«Barcelona, una ciudad con mentalidad global», por Francisco Villamayor
Francisco Villamayor (48) is Argentine and French, married with three children, and has been living in Barcelona for five years. An entrepreneur in real estate, marketing, and events, he founded Bresson Brokers in 2011, a leading real estate agency in Buenos Aires, and Factor Barcelona, his second venture in the city, a premium corporate events space in the Eixample. He is also a columnist and educator, specializing in innovation, brand storytelling, and the development of projects with identity.
Why did you choose Barcelona?
For a combination of family and professional reasons. Barcelona blends quality of life, creative energy, and international reach. It’s a city where you can work with a global mindset without losing the human scale.
What are the city’s strengths?
Its culture, architecture, and vitality. It is a unique global hub that inspires and connects talent from around the world. It allows you to develop projects with a European reach while maintaining a balanced family life.
Which aspects of the city need to be improved? How?
I wish Barcelona trusted its residents’ initiative more. I believe that reducing certain levels of bureaucracy and state control would help boost innovation and attract even more creative projects. The city has immense talent and deserves more room for ideas to thrive with agility.
What do you expect from Barcelona in the coming years?
That it continues to strengthen its leadership in the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences & Exhibitions) industry. This sector drives economic development, generates skilled employment, and energizes multiple industries. Additionally, it attracts high-value visitors, helps to reduce tourism seasonality, and reinforces the city’s international profile in a sustainable way.
Which city do you consider to be your home city? What do you miss most?
Today I have two cities. Buenos Aires, where I travel at least three times a year, is my emotional home: close, warm, and authentic. Barcelona, on the other hand, is more structured and global, offering me an exceptional environment for growth while providing invaluable family life quality. Both complement each other at this stage of my life.
