Famous Brazilian Business People

Jorge Paulo Lemann is a Brazilian billionaire investment banker and businessman known for co-founding global investment firm 3G Capital. Under his leadership, 3G Capital has acquired major brands such as Burger King, Anheuser-Busch, and Heinz. Lemann's business acumen and strategic investments have propelled him to become the richest person in Brazil with a net worth of US$17 billion. His successful career in finance and entrepreneurship has solidified his reputation as a prominent figure in the business world.

David Neeleman is a prominent Brazilian-American businessman and entrepreneur known for founding multiple successful commercial airlines. Throughout his career, he has established Morris Air, WestJet, JetBlue Airways, Azul Brazilian Airlines, and Breeze Airways. Additionally, he has held a significant ownership stake in TAP Air Portugal. Neeleman's innovative approach to the aviation industry has earned him a reputation as a trailblazer, with his ventures contributing towards reshaping the landscape of the airline industry.

Edmond J. Safra was a prominent Lebanese-Brazilian billionaire banker and philanthropist of Syrian descent. He followed in his family's footsteps by establishing successful banking operations in Brazil and Switzerland. Safra was known for his exceptional financial acumen and dedication to philanthropy, supporting various charitable causes throughout his career. His professional reputation was impeccable, earning him widespread recognition and respect in the financial industry. Tragically, his life was cut short in a highly publicized incident attributed to arson, leaving behind a legacy of innovation and generosity.

Joseph Safra was a prominent banker and billionaire businessman known for leading the Safra Group, a Brazilian banking and investment empire. As the chairman of various Safra companies, including Safra National Bank of New York and Banco Safra in São Paulo, Brazil, Safra was recognized as Brazil's wealthiest individual and the richest banker globally. Forbes estimated his net worth at US$22.8 billion, making him one of the wealthiest individuals in the world. Safra's professional endeavors were focused on expanding his banking and investment enterprises to global success.

Carlos Alves de Brito is a Brazilian businessman known for his leadership roles in major corporations. He served as the CEO of Anheuser-Busch InBev from 2008 to 2021, overseeing significant growth and expansion of the company. Following his tenure at AB InBev, Brito became the CEO of Belron, where he continues to bring his strategic vision and business acumen to drive success. Throughout his career, Brito has demonstrated a strong ability to lead and innovate in the corporate world, earning him a reputation as a respected industry leader.

Eduardo Luiz Saverin is a Brazilian billionaire entrepreneur and angel investor based in Singapore. He co-founded Facebook and owned 53 million Facebook shares in 2012, valued at approximately $2 billion. Saverin has also invested in early-stage startups like Qwiki and Jumio. With an estimated net worth of US$27.2 billion as of July 2024, he is considered the 68th richest person globally and the wealthiest Brazilian. Saverin's professional life is marked by his success in the tech industry and strategic investments in promising ventures.

Eike Batista is a Brazilian-German serial entrepreneur known for his involvement in the mining and oil and gas industries. He founded the EBX Group, which was the parent company of several companies in different sectors. At one point, he was one of the wealthiest individuals globally, but his fortunes took a significant downturn due to debts and falling stock prices. He currently advises new startup companies and is facing legal issues, including a 30-year prison sentence for bribery.

Ana Lúcia Hickmann is a Brazilian television presenter, businesswoman, and former model. She has worked with top brands such as Victoria's Secret, Nivea, L'Oreal, Wella, Clairol, and Bloomingdales. Hickmann has appeared in international publications like Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue and GQ. She has graced the covers of Brazilian Vogue, Marie Claire, and Elle. Currently, she co-hosts a daytime TV show in Brazil and runs her own successful clothing, jewelry, cosmetics, and accessories brand. Hickmann is renowned for her 120 cm legs and was once recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records.

Ricardo Brennand was a prominent Brazilian businessman and engineer based in Pernambuco. Known for his passion for art, he established the Ricardo Brennand Institute in 2002, showcasing the world's largest private collection of Frans Post paintings. His museum was highly acclaimed, ranking as the 17th-highest-rated museum globally by TripAdvisor in 2014. Brennand's dedication to preserving and promoting art and culture through his collection and museum solidified his legacy as a significant figure in the art world.

