Pedro Reig, longtime leader of Facpyme, passes away at 70
Pedro Reig, the president of the Alicante Trade Federation Facpyme for nearly two decades, died this Tuesday at the age of 70 after battling a covid infection in recent weeks, according to sources close to the businessman. He had been a driving force in regional business associationism since the mid-1990s.
Born in Denia, Reig grew up in a family of merchants and carried the family trade into his private life as a businessman while also serving as an employer and public leader. He dedicated his career to the sector, holding firm beliefs and a strong sense of duty. He held various roles within Alianza Popular, pursued public service in Marina Alta, and served as a town councilor.
Reig began his journey in associations in Dénia by leading the local federation of businesses. In the early 1990s, he joined a pioneering group that started to organize the industry at the provincial level, leading to the creation of Facpyme.
His ongoing interest in meetings and gatherings impressed the inaugural president of the federation, Francisco Rovira, who later suggested that Reig assume the federation’s top role. In October 1994, Rovira stepped aside, and Reig was chosen to lead Facpyme as general secretary before taking the helm as president.
Reig led Facpyme for 19 years, steering it to become the most representative business organization in the region with tens of thousands of employees across Alicante. His leadership elevated the federation within the broader business community, and he also helped expand Covaco, the regional employers’ association, for a decade. He founded and supported Confecomerç, which united the two major trade bodies of the Valencian Community.
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During his tenure, Reig faced varied attempts by successive administrations to deregulate the industry and advance liberalization programs, often defending the interests of small businesses and the organizations they represent. He also served as vice president of the Alicante Chamber of Commerce, participating in numerous discussions on regional commerce and policy.
As a businessman, Reig built enterprises in Dénia, Calp, Alicante, and Xàbia. Among his best known ventures were Les Tendes Reig and stores operated under the Intersports banner.
Pedro Reig passed on his passion for commerce to his family. His son, Pedro Reig Katalahe, now directs the Valencian Association of Supermarkets (Asucova), while his daughter, Isabel Reig Katalaa, runs a business and owns Original CV in Valencia, continuing the family legacy in the regional market.