Barcelona Global has named Josep Lluís Sanfeliu as its new president. The move signals a renewed push to attract international talent and capital. Housing and mobility challenges are set as top priorities for the coming years.
Barcelona Global has appointed Josep Lluís Sanfeliu, co-founder of Asabys Partners, as its new president for the 2026–2028 term. The decision, made at the association’s general assembly, marks a strategic shift towards tackling Barcelona’s most pressing urban challenges, with housing and mobility at the forefront. Sanfeliu replaces Ramon Agenjo, who has led the organization through a period of growth and consolidation.
Sanfeliu’s agenda centers on five key areas: addressing the city’s housing and mobility issues, strengthening the cycle of talent, boosting foreign investment, consolidating the social and wellbeing ecosystem, and reinforcing the internal structure of Barcelona Global. These priorities are designed to build on the legacy of previous presidents while adapting to the evolving needs of Barcelona’s economy and society.
With a background in biotechnology and digital health investment, Sanfeliu brings significant experience to the role. He has been a member of Barcelona Global since 2011 and previously led the association’s Life Sciences Chapter. His professional track record includes founding Asabys Partners, a leading European fund in medical technology, and co-founding Ysios Capital, a pioneer in Spanish biomedical venture capital. The new leadership aims to further position Barcelona as a hub for international talent and capital, according to statements made during the assembly.
The general assembly also approved a new Executive Committee to support Sanfeliu’s mandate. The committee will include three vice presidents: Rafael Fontana, honorary president of Cuatrecasas; Lluís Seguí, co-founder and CEO of Miura Partners; and Carmina Ganyet, general corporate director of Colonial. Additional members are Silvia Alsina, Chema Casas, Romain Fornell, Michael Goldenberg, Ousman Umar, Ernest Quingles, and Isabel Vidal, alongside Fontana and Seguí.
Barcelona Global, a private and independent association comprising 280 companies and research centers, has consistently worked to enhance the city’s economic dynamism. Outgoing president Ramon Agenjo expressed support for Sanfeliu’s vision, emphasizing continuity and the importance of addressing urban challenges. General director Mercè Conesa highlighted recent efforts to strengthen Barcelona’s reputation in health sciences, respond to climate change, and improve the city’s ability to attract and retain skilled professionals.
Barcelona faces ongoing pressures in housing affordability and urban mobility, issues that have become central to the city’s policy debates. The association’s renewed focus on these areas reflects broader trends in major European cities, where competition for talent and investment is intensifying. According to Eurostat, Barcelona remains one of the leading urban economies in southern Europe, but persistent challenges in housing and infrastructure continue to shape its development agenda. The new leadership at Barcelona Global is expected to play a key role in shaping responses to these issues over the next two years.
