Jacobo Zelada, partner at APPLE TREE, named among the 25 most influential CIOs

APPLE TREE continues to strengthen its impact beyond strategic communication individual recognition highlighting leadership, innovation, and executive presence in the digital environment.

Jacobo Zelada, Chief Innovation Officer at APPLE TREE and leader of the Madrid team, has been named among the Top 25 most influential professionals on LinkedIn Spain in the “CIOs, CDOs and Chief Information Officers 2025” ranking, compiled by PeopleXBrand using its analytics tool, Scoringmy.com.

This ranking focuses on visibility, consistency, and the ability to generate professional impact on LinkedIn, highlighting executives leading digital transformation and innovation.

With a degree in journalism from the Complutense University of Madrid, a Foreign Trade qualification from the Madrid Chamber of Commerce and a Digital Business Executive Program from ISDI, Jacobo has spent more than 20 years designing innovative communication strategies for major brands including Nike, Vodafone, Google, Mahou and Lego, among others. Born in La Coruña in 1978, he has lived and worked in the United States, the United Kingdom, Hong Kong, and Brazil, where he also worked for IFEMA and the Madrid Chamber of Commerce. Jacobo is also one of the most admired professionals in the communications sector, according to the latest PR Scope.

Recognition that reinforces the NEW THINKING approach

This milestone highlights how APPLE TREE’s strategic and digital approach, based on its NEW THINKING philosophy, not only drives results for our clients, but also enhances the leadership and voice of its own executives in spaces where professional reputation and digital transformation are built day by day.

With this recognition, APPLE TREE continues to consolidate its position as the market-leading agency. This year, it has been named ‘Communication Consultancy of the Year’ in PR Scope 2025/26, the most admired agency for professionals working in the agency sector in Spain, and BEST AGENCY TO WORK FOR, a testament to the excellence of its professionals and its unique culture.