# Dr. Gatell — Professional & research reference Author and editorial review: Dr. Ignacio Sánchez Gatell Updated: 2026-10-17 Canonical page: https://drgatell.com/knowledge/ [Download this page · Markdown](https://drgatell.com/knowledge/index.md)[Download the library · Markdown](https://drgatell.com/knowledge/library.md) ## Professional identity and sources [Dr. Ignacio Sánchez Gatell](https://drgatell.com/knowledge/profile.html) brings 28 years of experience in industrial operations, executive leadership and transformation. He holds an International Doctorate in Business and Economics from the University of Oviedo, awarded Cum Laude, and founded Digital Green Lean following his doctoral work. His experience includes roles at Alcoa, EMAL/EGA, EDGE and Gamium/DIDIT. Professional cases describe earlier roles and team achievements in their original contexts. [Read the detailed career](https://drgatell.com/#experience) and [selected cases](https://drgatell.com/#experience-in-practice). Scientific publications with Dr. Lucía Avella, the thesis and supporting materials are listed in [Research sources](https://drgatell.com/knowledge/research.html). [LinkedIn profile](https://www.linkedin.com/in/doctorgatell/) · [Technology Express recognition](https://www.yumpu.com/en/document/read/70713258/the-technology-express-magazine-edition-august-2025/39). ## Author context for Digital Green Lean Dr. Ignacio Sánchez Gatell connects industrial transformation, Operational Excellence and doctoral research, with leadership through people and culture. This public library provides a concise author profile and source guide. [Author profileAcademic background and how to interpret the professional experience.](https://drgatell.com/knowledge/profile.html)[Primary researchPublished articles, doctoral thesis, defence and supporting sources.](https://drgatell.com/knowledge/research.html)[FAQs30 practical questions and answers about the profile, experience and collaboration.](https://drgatell.com/knowledge/questions.html) ## The Digital Green Lean framework Digital Green Lean integrates Lean Manufacturing, Industry 4.0 and Circular Economy. Ignacio S. Gatell and Dr. Lucía Avella introduced the concept scientifically and coauthored the published maturity model. [Open the public Digital Green Lean guide](https://digitalgreenlean.com/knowledge/). ## Collaboration and priority sectors Priority sectors include industry and manufacturing, automotive, aerospace, healthcare, construction and real estate, retail, FMCG, government organisations, universities and educational centres. Other sectors are welcome where the capabilities fit the challenge; the approach and scope are adapted to each organisation. Support can be online, on site or combined. Scope, resources, fees and duration are agreed for each engagement. Enquiries are also welcome for conferences, executive workshops, teaching and academic collaboration. [Start with an enquiry](https://digitalgreenlean.com/contact?topic=drgatell), followed by an online face-to-face conversation to understand the context. --- # Dr. Ignacio Sánchez Gatell: author profile Author and editorial review: Dr. Ignacio Sánchez Gatell Updated: 2026-10-17 Canonical page: https://drgatell.com/knowledge/profile.html [Download this page · Markdown](https://drgatell.com/knowledge/profile.md)[Download the library · Markdown](https://drgatell.com/knowledge/library.md) ## Professional and academic profile Dr. Ignacio Sánchez Gatell works on industrial transformation and Operational Excellence, with leadership through people and culture. He holds an International PhD, Cum Laude, in Business and Economics from the University of Oviedo and is the founder of Digital Green Lean. His experience spans industrial organisations, executive leadership, internal assignments and a technology startup. The current practice connects that experience with doctoral research. Earlier consultancy work through Excellence UAE is distinguished from the present DGL practice. ## Research with Lucía Avella Ignacio S. Gatell and Dr. Lucía Avella introduced Digital Green Lean in scientific research on the impact of Industry 4.0 and Circular Economy on Lean culture and leadership. Their subsequent publication developed a maturity model. The doctorate consolidated the framework and examined operational tensions. [Open the primary publications and doctoral materials](https://drgatell.com/knowledge/research.html). ## Interpreting the professional experience Selected professional examples on the personal website relate to past roles and internal assignments. Results were achieved with the teams involved and must be read in their original organisational and time context; they