In Memoriam: Prof. Pere Agell (1928-2024)

Pere Agell Ferrer, emeritus professor of Managerial Decision Sciences, passed away on September 1, 2024, at the age of 96. He was born in Arbúcies (Girona) on March 1, 1928, and earned his PhD in Industrial Engineering from the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya in 1971. His journey at IESE began in May 1968, when he joined as a Scientific Collaborator in Mathematical Techniques. By May 1978, he had become a Full Professor in the Department of Quantitative Methods for Management, and since February 1970, he was responsible for IESE’s Computing Center.

Prof. Agell left a lasting impact on the academic world and the IESE community. He was Associate Director of the MBA program from 1973 to 1974, and later, from 1974 to 1980, took over as the program’s director. He also served on IESE’s Executive Committee from October 1979 to August 1983 and led IESE’s programs in Madrid starting in 1980.

His teaching extended beyond IESE, as he also served as a full professor in the Department of Applied Mathematics, Statistics, and Econometrics at the Universitat Internacional de Catalunya.

Many of his colleagues remembered Prof. Agell as a role model both professionally and personally. As Professors Rafael Andreu and Josep Mª Rosanas highlighted: "He was a model of seriousness, dedication, and solid personal conduct, whether in day-to-day life or when he had to stop, think, and give his opinion. He always did so with deep respect for those involved, guided by a natural, profound sense of ethics."

Professor Jordi Canals emphasized his ability to communicate knowledge with simplicity and his constant willingness to help others: "Pere was an extraordinary professor, capable of transmitting complex concepts in a simple way, always eager to assist his colleagues and promote the proper education of his students." Canals also remembered his calm and collaborative nature, stating: "With Pere, you could discuss anything in peace and work together to find solutions to the challenges we faced."

Professor Miguel Ángel Ariño, who had a close mentor-student relationship with Pere, described him as a generous and devoted figure: "I learned so much from him, both professionally and personally." He also emphasized the deep affection Pere had for his students: "He was someone who cared about me, who cared about people, and who cared about his students."

Prof. Joan Enric Ricart highlighted the impact Pere Agell had on the culture of IESE: "The MBA at IESE built its culture on the pillars that Pere Agell and other professors established in its early years."

Prof. María Jesús Grandes, for her part, shared a personal anecdote that captured Agell's essence as a teacher: "I remember one particular day when Pruden, my son, was very young and said to me: 'Mom, I love you infinitely.' Don Pedro, who was with us, smiled and added, 'Infinitely… not countable!' It was his unique way of turning every moment into a lesson."

Prof. Agell became an Emeritus Professor in September 1998, capping an exemplary career that influenced generations of students and colleagues. His academic and personal legacy endures, and those who had the privilege of working alongside him fondly remember his passion for knowledge and his ability to make complex ideas understandable.