Stories and Remembrance by Manuel Conde

Stories and Remembrance by Manuel Conde - Ex Managing Director Group 4 Spain

I knew the last weekend, through Mark Tsaktanis, about the JPS`s death and I thought that it was to early for a man of his energy and spirit, and also a very sad new for me.

I met him for the first time, in the summer of 1982, as he was searching for a General Manager for Spain and after several interviews, I met him and asked, with some concern, about the plans and the project of Group 4 to be devoleped in Spain, and he told me: "Manuel, you will tell us what to do in Spain"

What was initialy a concerning answer for me, became the key stone of our profesional relation for 13 yars, untill Group 4 Spain was sold to Securitas.

During those years he gave to me full confidence and support, respect for my knowledge and opinions of my country and the consecuent strategy, adapting himself to the local conditions, and all the support of the group. It was for me the best and happiest period of my profesional life.

His respect and listening to any person, his emphaty and charming with everybody, his sense of humour and cleverness was unique and I could also enjoy life with him in his visits to Spain and in other international meetings, he liked to come to Spain and participate in our understanding of life, we used to tell him: "We work hard and we also enjoy life hard" he liked this type of passion.

Last time we met, was for a dinner that I organized for him in Madrid about 6 years ago, the previous day he was at home having "tapas" and the following night we were at the dinner with some friends and collegues, and he invited Pilar and me to travell with Sussie and him to visit Bilbao and the Gugenheim Museum, what we did and enjoy very much visiting the old city and the museum, and laughing frecuently with our mutual jokes and understanding. I was looking forward, for he to visit Madrid in the last years, but unfortunately never happen.

Philip, whatever you are now, I am sure that you are creating a good atmosphere between the people there and enjoying your life, and may be making some business, good luck and my best regards.

Manuel.