AENIB remembers Tomàs Garrido, a founding figure of the association

The Association of Nautical Companies in the Balearic Islands (AENIB) begins 2025 with fresh energy and a renewed commitment to strongly advocate for the nautical sector with the authorities.

Before embarking on its activities for the new year, however, the AENIB family takes a moment to remember and honor a pivotal figure in Balearic nautical sector, Tomàs Garrido, who sadly passed away on December 26th.

Tomàs Garrido, born in 1936, was a key player in the founding of AENIB. Over his illustrious career, he established and presided over numerous organizations, including Pimem, Unió de Comerç, ATA Baleares, and Fundació Deixalles. He also served as a board member of the Public Broadcasting Entity of the Balearic Islands (IB3) and the Mallorca Tourism Promotion Board, among many other roles, which he balanced alongside his entrepreneurial ventures in the aeronautics, electronics, and computing sectors.

An indomitable entrepreneur and certified industrial electrician, Garrido was also a specialist aeronautical technician, technical engineer, and licensed yacht captain of the Merchant Marine. He served as a career civil servant in the Aeronautical Specialists Corps, head of the Palma de Mallorca Air Traffic Control Center, section chief of the Palma Airport Control Tower and Air Navigation Aids, and section chief of Provisional Assignment in the Balearic Coastal Authority.

He was also vice president of the Mallorca Chamber of Commerce. During his tenure in the early 1980s, he met a young and determined Margarita Dahlberg, recognizing her leadership potential. He persuaded her to establish the Association of Nautical Companies  in the Balearic Islands (AENIB), which, nearly four decades later, remains a cornerstone of the Balearic nautical sector. AENIB’s foundation was accompanied by another significant milestone for the industry: the creation of the local boat show, now known as the Palma International Boat Show, whose inaugural edition was held in 1984.

Nearly 40 years after its founding—thanks in large part to Tomàs Garrido’s decisive contribution—AENIB remembers this extraordinary individual. We are deeply grateful for his forward-thinking vision and tireless efforts to advance the nautical sector as a whole. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones during this time of profound loss. May he rest in peace.