Antonio Ermirio de Moraes

Date of Birth: June 4, 1928

Zodiac Sign: Gemini

Date of Death: August 24, 2014

Biography

Antonio Ermirio de Moraes was a prominent Brazilian businessman, engineer, and philanthropist. Born into a family with a rich industrial legacy, he played a significant role in expanding and diversifying the family’s business empire, Grupo Votorantim. Under his leadership, Votorantim grew to become one of the largest privately-held conglomerates in Latin America, with interests spanning various sectors including cement, metals, energy, pulp and paper, finance, and agro-industrial products. Moraes was known for his hands-on management style and his commitment to social causes. He was a vocal advocate for healthcare and education in Brazil, funding numerous philanthropic projects through the Fundação Antonio Prudente, which focused on cancer research and treatment. Despite his immense wealth, Moraes was known for his humility and dedication to improving the lives of ordinary Brazilians.

5 Interesting Facts about Antonio Ermirio de Moraes

1. Antonio Ermirio de Moraes was a trained metallurgical engineer, having graduated from the Colorado School of Mines in the United States.

2. He ran for governor of São Paulo in 1986 but was not elected; however, his campaign highlighted his commitment to public service.

3. Moraes authored several books, including “Acorda Brasil” (Wake Up Brazil), in which he discussed the country’s political and economic issues.

4. He was a member of the Brazilian Academy of Letters due to his contributions to literature and culture.

5. Under his leadership, Grupo Votorantim expanded into over 20 countries, making it a global powerhouse in various industries.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Antonio Ermirio de Moraes

1. “Success is not built on success. It’s built on failure. It’s built on frustration. Sometimes it’s built on catastrophe.”

2. “We must always strive for excellence and never be afraid to innovate.”

3. “The true measure of a man is how he treats someone who can do him absolutely no good.”

4. “Our commitment to society is not just a duty, but a privilege.”

5. “Education and healthcare are the pillars upon which a strong nation is built.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At his peak, Antonio Ermirio de Moraes’s net worth was estimated to be around $3.5 billion.

Children

Antonio Ermirio de Moraes had nine children. His family has continued to play a significant role in managing and expanding the Votorantim Group, maintaining the legacy he built.