The Foundation was established by the chairman of the company in 1998. Víctor Grifols i Lucas' professional career has always been characterized by honor, openness and fortitude when faced with ethical dilemmas pertaining to pharmaceutical products. The creation of the Foundation was both the culmination of his career and a source of pride for the company and its management.

Dr Grifols began his professional career at an early age, helping his father, a respected haematologist and analyst, with day-to-day tasks at a clinical analysis laboratory. After completing his education and graduating in Chemical Science and Pharmacy, he became Technical Director of the Grifols company, founded in 1940; this was a post he would occupy until 1987. During this time, Dr Grifols was responsible for the manufacture of safe, high-quality products, and he demonstrated his personal and professional commitment to constantly improving standards, introducing good manufacturing practices, promoting haematological research, and developing the technological side of the business by inventing and patenting a range of devices and procedures. He did not restrict himself to the technical sphere, but also laid the ground for projecting the company's image on an international stage. Dr Grifols' achievements have been recognized by a number of organizations. Among the many awards he has received are the prize for the Internationalization of the Catalan Economy in 1995, and the Creu de Sant Jordi, awarded by the Autonomous Government of Catalonia to individuals and organizations whose personal and professional activities have contributed to the development of Catalonia.

From 1987 until 2001, Dr Grifols was Chairman of Grifols, and he left the company with the twin legacy of his professional approach and a solid ethical basis from which to confront with confidence the challenges which the new millennium holds for the generations to come.