Iris Balbina Fontbona González (born 1942/1943) is a Chilean mining mogul, media owner, and wealthy entrepreneur. She is the widow of Antofagasta PLC founder Andrónico Luksic Abaroa. According to Forbes, she will be the wealthiest person in Chile, the third wealthiest in Latin America, and the ninth wealthiest woman in the world in 2022.
Irish Fontbona’s Biography, Wiki and Facts
Full Name | Iris balbina Fontbona Gonzalez |
Birthdate | January 8, 1942 |
Age | 81 years old |
Country | Chile |
Nationality | Chilean |
Profession | Businesswoman, Media Proprietor |
Marital Status | Married (Widow) |
Husband | Andronico Luksic Abaroa |
Kids | 3 Son (Guillermo, Jean Paul, Andronico) |
Net Worth | 21.1 Billion USD |
Residence (Live Now) | Vitacure, Santiago, Chile |
Body Measurements | Not Available |
Social Media Accounts |
Iris Fontbona Net Worth and Earnings
Iris Fontbona is a Chilean Mining Magnate, Media Proprietor Widow Billionaire Businesswoman. As of 2023 she has $21.1 Billion net worth according to Forbes.
As per he business, she could be more wealthy day by day.
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Early Years and Childhood of Chilian Businesswomen Iris Rontbona
Iris Fontbona’s age is 81 years old as of 2023, because of her born date on January 8, 1942, in Chile. Her family was deeply devout, so she attended the local Catholic high school and received a traditional, classical education.
She met her husband, Andrónico Luksic Abaroa, when she was 17, and the couple married by the time she was 20.
Andrónico Luksic brought five children from his first marriage with him, and Fontbona became Andrónico Luksic’s stepmother when he was seven years old.
The couple had three children, and the family lived happily together until Andronico died in 2005.
Professional Career of Chilian Widow Businesswomen Iris Fontbona
Fontbona inherited Antofagasta PLC from her husband when he died of lung cancer in 2005, and to everyone’s astonishment, she was an astute and accomplished businesswoman.
The majority of her husband’s business was passed down to their three sons, including Jean-Paul, who controls Antofagasta.
Inheriting a Multimillion Dollar Empire
She and her family own Antofagasta, a Santiago-based firm that was founded on railroads, copper, and other mining activities.
They own Banco de Chile, Madeco, CCU, and CSAV, all key contributors to the country’s prosperity, through Quienco, a publicly traded firm.
Fontbona also owns a copper goods producer and the country’s largest brewer, as well as the shipping firm CSAV.
Iris’ corporate reach is significant as the wealthiest person in Chile, with CSAV being the 16th largest shipping corporation in the world and a prominent South American business.
Expanding the Santiago Mining Company
Fontbonba has defied all predictions by dramatically expanding the family business, expanding operations, and generating a large return on investment.
She also transformed Banco de Chile into the country’s second-largest bank, the world’s largest brewer, and the manager of the world’s largest copper mines.
Fontbona also owns one of the world’s largest shipping firms, as well as several luxury hotel networks and a Croatian luxury resort.
Making a Major Media Purchase
She purchased a 70% share in the Chilean television station Canal 13, increasing the business and helping to improve local news coverage in a stroke of genius.
Many key business decisions affecting the Santiago-based mining corporation are reviewed and authorized by Fontbona before being implemented by management.
Her outstanding track record of firm acquisitions and growth propelled her to prominence in the corporate world.
She is not the wealthiest woman in the world, with Françoise Bettencourt, the L’Oréal heiress, and Alice Walton of Walmart being far more wealthy.
Facts and trivia about Iris Fontbona
- In 2005, Iris Fontbona inherited the entire estate of her husband, Andrónico Luksic Abaroa.
- She is the CEO of Antofagasta PLC, a large Chilean mining business founded in 1888.
- Fontbona owns a significant stake in the Chilean television firm Canal 13.
- She appreciates the finer things in life, and her remarkable art collection includes paintings by Pablo Picasso and Vincent van Gogh.
