For Jose Luis Hurtado, Managing Director of Movianto Spain, transformation is not just part of the job; it is a personal calling. With more than three decades in logistics and distribution, Hurtado has developed a profound understanding of operational transformation and continuous improvement. Since joining Movianto, he has spearheaded a comprehensive evolution, refining its healthcare focus, integrating new systems, all culminating in the 2023 opening of a new flagship facility in Numancia. In this conversation, Hurtado shares his journey, the milestones that shaped his leadership, and his belief that transformation is an ongoing process.
Q: Jose Luis, could you tell us about your career journey and what led you into healthcare logistics? 
Jose Luis Hurtado: I have been in logistics and distribution for more than 35 years now. I started my journey alternating studies and working in a small family business where I had the opportunity to design and optimise distribution routes for specialty foods. This experience ignited my passion for logistics. Over time, I worked across various sectors, until I had the opportunity to move into healthcare logistics with a well-known healthcare logistician in Spain. Pharma logistics was a new and exciting challenge, because I didn’t know the industry—but I did know logistics, so I decided to go for it. Healthcare added a new level of precision and responsibility, which I found fascinating.
Q: What brought you to Movianto, and how did your role evolve?
Jose Luis Hurtado: I was ready for a new challenge. Movianto was growing, the team was strong, and I saw big potential. I joined as Commercial Director and soon transitioned to Operations Director and initiated a profound transformation of our systems, network, and internal mindset. That early period was intense; we had to reshape our operations, implement new technologies and innovations, and rethink our strategy. Changing people’s mentality was challenging, but we succeeded.
By 2016, I assumed full responsibility for Movianto Spain. From the outset, my goal was to create a unique model, something distinct from the rest. Movianto Spain became the only logistics operator fully specialised in healthcare, with unmatched expertise in sensitive products like vaccines and temperature-controlled medicines. Today, we are regarded as the benchmark in our sector.
Q: You have led several significant transformations. Which stands out the most?
Jose Luis Hurtado: Our move to the new Numancia facility in 2023. We had reached the limit of our capabilities; demand was high, but our warehousing space was full. We knew we needed a radical shift, and with the support of the Walden Group, we made it happen.
We closed two distribution centres and transferred all operations to the new site without interrupting service. This was a major logistical challenge, but I am proud to say we did not lose a single client, which speaks to how much our clients trust us.
It was not always smooth; quality dipped briefly during the adjustment period, but thanks to our exceptional team, we quickly recovered. The new facility opened up new possibilities: more capacity, better segregation of activities, and readiness for future product types and technologies, including biotech.
Q: What makes Movianto Spain stand out from competitors today?
Jose Luis Hurtado: We are 100% focused on healthcare, and that makes a significant difference. While other providers might handle multiple industries, our entire model is designed around the specific needs of the pharmaceutical sector. This includes strict temperature controls, high-speed delivery, and specialist knowledge in handling delicate or regulated products.
Clients trust us not just because of what we offer, but because of our consistent delivery of high quality. We also tailor services around client needs, which builds even deeper partnerships.
Q: What is your view on the healthcare logistics landscape in Spain?
Jose Luis Hurtado: Spain is the fourth-largest healthcare market in Europe, but it is unique, with great geographic complexity and distribution challenges due to the high capillarity and the large distances to be covered. We have very short lead times, often delivering within 24 hours, before noon, to hospitals that are 600 kilometres away. All of this must happen under strict temperature and quality controls.
In Spain, there is no margin for error. The industry standards are high, and we have built our reputation on exceeding them.
Q: What is the secret to long-term success at Movianto Spain?
Jose Luis Hurtado: It is simple: the people. We have a team that stays, learns, and grows together. Many of our colleagues have been with us for decades. This creates deep expertise, shared values, and a real sense of pride in our work. Even during the move to Numancia, we retained 90% of our staff, which tells you how committed they are to the mission.
Q: Looking back, is there something you wish you had known earlier in your career?
Jose Luis Hurtado: Yes, how important it is to bring people with you during a transformation. You cannot do it alone. You need their trust and buy-in. Once you have that, everything becomes possible. I learned that over time: listen more, build confidence, and move together.
Final thoughts?
Jose Luis Hurtado: Transformation is not a one-time event. It is a continuous journey. You have to keep improving, evolving, and pushing forward, especially in a sector as critical as healthcare. That is what drives me every day.