Today, we honor someone who believes in mainframe education so deeply that he created a national forum to make it happen.
Manuel Gómez Burriel
IMS/DB2 DBA & Systems Administrator
Madrid, Spain
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View the entire 2025 Influential Mainframers group here.
Manuel Gómez Burriel has been a pillar of the European mainframe community for more than thirty years. Based in Madrid, Manuel’s career spans enterprise database management, education, and volunteer leadership, quietly shaping the future of mainframes across Spain and beyond.
An IBM Champion for Data since 2009 (renewed through 2025), Manuel is among the rare few recognized for their expertise in IMS. His technical work as an independent consultant focuses on IMS and Db2 database administration and systems support, most recently advising major financial institutions on how to retain and evolve their mainframe environments.
But his influence extends far beyond consulting.
As the founder and current Chair of the Spain Db2 User Group (SpDUG), Manuel has created a vibrant local hub for learning and collaboration. Through recurring events like the SpDUG Forum and One Day Seminars, he has provided free and accessible technical training to countless professionals across the region. These events have helped maintain a steady rhythm of knowledge sharing and collaboration among Spanish mainframe professionals.
A longtime contributor to IDUG (International Db2 Users Group), Manuel has held numerous volunteer roles on the Global Marketing Committee and several Conference Planning Committees. He has also worked behind the scenes to recruit and mentor new volunteers and speakers in Spain and internationally, championing the next generation of mainframe professionals.
From his early days as Senior DBA Manager at CECA/Cecabank to his continued educational outreach, Manuel combines deep technical knowledge with a desire to share it.
Visit www.spdug.org to learn more about his work.
Influential Mainframer
Mainframe technology continues to evolve because of the dedicated professionals, educators, mentors, and innovators who drive it forward. We’re shining a spotlight on the individuals who are making waves—whether they’re advancing technology, mentoring new talent, sharing knowledge, championing modernization, or quietly keeping mission-critical systems running every day. These are the people shaping the future of mainframe. They come from all backgrounds and experience levels, but they all have one thing in common: they’re making a difference.
Check back daily as we reveal a new honoree. Read their stories, celebrate their impact, and be inspired.
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