political capital.
Sign up for Madrid Playbook here.
About POLITICO:
POLITICO is a global news organization focused on politics and policy, relied on by decision-makers and audiences around the world. Founded in 2007, POLITICO has more than 1,000 journalists and publishing professionals based in Washington, Brussels, London, Paris, Berlin, Sacramento and New York. Its reporting explains who holds power, how it is exercised and what it means for governments, businesses and societies.
POLITICO Pro, launched in 2011, is a subscription news service delivering in-depth coverage of the business of government for policymakers, executives and advocacy leaders. These innovations have established POLITICO as the most successful digital news startup of its generation and a rare example of a growing, profitable and sustainable news organization. POLITICO is a subsidiary of Axel Springer SE, a family-owned transatlantic media company headquartered in Berlin and New York. Axel Springer is dedicated to shaping the future of journalism in the free world, believing that a free and informed society is essential to democracy. Learn more about Axel Springer.
Comments
No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here