- The General Assembly of the organization has chosen Pastor as the successor to Jordi William Carnes, who steps down after more than eight years at the helm of Leitat
- Ramon Pastor, an experienced executive in innovation and international tech business management, has built his professional career at multinational HP, from which he parted ways in January
- The new president joins with the goal of consolidating Leitat’s role as a technology transfer hub and promoter of competitiveness within the industrial fabric
Leitat’s General Assembly has appointed Ramon Pastor as the new president of the technology center, replacing Jordi William Carnes after more than eight years leading the organization.
The transition was approved in a context of institutional renewal aligned with the launch of a new strategic phase led by Jordi Cabrafiga, general director since November 2023.
With this appointment, Leitat reaffirms its commitment to a sustainable growth model and strengthens its role as a key agent in business innovation, SME competitiveness, and technology transfer with industrial, economic, and social impact.
A profile with global leadership and local roots
Leitat’s Board of Directors highlighted Ramon Pastor’s deep understanding of both the Catalan and international business and technology ecosystems, as well as his solid track record in innovation.
With more than 30 years of experience at multinational HP, Pastor has held top-level positions: he led the worldwide Large Format Printing division, created and headed HP’s global 3D printing business, and for the past 12 years, managed the HP Campus in Sant Cugat—one of the company’s most innovative centers.
He has also chaired the IAM 3D Hub—a European benchmark in additive manufacturing driven and operated by Leitat—and has served on the boards of organizations such as the Catalunya Cultura Foundation, Respon.cat, Eurecat, and the Business Councils of UPC and La Salle.
According to Pastor, “After many years in senior executive roles at a multinational, I found it timely to take on this challenge and give back to my country some of what I’ve learned throughout my career in innovation and technology. I’ve known Leitat for some time and am convinced of its potential and accumulated assets: talent, impact capacity, and a clear vision for the future. Leitat’s project is firmly committed to putting technology at the service of the country’s progress and growth, and I am proud to contribute to this effort, bringing my experience to strengthen the center and its role as a key ally to businesses and society.”
Leitat’s general director, Jordi Cabrafiga, emphasized that Ramon Pastor’s appointment comes at a pivotal moment for the organization: “2024 has marked a turning point for Leitat. We’ve consolidated a new management model, worked with over 600 companies, and reinforced our ability to tackle major national challenges—from energy transition to health innovation and the circular economy. In this context, having the support, experience, and vision of Ramon Pastor—with his internationally recognized career and strong social commitment—allows us to solidify this new phase of sustainable growth, aimed at delivering industrial, economic, and social returns.”
Eight years of transformation under Jordi William Carnes’ presidency
Outgoing president Jordi William Carnes has led a transformation and growth process for more than eight years, positioning Leitat as a national and European benchmark in knowledge transfer and high-impact solutions for industry.
“I leave Leitat’s presidency proud of having contributed to positioning the center as a strategic partner for many companies and institutions. After the recent change in general management and with the new management phase now consolidated, it is the right time to step aside for new leadership that will continue to strengthen Leitat’s mission with fresh tools and a renewed perspective,” said Carnes.
Under Jordi William Carnes’ leadership, Leitat has become a reference technology agent at both national and international levels, clearly focused on generating value through R&D projects. During his eight-year presidency—and despite the impact of the COVID-19 health crisis—the center has launched a total of 3,438 projects: 214 with European funding, 408 nationally funded, and 2,816 in collaboration with private-sector companies. Leitat has secured over €160 million in grants and contracts, coordinating 63 high-impact projects. These figures highlight the strength of the model built—focused on technology transfer and the development of real solutions for the country’s industrial and societal challenges.
