The main aim of this empirical research was to classify the profiles of executives of Spanish companies. We classified the executives’ profiles based on two key factors of innovation: knowledge management and emotional intelligence. The sample comprised study 241 executives of Spanish companies, a principal component analysis, a two-stage cluster analysis, and an ANOVA analysis conducted by taking innovation as a dependent variable. The theory of resources and capacities was the theoretical framework. We conclude that the differentiation of executives’ profiles is essential to avoid the loss of innovative potential and a consequent loss of competitive advantage in the Spanish business sector. This research contributes to identify a taxonomy of executives’ profiles—agile, laggard, soloist and cooperator. These groups present some different levels of knowledge management and emotional intelligence and differences in their ability to innovate.
