Americas Society Announces Its 2026 Gold Medal Recipients

New York, March 9, 2026—Americas Society is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2026 Gold Medal, who will be honored at the 44th Americas Society’s Spring Party on June 9, 2026, in New York City—an annual gathering that celebrates leadership, impact, and shared progress across the Western Hemisphere.

The Gold Medal is the highest honor bestowed by the Americas Society, recognizing individuals whose leadership has driven transformative impact in their countries, across the Americas, and beyond. The distinction embodies the conviction that business, philanthropy, innovation, and public engagement can—and should—serve as catalysts for development, social progress, and collective well-being.

This year’s Gold Medal recipients are:

• Pedro Azagra, CEO of Iberdrola. Azagra will be honored for his personal and professional commitment to the progress of the Hispanic community and for his leadership in driving the energy transition in Latin America, especially in Brazil, where Iberdrola has played a decisive role in expanding access to clean energy and investing in modern infrastructure. Azagra has also focused on grid infrastructure investment, energy generation, and supporting economic growth through Iberdrola's U.S. subsidiary, Avangrid, which operates in 24 states and has developed scholarship and assistance programs in local communities. His work underscores how responsible private-sector leadership can improve the quality of life for millions through social investment, training, and workforce inclusion.
• Sergio Díaz-Granados, Executive President of CAF - Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean. Díaz-Granados will be recognized for advancing a transformatve agenda that places regional integration, sustainability, and social cohesion at the center of economic progress. Under his leadership, CAF has emerged as the largest non-sovereign issuer among regional multilateral development banks and a leading force in infrastructure development across the hemisphere. These efforts have strengthened CAF’s role as a trusted partner for countries seeking inclusive growth and long-term prosperity throughout the Americas.
• Alejandro Soberón, Founder and Executive Chairman of Grupo CIE, and Founder and Chief Executive Officer of OCESA. Soberón, the CEO of the leading live entertainment company in Mexico and Latin America, will be honored for his visionary leadership in shaping a world-class live entertainment ecosystem and positioning Mexico as a priority market on the global stage. He stands as a leading example of the modern Mexican businessman and philanthropist, demonstrating how the private sector can advance economic opportunity and cross-border understanding across the hemisphere.

“This year’s Gold Medal honorees exemplify the kind of forward-looking leadership our hemisphere needs at this pivotal moment,” said Susan Segal, president and CEO of Americas Society/Council of the Americas. “Pedro Azagra, Sergio Díaz-Granados, and Alejandro Soberón are each transforming their respective fields—energy, development finance, and live entertainment enterprise—while demonstrating that innovation and social responsibility go hand in hand. Their work has expanded opportunity and built a more resilient, inclusive, and connected Americas.”

Founded by David Rockefeller, Americas Society promotes understanding of the political, social, and economic issues confronting Latin America, the Caribbean, and Canada.

Americas Society's Gold Medal celebrates leadership on the issues that define our time, including democracy, human rights, and the essential role of the private sector in driving sustainable economic growth.

Previous recipients of the Gold Medal have included distinguished leaders such as David Rockefeller (United States), Jamie Dimon (United States), Luis Almagro (Uruguay), Gina Díez Barroso (Mexico), Laurence Fink (United States), Albert Bourla (United States), Agustín Coppel Luken (Mexico), Carlos Rodríguez-Pastor (Peru), David Vélez (Colombia), and Maria Corina Machado (Venezuela).

Press contact: mediarelations@as-coa.org

For information about attending or supporting the Spring Party: springparty@as-coa.org