Born in Madrid on September 13th, 1945, he was educated at the Colegios Jesuitas in Madrid. He then studied industrial engineering, specializing in chemistry, at the University Technical School, and then economics.

He has broad experience in company management and his proffesional activities have covered such different fields as the world of engineering, publishing and culture, tourism and sport.

In January 1983, he was appointed chairman and director of Viajes Marsans and executive advisor for tourism to the minister of transport and tourism, Enrique Baron.

In January 1987, he was appointed president of the sports council, with the status of secretary of State.

In the early months of 1987, he contributed to the setting up of Barcelona '92 Organizing Committee (COOB'92), of which he was elected second deputy chairman.

In July 1993, he was appointed minister of commerce and tourism.