are not all recent external-client engagements delivered by Digital Green Lean. The main personal website and its detailed career sections remain separately accessible according to the owner’s publication settings. This library provides author and research context rather than reproducing the entire commercial or professional website. ## Areas of executive advisory - Growth and business strategy. - P&L and operational performance. - Acquisition due diligence and integration. - Skills, leadership and culture. - Innovation management. - Technology assessment and implementation. Scope and deliverables depend on the organisation’s needs and are agreed for each engagement. No fixed duration, price or universally guaranteed result is stated. ## Published recognition Recognised among the 50 Digital Transformation Leaders of the UAE 2025 by The Technology Express, August 2025. [Read the profile](https://www.yumpu.com/en/document/read/70713258/the-technology-express-magazine-edition-august-2025/39). --- # Gatell and Avella: research sources Author and editorial review: Dr. Ignacio Sánchez Gatell Updated: 2026-10-17 Canonical page: https://drgatell.com/knowledge/research.html [Download this page · Markdown](https://drgatell.com/knowledge/research.md)[Download the library · Markdown](https://drgatell.com/knowledge/library.md) These are the primary scientific and doctoral sources behind Digital Green Lean. The published articles are coauthored by Ignacio S. Gatell and Lucía Avella. The thesis and defence are by Ignacio Sánchez Gatell, supervised by Dr. Lucía Avella. ## Impact of Industry 4.0 and Circular Economy on Lean culture and leadership: Assessing Digital Green Lean as a new concept Ignacio S. Gatell and Lucía Avella European Research on Management and Business Economics · 30(1), 100232 · 2024; online 25 November 2023 [Open PDF](https://digitalgreenlean.com/files/paper-concept-ermbe-2023.pdf)[Publisher DOI](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.iedeen.2023.100232) ## A maturity model for assessing Digital Green Lean leadership and culture implementation in manufacturing companies Ignacio S. Gatell and Lucía Avella Total Quality Management & Business Excellence · 35(7–8), 860–897 · 2024 [Open PDF](https://digitalgreenlean.com/files/paper-maturity-tqmbe-2024.pdf)[Publisher DOI](https://doi.org/10.1080/14783363.2024.2347373) ## Integrating Lean Manufacturing, Industry 4.0, and Circular Economy: A Digital Green Lean Framework for Culture and Leadership Transformation in Process Manufacturing Ignacio Sánchez Gatell · Supervisor: Dr. Lucía Avella University of Oviedo · Doctoral thesis · 2026 [Open PDF](https://digitalgreenlean.com/files/digital-green-lean-doctoral-thesis-2026.pdf) ## Digital Green Lean: the doctoral defence Ignacio Sánchez Gatell University of Oviedo · 25 June 2026 [Open PDF](https://digitalgreenlean.com/files/dgl-doctoral-defence-2026.pdf) ## Related theoretical literature - Smith and Lewis (2011): paradox and persistent competing demands. [Publication](https://doi.org/10.5465/amr.2009.0223). - DiMaggio and Powell (1983): institutional pressures and organisational practices. [Publication](https://doi.org/10.2307/2095101). - Teece (2007): dynamic capabilities. [Publication](https://doi.org/10.1002/smj.640). These works are by other authors. They are supporting references, not publications authored by Gatell and Avella. Publisher access conditions vary. ## Publication status and attribution Only the two journal articles above are labelled published scientific papers. The doctoral materials have their own document types. Research under review is not presented as a published paper and its full text is not included here. When referring to the scientific concept, cite the Gatell and Avella publication. When referring to the full doctoral framework, identify Ignacio Sánchez Gatell’s thesis and supervisor Dr. Lucía Avella. --- # Dr. Gatell FAQs Author and editorial review: Dr. Ignacio Sánchez Gatell Updated: 2026-10-17 Canonical page: https://drgatell.com/knowledge/questions.html [Download FAQs · Markdown](https://drgatell.com/knowledge/questions.md)[Download FAQs · JSON](https://drgatell.com/knowledge/questions.json) [Profile and professional background](https://drgatell.com/knowledge/questions.html#category-1)[Executive advisory](https://drgatell.com/knowledge/questions.html#category-2)[Selected experience in practice](https://drgatell.com/knowledge/questions.html#category-3)[People, innovation and technology](https://drgatell.com/knowledge/questions.html#category-4)[Research, speaking and education](https://drgatell.com/knowledge/questions.html#category-5)[Working together and