Josep Lagares i Gamero (1963, Besalú - Girona). Married to Marta and father of two children (Jordi and Maria), I am a Chemical Engineer from the Institut Químic de Sarrià (IQS), Master in Management and Organization of Companies from the UPC, PADE from IESE, and alumni of the Singularity University.

In 1988, I joined METALQUIMIA, S.A., a Girona-based family-owned company, as a technologist. METALQUIMIA has become a global benchmark in the study of Meat Science and Technology, specializing in offering its clients comprehensive "turnkey" solutions for the production of meat products, with more than 90% of its operations in international markets and active presence in over 90 countries.

In 1996, my father Narcís entrusted me with the General Management of METALQUIMIA. With enthusiasm and the help of our business family, we have seen our joint efforts towards the economy and society recognized on numerous occasions. Highlights include the "Príncipe Felipe Award for Business Excellence" (2006/2007) in the SME Competitiveness category and the "Technology Awards" (1992 and 2001), granted by the Generalitat de Catalunya for our avant-garde Strategic Creativity Management system. In 2015, METALQUIMIA's Ownership honored me with a promotion to its Executive Presidency CEO, a position that excites me and that I strive daily to be worthy of. I am also Vice President of the Fundació Metalquimia, which, under the motto "Culture, Education, and Creativity," seeks to make this world a slightly better place.

In my life, I have been fortunate to be part of various Boards and Councils, such as the Academic Board of IQS, the Executive Councils of AMEC (Multisectoral Association of Companies) and AEFEMAC (Spanish Association of Machinery Manufacturers for the Meat Industry). Thanks to this activity, in 1999, I was awarded the "Silver Medal of AMEC" for export promotion. I have also been a member of the Executive Councils of Tribuna de Girona and the Fòrum Carlemany, a Trustee of the Fundació CENTA (Center for New Food Technologies), and a member of the Governing Board of APD Zona Mediterrània for twelve years (2002 - 2014). I have also contributed as a jury member for prestigious awards such as the Generalitat de Catalunya's Technological Innovation Award (2002 and 2009), the Príncipe Felipe Award for Business Excellence (2008), and the IMPULSA Awards of the Fundació Príncep de Girona (2010 and 2011). I have also been a member of the CCRI (Catalan Research and Innovation Council), an advisory body to the Catalan Government on the Research and Innovation System and its policies, and the Scientific and Advisory Council of the IRTA (Institute for Agri-Food Research and Technology). In 2022 and 2023, I was part of the GRUP HORITZÓ, an advisory body to the Generalitat de Catalunya Government tasked with debating and making proposals for the design of R&D&I policies in Catalonia.

In 2008, together with my father Narcís, we promoted the Simfònica de Cobla i Corda de Catalunya, a Catalan symphony orchestra with a unique sound worldwide, which has won the Enderrock Awards for Best Classical Music Album by popular vote in 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2021.

In 2009, I co-published my first book PLA DE VOL: La Gran Aventura de l'Empresa Familiar (RBA La Magrana) together with journalist and writer Martí Gironell and the head of the IESE Family Business Chair, Professor Josep Tàpies.

In 2013, with a group of entrepreneurs and institutions, we launched the Fundació per a la Creativació, of which I have the honor to be Honorary President (Executive President 2013-2018). This foundation aims to promote creativity and innovation in children.

Currently, I am a member of the Board of Trustees of the Fundació d'Empreses de l'IQS. I am also a member of the Fundació FemCat (Private Foundation of Entrepreneurs). I have been a Trustee of the Fundació Príncesa de Girona (2009-2017) and also had the honor of serving as its Vice President from 2009-2013. Its foundational goal is to contribute to society by supporting and promoting youth. Additionally, I chaired the Organizing Committee of the Fòrum IMPULSA in its first four editions (2010-2013).

I have combined all this business and associative activity with spiritual practice as Secretary of the Venerable Congregació de la Mare de Déu dels Dolors de Besalú (Creu de Sant Jordi 2005) and Trustee of the Fundació del Sant Sepulcre de Palera. I also pursue recreational and sports activities, practicing my favorite sport, skydiving, in which I have achieved several national Formation Skydiving titles and two world records in Large Formation Skydiving. Additionally, I engage in cultural and musical activities, enjoying and learning by playing the clarinet and saxophone.