Meet… Alberto Murcia | R&D Director

1. How was your start at MT Group? When was it?

I joined in December 2013 as a nervous and inexperienced final-year engineering student. I started as an intern, laying down the foundation for the Engineering Department that Javier Tomás wanted to establish. I will always be grateful for the trust they placed in a young man who was ready to give his all. And I remember how Julián welcomed and mentored me. I continue to learn from him to this day.

2. You joined the company as a young man, and MT has changed a lot since then. Where do you see the most evolution?

Initially, we were like the Avengers—few but capable. Now, with more resources, we continue to exceed our limits every day. A significant change is the increased level of demand: we are constantly seeking new boundaries to break. And to think, there was a time when we celebrated just achieving the ECE 22.05 certification!

3. Is the Alberto who joined in 2014 the same one we see today?

I hope not because that would mean I've developed very little. Being both a spectator and a participant in MT's expansion has allowed me to grow in many areas. MT has helped me better understand the globalized world we live in and value each individual’s diversity. Professionally, it has provided me with the necessary resources for personal growth.

“I still remember my first interview with Javier Tomás and Antonio Navarro in December 2013. I suppose what mattered most to them was whether I was a good person because as for experience... I had absolutely none!”

4. What has been the greatest challenge you have faced since you arrived at MT?

Reflecting on this question has made me think. My colleagues might say it was overcoming the first phase of the FIM regulations with a model at half the price of the top global brands, or updating our catalog to ECE 22.06, achieving the first certifications for thermoplastic helmets with integrated sun visors.

But that can all be achieved with effort, time and a lot of coffee. For me, the biggest challenge has been creating an engineering team capable of facing the upcoming years of development and escalating to the next level of quality. And of course, finding the perfect coffee machine—that was a real challenge!

5. Do you have any fond memories or anecdotes from your work that you cherish?

I remember many birthdays celebrated in China and exhausting setup and teardown days at fairs when we were just a few people, alongside my admirable colleague Paqui , who has inspired me to be a better person. I also fondly recall trips to the blacksmith Elio with Julián to develop the first drilling machine for installing Pinlocks on visors.

6. What do you enjoy most about your job?

I enjoy demonstrating that MT Group's products can lead in development and safety while offering the best price in the market. It’s also very rewarding to develop tools that add value for my colleagues, like the MTDB or Notion. Plus, it's wonderful to draw on the talents of other colleagues; Javi Castro has awakened my artistic side.

7. What do you like to do in your free time after work?

Before having my son, I enjoyed many activities like biking, motorcycling, and going to the movies. But since Leonardo's arrival, I mainly spend time with him since kids grow up so fast! I still make time to continue motorcycling with my father, whom I admire and greatly enjoy his company.

8. And on vacation?

Since I usually travel a lot, on vacation I like to enjoy the tranquility of home. I also usually get sick—almost every time. But since I understand that my family members who stay home want to go out and make the most of their time, I ultimately end up doing whatever they plan. It's a balance between rest and adventure!

9. If Alberto M. Murcia García hadn't become an engineer, he would have been...

I would say a computer technician. I've always enjoyed tinkering with old computers, experimenting ?their components, and installing operating systems for enthusiasts like LINUX. Fernando Martínez Barberá , will you hire me?

10. THE CHALLENGE | Imagine you were called up to the Selección Espa?ola de Fútbol (SeFutbol) national team for the UEFA EURO 2024 and you could bring four teammates. Who would you pick, in which positions, and why?

I’ve got this figured out.

In defense, I would place Alberto Castellanos ; no one better to entrust the team's security.

In midfield, distributing play, would be José Manuel Cano Nicolás ; I trust his potential to organize the team and maintain the necessary strategy to get victories.

As a right-back (he's right-handed), Daniel Martínez Ba?os , always ready to run in any direction set.

And as a striker, Javier Tomás; no one is capable of visualizing how to score the goal like he does. With this team, we would win for sure!