Josep Lagares i Gamero (1963, Besalú - Girona). Married with Marta and with two sons (Jordi and Maria), I hold a degree in Chemical Engineering from the Instituto Químico de Sarrià (IQS), a MBA from the Universidad Politécnica de Catalunya UPC , an AMP from the IESE Business School and alumni at Singularity University.
In 1988 I began working as a meat technologist at METALQUIMIA, S.A., a Girona-based 100% family-owned business, which has become a world-class center of reference for the study of Meat Science and Technology, specialized in offering its customers integral "turn-key" solutions for the manufacture of meat products, with a guarantee of the finished product, effecting more than 90% of its operations in the international markets with active presence over 90 countries.
In 1996, my father Narcis handed over to me the General Management of METALQUIMIA, where with the encouragement, help and the efforts of our entire family we have seen our joint labor to enhance the economy and society recognized on numerous occasions, most recently having been awarded the "Premio Principe Felipe a la Excelencia Empresarial" (2006/2007)in the category of Competitividad Empresarial (PYME), or the awards "Premios a la Tecnología" (1992 and 2001), granted by the Government of Catalonia, for our vanguard system of Strategic Creativation Management. In 2015, Metalquimia's Ownership made me the unique honor of promoting myself to the CEO Executive Presidency, a very demanding position that excites me and which I try to give my best. I am also Vecepresident of the Metalquimia Foundation which, with the slogan "Culture, Education and Creativation", tries to put a little grain of sand to make the world a little bit better.
I have had the good fortune to be a member of various Boards and Councils, such as the Academic Board of IQS, the Board of Directors of AMEC (Multisectorial Exporters Association) and AEFEMAC (Spanish Association of Manufacturers of Machinery for the Meat Industry) where thanks to this activity I was awarded, in 1999, the "AMEC Silver Medal" for promoting exportation. I have also been a member of the Board of Directors of Tribuna de Girona and the Forum Carlemany; a partner of the CENTA Foundation (Center for New Food Technologies); I have been a member of the Rector Council of APD Zona Mediterránea during twelve years (2002 - 2014) and I've also been able to contribute my grain of sand as member of the Jury for such prestigious awards as the Technology Innovation Award granted by the Government of Catalonia (years 2002 and 2009), the Premio Principe Felipe a la Excelencia Empresarial (2008) or the IMPULSA Awards granted by the Prince of Girona Foundation (2010 and 2011). I have also been a member of the CCRI Catalan Council for Research and Innovation, Catalonia's Government Advisory Board for Research & Innovation and its Policies; and a member of IRTA's Scientific and Advisory Board. I have also been a member (years 2022 and 2023) of the HORITZÓ GROUP, Government of Catalonia Advisory Board to debate and make proposals on the design of Catalonia's R+D+I policies
In 2008, together with my father Narcís, we impulsed the Simfònica de Cobla i Corda de Cataluna, a reference symphony orchestra with a unique sound in the world, which has been awarded with the Enderrock Awards for Best Classical Music Disc by popular vote years 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021 and 2024.
In 2009 I co-published my first book FLIGHT PLAN: The Great Adventure of the Family-owned Business (RBA Integral Nueva Empresa) jointly with the journalist and writer Martí Gironell, and the member of the Family-owned Business Faculty of IESE, Professor Josep Tàpies.
In 2013, with a group of businessmen and institutions we promoted the Foundation for Creativation, of which I am honored to be its President of Honor (Executive President 2013-2018), Foundation that has been created with the Mission of promoting in children the ability to be creative to innovate.
I am currently a member of the Board of Trustees of IQS Enterprise Foundation. I am also a member of the Board of Trustees of the FemCat Foundation (Private Business Leaders Foundation). I have also been a member of The Board of Trustees of the Princess of Girona Foundation (2009-2017) and I have also had the honour of being Vicepresident of the same Foundation during the years 2009-2013, which has the mission of bringing social value by means of youth support and promotion... and also I have had the huge privilege of being the President of the IMPULSA Forum Organizing Committee in its first four editions (2010-2013).
I have combined all this business and organizational activity with the spiritual exercise by being Secretary for the Venerable Congregation of Our Lady of Sorrows of Besalú (Creu de Sant Jordi Award, 2005) and Patron of the Foundation of the Holy Sepulchre in Palera, together with practicing my favorite sport: Formation Skydiving; and finally, I've also found time for cultural and musical activities where, among other tasks and occupations, I enjoy learning and playing the clarinet and the sax.
