Josep Esteve, President of Laboratorios Esteve (PDG ‘64)
A Pharmaceutical Heavyweight

Josep Esteve jokes that when technology is sufficiently advanced, it will discover that the Esteve family shares a gene – one that combines the passion and perseverance of an early 20th Century scientist with the daring of the post-war entrepreneur. The finding of such a gene might explain what drives Laboratorios Esteve’s constant efforts to research and improve. This year, Esteve celebrates its 75th anniversary. The company’s president describes the firm’s recipe for success, as well as its strong link to IESE Business School.

Laboratorios Esteve is 75 years old this year, yet your company can hardly be called “old” in the “old-fashioned” sense. Where does your investigative and entrepreneurial spirit come from?
I inherited my business sense from my father, the founder of Laboratorios Esteve, who had a restless curiosity and passion for science, health and life itself. I believe this trait is in the Esteve family genes, and it is a trait that must inform all aspects of the business life: from our human resources, to our relationship with society, to the way that we manage and administer our companies. Working from this standpoint has led to the creation of new therapeutic approaches, the specialist training of all the people who work for us, the establishment of businesses on three continents, the marketing of products throughout the world, and strategic alliances with multinational companies. It is what has led the members of our teams to see R&D not only for its own sake, but also as a duty to society. Esteve has positioned itself as a national company with a significant international presence, and its growth is due to embracing innovation.