Pacha Ibiza is one of the most famous nightclubs in the world. Launched in 1973 by Ricardo Urgell, the iconic cherry brand has become synonymous with the island itself. Hugo Urgell has played a key role in the company’s success, turning the historic franchise into a global brand.
In 2000, he partnered with promoters from the Ministry of Sound in London to help re-energize Pacha’s music programming for the next generation. Since then, Pacha has been home to some of the world’s biggest DJ’s, including Pete Tong, David Guetta, Eric Morillo, Luciano and the Swedish House Mafia. As dance music soared in popularity, so did Pacha as a leader and global trendsetter.
That same year, Hugo launched the Pacha Magazine to promote the brand as a lifestyle. He also launched Pacha Recordings and Pacha Multimedia to help broaden their reach beyond the White Isle.
At a time when many nightclubs offered souvenir t-shirts, Hugo created an entire clothing line called the Pacha Collection. As the Director of Pacha Merchandise, he oversaw all the designs. He even included a kid’s line, suggesting that Pacha (and, by extension, Ibiza) had something to offer people of all ages. By 2008, Pacha had expanded to seven stores on Ibiza and Formentera with global licensing at major department stores.
In 2012, as DJs began appearing more regularly at music festivals across the globe, Hugo partnered with promoters in Amsterdam to launch the first Pacha Music Festival. Kicking off in May, the event was designed to highlight the coming season. With four stages and over twenty-five acts, the sold-out event drew fourteen thousand people.
All of Hugo’s efforts have not only made Pacha the enduring brand it is today. They have also helped boost the entire economy of Ibiza.
