Josep Brichs
Where were you born? Barcelona, Spain.
How long have you been in the business? Since 1991 when I started with Barcelό as a Project Manager and Consultant to the President.
How many people work for you? 50. Worldwide, we have 25,000 staff and 145 hotels.
What’s the best part of the job? I escape routine every day.
What did you want to be as a kid? A football (soccer) player.
What was your 1st job? Just out of university, I was an accounting manager in the Spanish resort town of Lloret de Mar.
What’s the scariest thing you’ve ever done? Ziplining in Chile. (Makes face of horror)
Any guilty pleasures? Eating… everything. I’ve tried insects, crocodile, you name it. Not sure if I would enjoy snake.
What’s your favourite airline? I have 2: Singapore and Turkish. Both provide excellent service.
Do you have a favourite travel app? Skyscanner, because I am on the road literally half the year.
What’s on your iPad? Music: Dylan, Led Zeppelin, Santana, Coldplay.
What do people not know about you? I like to sleep a lot. I can sleep anywhere – on planes, just give me a coffee and I’ll go to sleep.
Any hobbies or interests? Swimming, reading, my wife.
What skill or talent do you admire in someone? The ability to write novels or short stories. Also to take really good photographs.
Ever had a brush with fame? Lionel Messi! (Looks very disappointed when I don’t recognize name.) The best football player in the world!
What keeps you awake at night? The Spanish crisis, the level of unemployment and reduced standard of living in Spain.
How do you spend your frequent flyer points? I don’t have time to!
What is your greatest extravagance? Rock music.
If you could sit next to anyone on a long-haul flight, who would it be? Lionel Messi!
How do you stay fit when you travel? I swim. A pool at a hotel is a necessity for me. I love to swim in the morning.
What kind of car do you drive? An Audi Q5.
Do you have a favourite charity? The Red Cross.
What do you hope to be doing in 10 years? To be a good fellow, spending time with friends and family, helping people who need my help. Working? No. But I will be busy for sure.
