The entrepreneur Josep Ferrer was born in Sant Sadurní d’Anoia (Barcelona) in 1925 and worked at Freixenet for over 70 years. During his career, he contributed to the modernisation of Freixenet and was the driver of its global expansion. During his 15 years as head of the Council, Ferrer was instrumental in guiding the University toward internationalisation, promoting research and generating a strong link between the University and the business sector. This was highlighted by Francesc Homs himself, current president of the Council, in the tribute paid to Ferrer by the University in 2014. The Board of Trustees and the Governing Board have expressed their condolences to the family.

The University Advisory Council is currently made up of about ninety public figures and performs advisory functions and encourages the social advancement of the University. The Council is chaired by Francesc Homs and the members are organised into working committees specific to their areas of expertise and have a close relationship with the communication, education, health, culture, law and business sectors.