José Maria Ortiz

Managing Partner - Nature Co

José María Ortiz has more than 25 years of international experience helping governments, investors, and private sector organisations design and implement growth and transformation strategies. Over the last decade, he has specialised in building and scaling integrated nature-based businesses that deliver regenerative products and services, with a strong focus on mobilising capital for sustainable solutions across value chains in the tropics—including coffee, cocoa, rubber, and palm oil—as well as in Europe within the food and fashion sectors.

José María is recognised for unlocking the power of capital to deliver long-lasting socioeconomic and environmental impact. Throughout his career, he has led businesses and investment platforms across Europe, Africa, India, Latin America, and the Middle East. Prior to his current role as CEO of NatureCo, he has held several international leadership positions at Palladium, where he led the Impact Investing and Natural Capital businesses and ultimately became Executive Officer. During his tenure, he played a key role in transforming Palladium from a small consulting business into one of the world’s leading international development and impact organisations, operating in more than 90 countries.

Earlier in his career, José María worked at PwC. He holds a business degree from ESADE Business School and an MBA from ESADE and McGill University. He is widely regarded as a strategic leader in impact investing, climate finance, and natural capital, with a passion for making development and regeneration mainstream objectives for business and investors.