28 strategic companies from the tourism, hospitality, and gastronomy sectors join the CETT Business Advisory Council to drive industry transformation
A strategic collaboration with leading companies to shape the future of the industry, promote responsible talent, and foster synergies between business, academia, and emerging professionals.
CETT, Barcelona School of Tourism, Hospitality and Gastronomy —a center affiliated with the University of Barcelona and recognised as an Integrated Vocational Training Centre— has established the CETT Business Advisory Council, a forum for the exchange of ideas and experiences where leading companies and academia will collaborate to shape the future of the industry and develop joint projects.
The CETT Business Advisory Council
This initiative strengthens the link between academia and the business world, creating a bridge between the educational centre and the industry to foster knowledge sharing, joint research, and talent development. Through this synergy, companies will contribute to the design of academic programmes by providing their perspective on the skills and competencies needed in professional careers.
It also encourages innovation and entrepreneurial thinking within both the academic institution and participating organisations, promoting knowledge transfer and involvement in applied research projects.
This council becomes a key meeting point for networking and business collaboration. A crucial connection for the tourism sector, which represents 12% of Catalonia’s GDP and employs over 540,000 professionals as of 2024 — accounting for 14% of employment in the region.
Ultimately, the CETT Business Advisory Council is committed to fostering student development within a collaborative ecosystem between education and industry. This aligns with CETT’s goal to train professionals equipped with high-value education to achieve a more regenerative, inclusive, sustainable, and digital sector, leaving a positive impact on society.
Maria Abellanet i Meya, president of CETT, declares: "With this open and participative council, we intend to intensify our vocation as an applied university that forges talent, innovates and transfers knowledge, because talent must be the differential value. To achieve this, we join forces with benchmark companies, with consistent business cultures committed to creating value for the sector".
Member Companies
- Carles Frigola, Director of Labour Relations, Equality and Diversity at Air Europa
- Miquel Gotanegra, President of the Girona Camping Association
- Anna Valcarcel, Director of Talent Management at Avoris
- Cristina Toro, Director of Human Resources at CCIB
- Joan Roca, Director at El Celler de Can Roca
- Jordi Batista, HR Director at Catalonia Hotels
- Igone Bartumeu, Public Affairs & Communication East Area Associate Director at Coca Cola
- Gemma Llort, HR Operations & Recruitment Director at Compass
- Mateu Casañas, Oriol Castro and Eduard Xatruch, Owner of Disfrutar
- Ernest Laporte, Manager at ElBulli Foundation
- Quim Roca, General Manager at Friolisa
- Alex Galí, General Coordinator at Fundació Damm
- Marcel Forns, Managing Director at GEBTA
- Natalia Guerrero, HR Director at Hilton Barcelona
- Enrique Escofet, General Manager at Intercontinental
- Nandu Jubany, CEO at Nandu Jubany
- Chema León, Marketing Director Spain at Makro
- Mari Carmen Vicente, Corporate HR Director at Majestic Hotel Group
- Jordi Sala, HDR at Marriott
- Natalia San Juan, Corporate & Hotel Service Senior HR Partner at Melià
- Marta Rodríguez, Director of Organisation, People and Culture at Mercabarna
- Sofía Basterra, PR Manager at MSC Cruises
- Tomás Lahoz, Talent, Learning and Development Director Southern Europe Minor Group at NH Hotels
- Franck Margenat, Owner at Oller del Mas
- Mª Jesús Pérez, HR Manager – Facility Manager – Diversity and Inclusion Officer at Sodexo
- Eva Sancho, Head of PR and Communication at Torres
- Fabrizio Orlando, Global Director Industry Affairs at Tripadvisor
- Quim Vila, Owner at Vila Viniteca