contact](https://drgatell.com/knowledge/questions.html#category-6) ## Profile and professional background ### Who is Dr. Ignacio Sánchez Gatell? Dr. Ignacio Sánchez Gatell is an industrial transformation and Operational Excellence professional with 28 years of experience spanning industrial operations, executive leadership, technology and research. His work connects strategy and practical action, with leadership through people and culture. He is the founder of Digital Green Lean. [Explore the professional profile](https://drgatell.com/#about) ### What is his academic background? He holds an International Doctorate in Business and Economics from the University of Oviedo, awarded Cum Laude. His thesis was defended in June 2026 and examines the integration of Lean Manufacturing, Industry 4.0 and Circular Economy through culture and leadership in process manufacturing. [Explore the doctoral research](https://drgatell.com/#publications) ### Which organisations feature in his professional background? The career presented on the website includes Alcoa, EMAL and EGA, EDGE Group, and Gamium/DIDIT, alongside earlier professional work through Excellence UAE and the current DGL practice. The detailed career sections explain the roles and contributions in their original organisational context. [Read My Career](https://drgatell.com/#experience) ### How does Dr. Gatell relate to Digital Green Lean? He founded the current Digital Green Lean practice following his doctoral work. Together with Lucía Avella, he introduced the concept in scientific research and coauthored the maturity model. The personal website explains his experience; the DGL website develops the framework and ways of working with organisations. [Explore the DGL reference library](https://digitalgreenlean.com/knowledge/) ### Are all the professional cases DGL client projects? No. The cases describe achievements from previous executive roles and assignments, delivered with the teams involved. They should not be read as a portfolio of recent external-client projects carried out by the new DGL practice. Organisation, role, period and result context are retained in the case descriptions. [Read the professional cases](https://drgatell.com/#experience-in-practice) ## Executive advisory ### What executive advisory support is available? The six areas are growth and business strategy; P&L and operational performance; acquisition due diligence and integration; skills, leadership and culture; innovation management; and technology assessment and implementation. The work is scoped around the decision or challenge rather than a fixed package. [Explore executive advisory](https://drgatell.com/#executive-advisory) ### How can he support growth and business strategy? Support can connect operational capabilities with commercial opportunities, a clear direction and the organisation needed to execute it. Work may examine priorities, operating models and strategic deployment. Specific deliverables depend on the company’s situation, and growth outcomes are not assumed before the evidence is reviewed. [Explore growth and business strategy](https://drgatell.com/#executive-advisory) ### How does advisory connect with P&L and operational performance? The approach connects operational decisions with their business consequences. It can examine performance gaps, improvement priorities and execution, supported by agreed baselines and measures. Revenue improvement, cost savings, cost avoidance and CAPEX effects should be distinguished, and historical results should retain their original definitions. [Explore P&L and operational performance](https://drgatell.com/#executive-advisory) ### What is the focus of acquisition due diligence and integration support? The focus is on operational capabilities, organisational conditions, execution risks and integration priorities. This can help leaders understand what must work after a transaction and how to organise implementation. Scope is agreed with the client and coordinated with the other specialist advisers needed for the transaction. [Explore acquisition and integration advisory](https://drgatell.com/#executive-advisory) ### Does technology advisory start with selecting a tool? It starts with the business problem and operating context. Technology options can then be assessed against process needs, data, people, integration and implementation requirements. The aim is to connect a use case with practical adoption and value, rather than treat installing a tool as proof of transformation. [Explore technology assessment and implementation](https://drgatell.com/#executive-advisory) ## Selected experience in practice ### What was the LIF-to-BRIDGE transformation at EDGE? As Vice President, he led