“Barcelona is an open and diverse city,” by Karl Angove

Karl Angove, 44, was born in Newport (Wales) and lived in Prague, Paris, Düsseldorf, and London before landing in Barcelona to lead Epson’s home and office printing business in Europe and to serve as Managing Director of Epson Ibérica. He has now spent two years as Vice President of Epson Europe and Managing Director of the Iberian subsidiary. Karl has driven a new vision marked by young, diverse, and multicultural talent, as well as a decentralized strategy that supports a company committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion as engines for change and growth.

Why did you choose Barcelona?

I’d almost say Barcelona chose me. The opportunity to lead Epson Ibérica from its headquarters in Sant Cugat del Vallès, while also taking on my European vice presidency role in the home and office printing business, came up two years ago. Barcelona turned out to be a welcoming city for this new professional chapter, and it has become my main reference city. My wife, by the way, loves it here.

What are the city’s strengths?

Barcelona is an open and diverse city. It has the sea, the mountains, and different environments within less than an hour’s reach. It integrates multiple cultures and blends Catalan, Spanish, and English seamlessly (as well as many other languages you’ll hear walking around any day). That diversity and inclusion also extend to the business scene and the city’s energy, with start-ups and new tech ideas constantly emerging. There is success in diversity, and the city fully aligns with the personal and professional values I stand for.

Which aspects of the city need to be improved? How?

One aspect that could be improved is traffic. Crossing Barcelona, whether through the Rondas, Diagonal, or the metropolitan highways, can be a nightmare at certain times. I don’t have the magic solution, but continued investment in better access and sustainable mobility is probably the best way to make a positive impact. Also, the NIE application process could definitely be easier!

What do you expect from Barcelona in the coming years?

In the years ahead, I hope Barcelona becomes the most relevant European capital in technology. Major global events like Mobile World Congress and Integrated Systems Europe have already placed the city on the map as a hub for attracting and developing tech talent. Now we need to grow in company creation.

I also hope to see a Champions League final at the new Camp Nou between Barcelona and Manchester United, but that might be an even more distant dream...