Josep Vilarasau i Salat, former President of La Caixa and former member of the Board of Trustees of the University and Technology Foundation (FUNITEC), the Foundation of the Brothers of the Christian Schools that governs La Salle – Universitat Ramon Llull, has passed away at the age of 95. A former student of La Salle Bonanova, he maintained a close connection with the campus throughout his life and contributed for many years to the development of La Salle's university project as a member of the FUNITEC Board of Trustees.
Holding a PhD in Industrial Engineering and a degree in Economics and Business Administration, Josep Vilarasau was one of the most influential figures in the Catalan and Spanish financial sector over the past decades. He spent much of his professional career at La Caixa, serving first as General Director and later as President, leading a period marked by the institution's modernisation, territorial expansion and sustained growth.
Alongside his professional career, Vilarasau served for many years on the FUNITEC Board of Trustees, where he contributed his experience, leadership and strategic vision to the development of La Salle – Universitat Ramon Llull. At the end of his term as a trustee, in 2021, the campus publicly recognised his dedication and commitment by awarding him the La Salle Silver Pin and the Baula, a symbol of the bond and connection shared by all those who are, or have been, part of the Lasallian community.
Josep Vilarasau leaves behind a legacy closely linked to the institutional development of the campus. His experience, sound judgement and unwavering confidence in the university project helped drive its growth. La Salle – Universitat Ramon Llull expresses its sincere gratitude for his dedication and commitment to the campus, and extends its heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and all those who shared his personal and professional journey. May he rest in peace.