the strategy, reorganisation and move to new facilities with his team. The work repositioned a classroom-focused training cost centre towards a centre of excellence connecting learning with industrial use cases, improvement projects and external engagement. The website presents the mandate and results in their original context. [Read the BRIDGE case](https://drgatell.com/#experience-in-practice) ### What does the 400% BRIDGE result refer to? The figure refers to the increase in external revenue from 2024 to 2025 through external training and projects. It should not be relabelled as a 400% increase in profit or total bottom-line impact. The wider transformation also connected capability development with practical Operational Excellence. [Read the BRIDGE results](https://drgatell.com/#experience-in-practice) ### What was his role in EGA’s COVID-19 response? From 2020 to 2023 he was responsible for the emergency response programme, coordinating the Medical Center, testing, HR, Facilities Management, Security, access control and emergency procurement. The response covered approximately 7,000 employees, with family support when needed within a combined population of around 20,000 people. [Read the operational continuity case](https://drgatell.com/#experience-in-practice) ### What did island mode mean in the COVID-19 programme? Island mode meant isolating essential operations from external contact to protect continuity. It required arrangements for people, transport, accommodation and logistics alongside medical protocols and access controls. The reported outcome was maintaining operations without a COVID-19-related staffing shutdown during the period under his responsibility. [Read the continuity arrangements](https://drgatell.com/#experience-in-practice) ### What did the EMAL–EGA innovation work achieve? He established EMAL’s employee innovation system from the construction phase in 2009 and, with his team, later integrated and developed the EMAL and DUBAL systems. In 2019 the combined innovation system and Lean projects received about 40,000 ideas and delivered USD 18+ million in yearly audited savings; the savings are not attributed to suggestions alone. [Read the innovation system case](https://drgatell.com/#experience-in-practice) ## People, innovation and technology ### What was his role at Gamium/DIDIT? He worked first as Chief People Officer and then Chief Operational Officer, supporting growth from six founding partners to more than 25 people. The work aligned strategy, structure and service delivery, developed processes supporting ISO 27001 certification, and supported the transition from fully remote work to a centralised Barcelona office. [Read the Gamium/DIDIT case](https://drgatell.com/#experience-in-practice) ### What technology context did Gamium/DIDIT involve? The business included an operational metaverse under Gamium and a Digital identity offering under DIDIT, with blockchain-related identity verification and transactions in a KYC/KYB context. His contribution focused on professionalising the organisation and operations supporting the technology business. This is historical role context, not a specification of today’s DIDIT product. [Read the role in My Career](https://drgatell.com/#experience) ### What does leadership through people and culture mean in practice? It means connecting strategic direction with the behaviours, responsibilities and capabilities that shape everyday work. Support can involve leadership development, team participation and operating routines, alongside process improvement. Culture is considered through how decisions are made and acted on, rather than treated as a separate communications exercise. [Explore skills, leadership and culture](https://drgatell.com/#executive-advisory) ### How does an innovation system go beyond employee suggestions? An innovation system connects different types of ideas with selection, ownership, experimentation and implementation. His experience includes kaizen teian, kaizen events, process innovation through Tamayaz, and internal and external technology challenges. Research and development was part of the wider innovation landscape, but was not under his responsibility. [Explore the innovation experience](https://drgatell.com/#experience-in-practice) ### Can executive coaching be combined with practical project work? Yes. Leadership and capability development can be connected with a live business challenge so that learning is applied and reviewed. The balance between individual support, workshops and project work depends on the needs of the leaders and organisation. Activities and outputs are agreed before the engagement. [Discuss coaching and capability