According to Padel Cluster Magazine's editorial team, StarVie, the leading Spanish padel racket brand owned by Grupo Oteador, has reached an agreement for the departure of Jorge Gómez de la Vega, a key figure in the brand’s international growth and expansion. Gómez de la Vega, who had been the company's CEO since 2008 until February 28, played a fundamental role in shaping the brand’s trajectory. His departure also marks the end of a crucial chapter for the company, which now appears set to shut down its factory.
The production plant in Azuqueca de Henares is expected to close before the end of March
A strong commitment to innovation
With over 20 years of experience in banking and consulting, Jorge Gómez de la Vega became a driving force behind StarVie’s success, strengthening its position as one of the most innovative and recognized brands in the global padel industry. Since joining StarVie, he led a team of over 40 professionals with a clear mission: to elevate padel’s standing within the sports sector.
Under his leadership, StarVie’s factory gained significant international recognition, reaching a production capacity of 90,000 rackets per year and expanding its presence to over 55 countries through distributors, events, sponsorships, and collaborations with major professional padel tours. Additionally, StarVie remained committed to quality and artisanal craftsmanship, manufacturing its rackets in its Azuqueca de Henares, Guadalajara facility, where tradition and technology were combined to deliver high-performance products.
A key figure in the creation and growth of the International Padel Cluster
Beyond his leadership at StarVie, Jorge Gómez de la Vega was instrumental in the creation and consolidation of the International Padel Cluster (CIP), where he served as founding president from 2020 to 2024. The CIP was established to bring together all major players in the padel industry under a global cluster that could act as an industry lobby.
Under his leadership, the CIP worked tirelessly to position padel as a global sport, driving international expansion initiatives that allowed companies to establish themselves in key markets while also attracting new businesses worldwide to foster collaborations and synergies. Throughout this process, the organization remained focused on quality, development, and protecting the interests of its members.
After a successful term, Jorge Gómez de la Vega stepped down as CIP president but continues to play a key advisory role in the current board, maintaining close collaboration to strengthen the organization’s influence and further develop padel on a global scale.
The end of an era for StarVie and Grupo Oteador
Jorge Gómez de la Vega’s departure marks the conclusion of a pivotal era for StarVie and Grupo Oteador. As a result of this transition, the group has decided to cease its production activities. Sources close to the company have confirmed that the factory will shut down before the end of March, impacting not only StarVie’s racket manufacturing but also third-party production, which has been one of the group’s main revenue sources for years. Although this decision has yet to be officially announced by the company, employees at the factory have already been legally informed.
While the future of StarVie remains uncertain, initial reports suggest that the brand may continue to operate, with its manufacturing potentially moving to China.
A definitive closure… or an opportunity?
Although the decision to shut down production is final, sources indicate that Grupo Oteador is open to considering offers for the factory, a strategic asset in a market that increasingly values local production. The Azuqueca de Henares factory, recognized for its high-quality artisanal padel racket manufacturing, could be of interest to established brands looking to produce their premium lines in Spain or new entrants seeking to differentiate themselves through local manufacturing.
With the padel market experiencing continuous growth, artisanal and local production is becoming a key differentiator, potentially opening new opportunities for StarVie and, most importantly, for the factory itself. More details on the company’s decisions regarding the factory and the future of the StarVie brand are expected to emerge in the coming days.
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