Vicenç Oller belongs to that group of young Europeanists who, in the second half of the last century, understood the role that corresponded to them to assume in the modernization of the country. In addition to his solid academic training, as an economist at the University of Barcelona and a professor at ESADE, he added their knowledge of the productive world and business organizations. Thus, in his management at the head of CEAM, the powerful metal employers, he promoted the modernization of the productive structure and business representation, in the image of what was happening in the most advanced European countries.
In that same spirit, assumed the general secretariat of Foment del Treball in the most complex years of the political transition, being later elected president of the Círculo de Economía, a responsibility he resigned to serve as Minister of Industry and Energy in the first term of Jordi Pujol. After those four years, he returned to his study service to, in turn, end his tenure in the Circle, of which he also presided over his Foundation.
I could go on with his trajectory, but Just as relevant as what you did is how you did it. Those of us who knew him remember him for his kindness and ability to listen and attend to those who thought differently. Some especially relevant ways in times of enormous tension, such as his years in Foment and the government of the Generalitat. TO the uncertainties of a still fragile democracy Added to this was the serious economic crisis, fraught with tense labor conflicts and the collapse of many companies, unable to respond to the demands of the new times. His amazing temperance contributed to keep the dialogue alive and redirect the moment.
In those years, specifically in 1980, promoted and chaired the award for the best business initiatives of the year organized by EL PERIÓDICO. Even today, in very different circumstances, it remains the great annual recognition of the Catalan business community. However, what is celebrated quite naturally today was a risky bet more than 40 years ago, when private initiative was still in doubt.
In the Circle, where I had the great opportunity to meet him and collaborating for many years, showed a special acuity to identify those problems that, hidden, turn out to be the most decisive in the long term. And as president of the Foundation he was the first promoter of the Premi Ensenyament, which became the most prestigious program in recognition of teachers and centers that, in especially complex environments, show themselves capable of innovating and favoring the integration and better training of their students.
Related news
A unique person, as sensible as persevering, with a special sensitivity to capture the non-obvious and sense what is coming. A lover of nuances, convinced that it is the details that derail projects or, on the contrary, facilitate fittings that seem impossible. Of fine irony and sense of humor, and with an innate psychological capacity to capture the hidden, in the last conversations He showed me his concern about the excesses of this global money that moves freely, that hinders political action and fractures society.
His death saddens those of us who have known him and, especially, to his beloved family, to his Montse, Vicenç and Joan. I am extremely lucky to have enjoyed his friendship.