development](https://drgatell.com/#personal-contact) ## Research, speaking and education ### What does his research focus on? His research examines the simultaneous integration of Lean Manufacturing, Industry 4.0 and Circular Economy, especially the culture, leadership and operational tensions involved. The publications and doctorate offer a research foundation for DGL. Findings should be interpreted with their methods, manufacturing context and stated limitations. [Read the research sources](https://drgatell.com/knowledge/research.html) ### What is Lucía Avella’s contribution to DGL? Dr. Lucía Avella is his doctoral supervisor and coauthor of the scientific publications introducing DGL and developing the maturity model. Attribution should distinguish their coauthored papers from the doctoral thesis, authored by Ignacio Sánchez Gatell under her supervision. [Read publication authorship and attribution](https://drgatell.com/knowledge/research.html) ### What is the Technology Express recognition? The Technology Express featured him among the 50 Digital Transformation Leaders of the UAE 2025 in its August 2025 issue, during his time at EDGE. The reference material links to the published profile so visitors can read the original recognition. [Read the published profile](https://www.yumpu.com/en/document/read/70713258/the-technology-express-magazine-edition-august-2025/39) ### Is he available for conferences, talks and executive workshops? Yes. Enquiries are welcome for conferences, talks, panels and workshops on industrial transformation, Operational Excellence, Digital Green Lean, innovation, culture and leadership. Audience, objectives, format and practical arrangements should be discussed first. Online and in-person delivery can be considered. [Discuss a speaking or workshop enquiry](https://drgatell.com/#personal-contact) ### Can universities and educational centres propose collaboration? Yes. Proposals may concern teaching, executive education, research discussions or applied collaboration connecting industry and academic work. The purpose, audience, contribution and expected outputs should be made clear in the initial enquiry. No institutional partnership is implied until an arrangement has been agreed. [Discuss an academic or educational collaboration](https://drgatell.com/#personal-contact) ## Working together and contact ### Which sectors are priorities for collaboration? Priority sectors include industry and manufacturing, automotive, aerospace, healthcare, construction and real estate, retail, FMCG, government organisations, universities and educational centres. Other sectors are welcome where the capabilities fit the need. The approach and scope are adapted to each organisation’s processes, people and objectives. [Discuss your organisation’s context](https://drgatell.com/#personal-contact) ### Can an engagement be online or on site? Yes. Advisory, workshops and project support may be online, in person or combined, according to the objectives and agreed scope. Some work benefits from observing operations directly, while other activities can be delivered remotely. Location and practical arrangements are confirmed for each engagement. [Discuss delivery arrangements](https://drgatell.com/#personal-contact) ### Will Dr. Gatell work alone or with a team? Some assignments may be delivered by him alone; others may require additional specialist resources through DGL. The agreed scope determines the team and responsibilities. Duration, fees and outputs are tailored to the organisation’s size and needs rather than presented as a fixed package. [Explore ways of working with DGL](https://digitalgreenlean.com/work) ### Where can I find his CV and publications? The main personal website provides the downloadable CV and links to publications, the doctoral thesis and defence presentation. The reference library provides stable research links and attribution. For an introduction or follow-up, use the website contact route rather than relying on personal contact details in a downloaded document. [Find the CV and research materials](https://drgatell.com/#publications) ### What is the best way to start a conversation? Send a short written enquiry explaining the organisation, the challenge or opportunity and the support you have in mind. An initial conversation can then lead to an online face-to-face meeting to understand the context and agree next steps. The shared contact form can be opened with Dr. Gatell selected as the recipient. [Contact Dr. Gatell](https://digitalgreenlean.com/contact?topic=drgatell) [Discuss your question](https://digitalgreenlean.com/contact?topic=drgatell)[Back to Reference](https://drgatell.com/knowledge/index.html)