Michel Krieger is a renowned Brazilian entrepreneur and software engineer known for co-founding Instagram alongside Kevin Systrom. He played a crucial role as the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) during Instagram's significant growth, expanding its user base to 1 billion monthly active users. In 2018, Krieger made headlines when he and Systrom announced their resignation from Instagram. In 2024, Krieger took on the role of Chief Product Officer at Anthropic, a noteworthy career move showcasing his continued dedication and expertise in the tech industry.

Roberto Marinho was a Brazilian businessman and tycoon known for founding and owning the media conglomerate Grupo Globo. He inherited the newspaper O Globo and worked his way up from reporter to chief editor. Marinho was the president of Rede Globo, the largest television network in Brazil, overseeing its expansion to 123 stations and associates. He is recognized as one of the most influential and powerful figures in Brazil during the 20th century, leaving a lasting impact on the media industry.

Patricia Abravanel is a prominent Brazilian television presenter and businesswoman. She has made a name for herself in the entertainment industry through her work on various television programs. With a strong background in business, she has successfully ventured into entrepreneurship and shown her acumen in managing business ventures. Known for her charisma and talent in front of the camera, Patricia has captivated audiences with her engaging presence and has established herself as a respected figure in the world of Brazilian television.

Ricardo Semler is the chief executive officer and majority owner of Semco Partners, a Brazilian company renowned for its innovative approach to industrial democracy and corporate re-engineering. Under his leadership, Semco's revenue grew significantly over the years, garnering global attention for its unconventional business management policies. Semler's achievements have been recognized by prestigious publications and organizations, with accolades such as being named Latin American Businessman of the Year and Brazilian Businessman of the Year. He is also a best-selling author, with books focusing on workplace re-engineering and Semco's transformation.

Silvio Santos is a prominent Brazilian media mogul and television host, renowned for his ownership of SBT, the country's second largest television network. With a net worth of US$3.2 billion in 2020, he has solidified his status as one of Brazil's most influential figures in the entertainment industry. Santos is best known as the host of the long-running Brazilian program Programa Silvio Santos, which has been on air since 1963. Recognized by Forbes as the only celebrity billionaire in the country, Santos' impact and fame in Brazil are unparalleled.

Cristina Greeven Cuomo is an American media personality and entrepreneur known for her work in writing and magazine editing. She has contributed to renowned publications such as 'Gotham' and 'Hamptons Purist', where she played a key role in their creative and financial success. Cristina later ventured into launching her own website and journal focused on wellness and lifestyle content, through which she aims to inspire readers to adopt healthy living practices. Additionally, she serves as an ambassador for the skincare brand Natura Bisse.

Moise Safra was a prominent Brazilian businessman and philanthropist of Syrian descent. He played a key role in co-founding Banco Safra along with his brothers, Edmond and Joseph Safra. Through his leadership and vision, Moise Safra helped establish Banco Safra as a successful financial institution. His contributions to the banking sector and philanthropic endeavors left a lasting impact on the community. Moise Safra's dedication to business excellence and commitment to giving back are evident in his professional legacy.

José Carlos Semenzato is a successful Brazilian entrepreneur known for his ventures in the franchise industry. He founded SMZTO Holding de Franquias Setoriais in 2010, which has ten affiliated companies across various sectors. Semenzato's career highlights include founding Microlins, a computing school that grew to 700 schools before being sold in a significant transaction. He has also partnered with notable figures like Xuxa Meneghel and Gustavo Kuerten to establish franchise companies in different sectors, showcasing his business acumen and strategic partnerships.

Pedro Diniz is a Brazilian businessman and former racing driver who competed in Formula One. He started his racing career in karting before moving on to the Brazilian Formula Ford Championship and the British Formula 3 Championship. Diniz drove for teams such as Forti, Ligier, Arrows, and Sauber during his Formula One career. After retiring from motorsport, he founded the Formula Renault 2.0 Brazil Championship and became involved in various business ventures, including agriculture and food sustainability. Diniz is also active in promoting sustainable food systems through his involvement with Food Tank.

Octávio Frias was a Brazilian businessman known for his significant contributions to media. He acquired the newspaper Folha de S. Paulo in 1962 and transformed it into a highly influential media organization in Brazil. Under his leadership, Folha de S. Paulo grew to become a cornerstone of the Grupo Folha conglomerate. Octávio Frias's professional legacy is characterized by his vision and strategic management, which played a pivotal role in shaping the media landscape in Brazil and solidifying his reputation as a prominent figure in the industry.

