Josep Lluís Sanfeliu, new president of Barcelona Global

Josep Lluís Sanfeliu has been elected president of Barcelona Global for a two-year term (2026–2028). His candidacy, put forward by the outgoing president, Ramon Agenjo, received the unanimous support of the General Assembly of members, in accordance with the organisation’s articles of association, which stipulate that the presidency of the Association is for a non-renewable two-year term.

Sanfeliu, co-founder and Managing Partner of Asabys, has been a member of Barcelona Global since the Association’s inception in 2011 and was a member of the outgoing Executive Committee, as well as chairing one of the Association’s projects, the Life Sciences Chapter, which brings together and promotes the life sciences sector in the city.

Josep Lluís Sanfeliu succeeds Ramon Agenjo, a director at Damm, who chaired Barcelona Global during the 2024–2026 term. Barcelona Global’s articles of association stipulate that the terms of office for the chair and the Executive Committee are two years. In the case of the chair, re-election is not permitted until at least one full term has elapsed.

Barcelona Global has previously been chaired by its founder María Reig, Joaquim Coello, Emilio Cuatrecasas, Marian Puig, Gonzalo Rodés, Pau Guardans, Aurora Catà and Maite Barrera, all of whom are currently honorary presidents, a group to which Ramon Agenjo has now been added.

The General Assembly, held at the World Trade Centre in Barcelona, was attended by more than 200 members of Barcelona Global and was attended by the Minister for Economy and Finance of the Government of Catalonia, Alícia Romero; the Minister for Business and Employment, Miquel Sàmper; and the Second Deputy Mayor, Maria Eugènia Gay, amongst other officials.

The new president outlined his roadmap for the 2026–2028 period to the Assembly and stated that he would structure his work plan around a central idea: consolidating Barcelona as a city of talent, creativity and innovation.

With this objective in mind, the strategy for the 2026–2028 period will focus on five key areas: analysing major urban challenges – housing, safety and mobility – and technological development originating in Barcelona – AI and quantum technologies; strengthening the talent cycle; Barcelona & Partners as a platform for attracting investment; social action; and promoting member participation.