The award recognised the trajectory of Mariano Puig as an example for future generations specifically due to his contribution to economic and social development in Spain over various decades of effort and work, creating employment, internationalising his business activities and contributing to the improvement of the environment and wellbeing in his country. He has managed to combine professional interests with social, artistic and cultural causes in an excellent manner. 

In his words of gratitude, the prize-winner shared some of the teachings of his father, the founder of Puig: “My father taught me that there are five stages in life: the first is to learn how to do things; the second is to do things, the third is to teach how to do; the fourth is to do and fifth - the one I’m at now- is to allow others to do”.  He also said “I would like to leave behind a country that makes future generations feel enthusiastic about it and feel that they can find their place here”. 

King Felipe VI underlined the “central and irreplaceable role of the businessperson in the generation of wealth and wellbeing for the whole of society”. He also said “The social sensitivity shown by Mariano Puig very early on in his industrial environment and towards all of his workers is further proof that his business acumen cannot be disassociated from his moral and human worth”. 

The Vice-President of the Spanish Government, Carmen Calvo, and the Spanish delegate to the Government of Catalonia, Teresa Cunillera also attended the prize-giving ceremony. 

Mariano Puig is a member of the second generation of the Puig family business, which currently has almost 4,500 workers, affiliates in more than 200 counties and sells toiletry and fashion products in 150 countries.  Mariano Puig is also a member of the UIC Barcelona University Advisory Committee. In 2017, during an Alumni Awards event, he received a UIC Barcelona award for his personal trajectory.