When it comes to career journeys, few are as inspiring as that of Miguel Ángel Govantes, Operations Manager at Wildstone Spain.

Starting his professional path at IEPE in 1989, in the workshop, Miguel Ángel witnessed and experienced the evolution of outdoor advertising, consistently adapting and overcoming new challenges.

In this interview, he shares his story, marked by hard work, dedication, and a passion for what he does.

Starting from Scratch

Miguel Ángel’s entry into the world of Out of Home was thanks to his cousin, Miguel Marin Govantes, a trailblazer in the industry.

His early days were spent in the workshop, where he gained a true understanding of the company.

"It all started when my cousin hired me to learn from the ground up, beginning in the workshop with the painters. Then I helped with installations and worked in the office in the afternoons. It was tough but rewarding because I had the chance to learn a lot and earn money."

These early experiences gave him a deep knowledge of how the business operated, which was vital for his growth.

Even though the work was demanding, Miguel Ángel saw it as an opportunity to gain invaluable experience.

From the Warehouse to Operations

Over time, and following IEPE’s sale to the GMT group, Miguel Ángel took on new responsibilities and became warehouse manager.

In this role, his focus shifted to managing purchases, inventories, and subcontractors.

“When they sold the company to GMT, they made me warehouse manager. I handled purchases, invoices, and inventory. It was a time of rapid expansion, with many installations happening and new challenges every day.”

This was a particularly dynamic period, with outdoor advertising panels beginning to incorporate backlighting, a novelty at the time.

Miguel Ángel’s expertise played a key role in managing this transition, giving him an even deeper understanding of the business.

New Technologies, New Challenges

The transition to digital technologies was another major milestone in Miguel Ángel’s career.

Under the Redext group, he was involved in the installation of the first digital screens on monopoles in Spain, creating the largest network in the country.

"We began setting up the first digital screens on monopoles, eventually creating the largest circuit in Spain. Every installation was different, which made it more challenging and exciting at the same time."

Miguel Ángel’s ability to adapt to these new technological challenges highlighted his versatility and leadership during times of change.

The Joy of Teamwork

Fast forward to 2021, and the Redext Group was acquired by Wildstone. As Operations Manager at Wildstone, Miguel Ángel now oversees installations, purchases, maintenance, access, lighting, and manages incidents all the way through to dismantling.

One of the things Miguel Ángel values most in his current role at Wildstone is the opportunity to work as part of a team.

This collaborative approach has been a revelation for him, as in his earlier years, he tended to handle everything on his own.

“At Wildstone, I’ve experienced what it’s like to work in a team for the first time. Before, I was responsible for everything myself: they’d tell me where to install a billboard, and I’d do it all. Now it’s different. We work as a team, meet up, assess the situation, and make decisions together.”

This shift has been crucial for the team’s efficiency and success, allowing for better decision-making and more innovative solutions.

Álvaro Carrasco, Technical Director, comments:

“Miguel Ángel is an invaluable asset to Wildstone. His years of experience in the sector and his knowledge of the companies involved in this area allow us to simplify complex tasks. When he speaks, experience is heard.”

The Installation of Spain’s Largest Digital Screen

One of the most recent milestones in Miguel Ángel’s career at Wildstone has been the installation of a massive digital screen at the Cuesta Blanca shopping centre in Alcobendas (Madrid).

With dimensions of 20x6 metres and double-sided, this screen covers a total of 240 square metres, making it the largest digital screen installed on an outdoor advertising structure in all of Spain.

Miguel Ángel highlights the difficulty and excitement of the project:

“In my 36 years in this industry, it’s the first time we’ve installed something this big. The challenge was immense, as the screen was located between two very close buildings, leaving little room to manoeuvre. But thanks to our incredible team, we pulled it off.”

This project was not only a technical achievement but also a testament to Wildstone’s ability to tackle major challenges and lead the way in outdoor advertising innovation.

A Career Shaped by Hard Work and Dedication

Throughout the years, Miguel Ángel Govantes has witnessed and played a key role in the evolution of outdoor advertising in Spain.

Starting from the ground up, his journey has taken him to a pivotal role at Wildstone.

His story is a testament to the power of hard work, dedication, and adaptability.

“In all my years in advertising, I’ve never seen a company like this. It’s been a truly rewarding experience, and I feel very much part of the team. I hope to still be here in the years to come, watching this exciting new digital sector grow.”