Roberto Luiz Justus is a Brazilian investor, businessman, and television personality. He is best known for hosting TV shows such as O Aprendiz, the Brazilian version of The Apprentice, Um Contra Cem on SBT, and Roberto Justus + on Record. Justus has considered running for the presidency of Brazil in the 2018 elections but later decided against it. He has made significant contributions to the entertainment industry in Brazil through his various television ventures.

Paola Carosella is a renowned Italian Argentine businesswoman, cook, and celebrity chef. She gained prominence as a juror on the hit TV show, MasterChef Brazil, where she showcased her culinary expertise alongside other esteemed chefs. Carosella's professional career is marked by her impressive culinary skills, business acumen, and influential presence in the culinary world. Her contributions to the food industry have solidified her reputation as a respected figure and a role model for aspiring chefs and entrepreneurs alike.

Jan Antonín Baťa was a Czech-Brazilian shoe manufacturer who took over as the head of Bata Corporation after the death of his half-brother Tomáš. Under his leadership, the company experienced significant growth and expansion, diversifying into various industries beyond footwear. Despite challenges such as the Great Depression and Nazi occupation, Baťa's strategic decisions and business acumen enabled the company to thrive. He eventually settled in Brazil, where he founded several industrial towns and continued to expand the shoe company significantly until his death in 1965.

Elie Horn is a prominent Brazilian billionaire businessman and philanthropist known for his significant contributions to the real estate industry in Brazil. As the president of Cyrela Brazil Realty, he has played a key role in shaping the company's success and establishing it as a leading player in the Brazilian real estate market. Horn's business acumen, strategic vision, and commitment to philanthropy have solidified his reputation as a respected figure in both the business and social sectors.

Marcelo Bahia Odebrecht is a Brazilian businessman known for his leadership as the former CEO of Odebrecht, a prominent Brazilian conglomerate. He faced legal consequences in March 2016 when he was sentenced to 19 years in prison for involvement in a bribery scandal, where he paid over $30 million in bribes. Subsequently, his sentence was reduced to ten years after he paid a fine, confessed to his actions, and cooperated with the authorities by providing evidence.

David Feffer is a prominent Brazilian businessman known for his leadership role at Grupo Suzano since 2003. Under his guidance, Grupo Suzano has experienced significant growth and success in various industries. Feffer's strategic vision and management skills have played a crucial role in the company's expansion and market dominance. He is recognized for his commitment to innovation, sustainability, and corporate responsibility, making him a respected figure in the business community. Feffer's professional journey is characterized by achievements and contributions to the business world.

Luciano Grostein Huck is a prominent Brazilian TV host and entrepreneur known for his long-standing career in television. He hosted the popular TV show Caldeirão do Huck for over two decades before transitioning to host Domingão com Huck. Apart from his television work, Huck is also the founder of Joá Investments, an investment fund specializing in technology and lifestyle start-up companies with a focus on sustainability and environmental preservation. Some of Joá's notable investments include Cataratas, Tembici, and Agrade Investments, reflecting Huck's commitment to supporting innovative and eco-conscious ventures.

Graça Foster is a Brazilian business executive and chemical engineer who made history as the first woman to lead a major oil-and-gas company, Petrobras-Petróleo Brasil. She gained international recognition for her influential leadership, being listed on the Time 100 list of the most influential people in the world and ranked as one of the most powerful women globally by Forbes magazine. Foster was also honored by Fortune as "the Most Powerful Woman in Business" outside the U.S. for two consecutive years.

Eliana Michaelichen Bezerra, known as Eliana, is a prominent Brazilian TV host, businesswoman, and former singer. Since 2009, she has been the host of the popular TV show "Eliana," airing on the Brazilian TV network SBT on Sunday afternoons. With a successful career spanning years in the entertainment industry, Eliana has captivated audiences with her charm and talent. As a multifaceted personality, she has made significant contributions to the television landscape in Brazil and continues to be a respected figure in the media world.

Aldemir Bendine had a successful career in the banking sector, starting at Banco do Brasil at a young age and eventually becoming its CEO. He then transitioned to become the CEO of Petrobras, Brazil's state-run oil company. However, his tenure was marred by legal issues as he was arrested in connection with Operation Car Wash, facing charges of corruption, money laundering, criminal organization involvement, and obstruction of justice. Despite his previous leadership roles, his career took a negative turn due to these legal troubles.