Santillana, the global education company, is placing significant emphasis on artificial intelligence (AI) as a core component of its novel strategic plan, according to CEO Alberto Polanco. Polanco, who assumed the role in January, outlined the company’s direction during a Capital Markets Day (CMD) presentation to investors and analysts on March 3, 2026.
Polanco highlighted Santillana’s reach, stating the company currently serves 30 million students and has 3.6 million subscriptions to its educational systems. He emphasized a shift from a traditional focus on teachers and schools to a broader “ecosystem” of education, characterized by increased technological integration and engagement from all stakeholders.
A key initiative unveiled by Polanco is Sumun, an educational tool designed to analyze individual student skills and provide continuous assessment to inform immediate instructional decisions. According to Polanco, Sumun integrates Santillana’s extensive experience, advanced pedagogical and technological innovations, and best practices from leading schools. He stated the tool is designed for schools seeking measurable improvements and results.
Beyond Sumun, Santillana is also promoting Richmond Pro, a comprehensive English language learning solution focused on professional development and employability. The program combines high-quality educational content with AI-powered technology and is backed by an internationally recognized certification that assesses professional linguistic skills. Polanco noted the integration of print and digital content within an AI-driven technological environment develops practical communication skills with measurable results. The company intends to expand Richmond Pro beyond Latin American markets.
Santillana reported 466 million euros in revenue, 120 million euros in EBITDA, and 45 million euros in operating cash flow for 2025. The new strategic plan aims to surpass 4.5 million subscriptions to its teaching systems, generating 600 million euros in total revenue, 175 million euros in EBITDA, and 75 million euros in operating cash flow. The company projects an increase in its EBITDA margin from 25.8% to 29%.
Polanco also highlighted Santillana’s leadership position in the private education market in Brazil, Mexico, and Colombia, anticipating 475 million euros in revenue and 135 million euros in EBITDA from this sector by 2029. In Brazil, Santillana maintains a 25-30% market share within the Programa Nacional do Livro Didáctico (PNLD), the country’s national textbook program, and forecasts 125 million euros in revenue from Brazil’s public education market by 2029.
Alberto Polanco was unanimously appointed CEO of Santillana by Prisa’s board of administration on December 22, 2025, effective January 1, 2026, succeeding Francisco Cuadrado. He also joined Prisa’s board of directors as a result of the appointment. Polanco previously served as Director General of Santillana Mexico, having led the company’s operations in Colombia, Central America, and Bolivia. He holds a degree in Business Administration and Management from Saint Louis University and completed the PADD (Programa Avanzado Desarrollo Directivo) at the IUP.
