Hall of Fame

With a degree in Law and Economics, his skills and experience as Minister of Finance, Vice President of the Government of Spain, and Chairman of Telefónica make him a highly valuable member of Uriach’s Advisory Council. As part of this council, his contributions have always been particularly significant, especially his proposal to create the company’s Board of Directors, which entailed a new internal organization and represented a new business management model. He also played a key role in the generational transition from the fourth to the fifth family generation, introducing sound management practices and contributing to the development of Uriach’s first strategic plan.

Originally from Aragon, she began working at Uriach in the mid-20th century and remained there until her retirement. Her hard work, always accompanied by a smile, led her to become Head of Materials and Facilities, a key position for the company’s daily operations. An example of her efficiency was ensuring that clean lab coats were always available, a garment that, although no longer in use today, was for many years worn by all Uriach employees regardless of their position, department, or role. She was deeply cherished by all her colleagues for her cheerful nature and respected for her outstanding efficiency and professional dedication.

A Doctor in Chemistry and member of the Royal Academy of Pharmacy of Catalonia, after his first years of scientific training, he joined Uriach in 1973 in the Pharmacology Department, contributing his expertise in biochemistry. From that moment on, his importance and influence within the company continued to grow until he became Head of the Research Department, where some of the company’s flagship products were developed. After many years of successful work, following his retirement in 2014, he joined the Uriach Foundation as a Trustee. In this role, Dr. Rafanell combined his love for the company, his experience, and his knowledge of the sector to drive the Foundation to new levels of excellence. Respected and loved in equal measure, his unexpected passing in 2023 was a profound loss for all who knew him.

Professor of Applied Economics, Dr. Francesc Granell had a broad and successful professional career, highlighted by his role as Director General of Trade and Tourism, his involvement in the organization of the Barcelona Olympic Games, and the creation of both the School of Public Administration of Catalonia and the Interdepartmental Council for Research and Technological Innovation. This experience made him a highly valuable member of Uriach’s Advisory Council, where he contributed his knowledge and Europeanist vision to the business, an essential factor in the 1990s that helped transform Uriach into the multinational company it is today.

With a degree in Pharmacy, since joining Uriach in the 1970s, Joan Morell’s role in the company steadily grew until he became one of its key pillars and a trusted confidant of management. As Head of Marketing, he led countless successful campaigns that boosted sales of many products. Together with Dr. Joan Uriach i Marsal, he was one of the driving forces behind the creation of the Uriach Foundation, joining it in 1988 as a Trustee. He became a highly significant figure, serving as one of the strongest links between the Foundation and the company, and contributing to the development and promotion of numerous initiatives to raise awareness of the new institution. With his ever-positive character and admirable dedication to work, his sudden and unexpected passing in 2006 was a heavy blow to all.

In 1898, coinciding with the creation of the company’s first pharmaceutical chemistry laboratory, Mr. Pagés took on greater responsibilities through the granting of powers for the management of J. Uriach y Cía, Sociedad en Comandita. From that moment on, he was authorized to purchase, sell, and pay for products and services, sign documents, and represent the company before the authorities. These functions, often shared with Joaquín Uriach, were crucial at a critical moment for the company, marked by the opening of the new laboratory, which placed Uriach on an entirely new level.

In 1935, María del Prado began working in the perfumery section of the Uriach drugstore on Bruc Street in Barcelona. Although very young at the time, she quickly stood out for her natural sales skills and her kindness toward customers, especially women. Thanks to her good image and exemplary skin, clients often asked which Uriach products she used, which helped boost the sales of certain items. Out of loyalty to the company, she turned down significant offers from other establishments in the city. With the closure of the retail section in the 1960s, she transferred to the laboratory, where she remained until her retirement.

Josep Maria Robert joined the company in 1923 as an administrative clerk, quickly standing out for his efficiency at work and his pleasant personal manner. Thanks to his tireless and effective efforts, he rose to become Head of Accounting, taking charge of organizing the company’s administrative and accounting areas at a very complex time, due to the large volume of business with international companies based in countries such as France, Italy, and the United States, among others. After 42 years at Uriach, he retired in 1965, becoming a role model for future generations.

In 1891, following the dissolution of the company “Alomar y Uriach” and due to the growth of the business, Mr. Robreño advanced from being a simple employee to becoming a manager through the granting of administrative powers. With these powers, he was authorized to manage the trading house, make payments, collect bills of exchange, oversee general accounting, and sign documents. These new responsibilities contributed to the improvement of the company and relieved Juan Uriach Feliu of many administrative tasks, allowing him to focus on management and the future expansion of the business.

Since joining Uriach in 1925 at just 14 years old, Mr. Roig gradually became a pillar of the company, especially for his decisive role in the creation, in 1945, and subsequent development of Biohorm, the company established to distribute Uriach’s products. Under his leadership, the Advertising Department was also developed, soon becoming one of the most modern and important in the country. In addition to his work in these departments, he also served as a jury member for the “Medicine and History” Prize. His dedication and love for the company led him to retire after more than 50 years of service, making him one of the company’s longest-serving employees.

A Doctor of Surgery and Medicine from the University of Barcelona, where he also served as a professor, he was a pioneer in the treatment of leukemia in Spain. In 1973, he established the country’s first Hematology and Medical Oncology service at the Red Cross Hospital in Barcelona. He was Head of the Hematology and Oncology Unit at the Hospital del Sagrado Corazón, Vice President of the Academy of Medical Sciences of Catalonia and the Balearic Islands, a member of the Royal Academy of Medicine of Catalonia, and President of the Catalan Society of Hematology, among other prominent positions and responsibilities.

In 1989, at the request of Dr. Joan Uriach, he joined the first Board of Trustees of the Uriach Foundation, contributing his vast knowledge of the sector and his management skills to support the growth and consolidation of the nascent Foundation.

With a degree in Pharmacy and a broad scientific background, Mr. Vera joined Uriach in the early 1960s, taking on the role of Technical Director of the laboratory, replacing Dr. Joan Uriach i Marsal, who moved on to management positions. At that time, the role of Technical Director was fundamental to the business, as he was responsible for ensuring the quality of all the products manufactured by the company and later released to the market. In fact, his name appeared printed on every product package. His hard work and commitment earned him the continuous trust of management and the respect and affection of his colleagues. He finally retired in the mid-1990s, after a long and successful career at Uriach.

In 1950, he began working at Uriach as a medical representative, despite having no prior experience in that role. He compensated for this handicap with his background as an administrator at the Bretón Clinic in Barcelona, which provided him with extensive medical knowledge and strong interpersonal skills. His arrival at Uriach coincided with a moment when prescription products were beginning to gain major importance in the company’s business. The work of medical promotion, which Joan Viarje managed better than anyone, made him a key figure in the business. Thanks to his knowledge and his affable, outgoing, and charismatic character, he quickly built strong connections with physicians across the country. As a result of his outstanding work, he was regarded as the “Dean” of medical representatives and took charge of their management and training, a role he performed brilliantly until his retirement in 1977.