Historic appointment at the Liceu
Helena Guardans will become the first woman to serve as president of the Fundació del Gran Teatre del Liceu, with the appointment set to be ratified today by the foundation’s board. The decision, proposed by Catalan President Salvador Illa, marks a milestone for the 154-year-old opera house on La Rambla.
The appointment of Helena Guardans sets a precedent for gender representation in one of Catalonia’s most prestigious cultural institutions.
Guardans, who previously led the Liceu’s patronage programme, succeeds Salvador Alemany, 82, who steps down after years at the helm. The change takes place on Friday 25 September 2026, the same day this article is published.
Familial leadership transition at H10 Hotels
- Jordi Espelt has taken over as president of H10 Hotels from his father, Josep Espelt, the company’s founder.
- Jordi Espelt continues as both chairman and CEO, managing a portfolio of 70 hotels across nine countries.
- Josep Espelt moves to the honorary presidency after more than 50 years in the tourism sector.
Other executive appointments
Daniel Cortina has been named director of institutional relations at Seat and Cupra, where he will focus on industrial competitiveness and European regulatory frameworks. He retains leadership of Casa Cupra Raval and Cupra City Garage Madrid, and continues directing the Seat Cupra Foundation.
Carla Torras Martí has been promoted to partner at Kreston Iberaudit’s Barcelona office, strengthening its tax advisory services. Torras, who joined in 2017, holds degrees from Pompeu Fabra University and ESADE, and is registered with the Registry of Tax Advisors (REAF).
Belén Frau joins the board of Pascual as of 1 January 2027, bringing over 25 years of international executive experience from roles at IKEA and consulting firms including Arthur Andersen and Deloitte.
Reported by viaempresa.cat.