- Fontbona has a significant financial investment in the Quinenco Group, a diverse conglomerate with interests in beverages, energy, and manufacturing.
Earnings Career of Iris Fontbona
Since taking over her husband’s company, Fonbona’s exceptional business acumen and eye for a good deal have produced extraordinary achievements.
Over the last five years, the company’s revenues have increased by an incredible 200%, exceeding industry benchmarks.
One of her most notable accomplishments has been the effective growth into new international markets, which has resulted in a 150% gain in worldwide market share.
Her savvy acquisitions not only increased the profitability of her shipping company, but also propelled her to the ninth-richest woman in the world.
The net worth of Iris Fontbona Annually
Fonbona’s financial restraint has resulted in 25% lower operational expenses, greater profit margins, and 50% year over year net income increase.
Her skilled negotiating talents have resulted in multi-million-dollar contracts with industry behemoths, increasing the company’s revenue streams by 30%.
Fontbona’s innovative product development initiatives have resulted in the launch of game-changing items, resulting in a 35% increase in market demand.
Her dedication to sustainability and corporate social responsibility has resulted in a 20% reduction in the company’s carbon footprint, earning her multiple environmental awards.
Private Life | Who was the husband of Iris Fontbona?
Fontbona spends time in some of the most costly homes in the world, including Vitacura in Santiago, Chile, Belgravia in London, and Liechtenstein.
Despite being the ninth-wealthiest woman in the world, she is a devoted Roman Catholic, and her religious convictions continue to guide her and her family.
She is in contact with politicians such as Sebastian Pinera, among others, as the wealthiest person in South America and a Chilean business entrepreneur. While she does not generally give interviews, she is the focus of media attention every year during the Chilean Telethon.
This event raises a lot of money for charities and good causes, and she always makes a big check available each year. She maintains a low profile and has no public social media platforms other than an official LinkedIn account that she does not utilize.
Awards and Achievements
Fontbona’s commercial and leadership abilities have been recognized by industry and government leaders worldwide, earning him multiple industry honors.
Her strategic vision and persistence have resulted in a string of financial achievements that will set the tone for her family’s shipping industry interests in the future.
Here are some of Iris Fontbona’s career highlights:
- She received the “Business Leader of the Year Award” in 2021.
- In 2020, she received the “Company of the Year” award.
- By 2020, CSAV has risen to the 16th largest shipping firm in terms of TEUs.
- Fontbano assisted the family business in growing CCU’s revenue to $2.2 billion in 2017.
- CCU will be Chile’s largest mineral water bottler and manufacturer of fruit-based beverages by 2023.
She led a full digital transformation as part of her reorganization efforts, resulting in a 60% rise in online sales.
This not only increased revenues but also strengthened client engagement and loyalty, as seen by a 25% rise in customer retention rates at the shipping company.
Irish Fontbona’s lifestyle and Residence
Fontbona leads the high life, traveling between magnificent mansions in Europe and Latin America while overseeing the family’s financial interests.
Also she owns some of the world’s most costly homes, including mansions in London’s Hyde Park, Chile, and Italy.
Fontbona also lavishes attention on her children and grandkids. Making certain that they benefit from her and her husband’s tremendous achievements. Aside from pricey jewels, Iris has some of the world’s most expensive paintings by world-renowned artists.
Career Highlights
Her expert management of foreign trade ties and successful export projects boosted her company’s global reach by 40%.
This growth not only increased her numerous companies’ consumer base. But also resulted in a 30% increase in export-driven revenue.
Here are some of Iris Fontbona’s most memorable performances:
- She was named “Female Business Executive of the Year” and “Global Entrepreneur of the Year,” highlighting her influence and achievements in the business world.
- In 2015, she purchased Escondida, one of the world’s largest copper mines.
- Fontbona owns two premium hotel resorts in Croatia. Where sports stars such as Ivica Zubac and MMA boxer Mirko Cro Cop reside.
- She contributed to the prosperity of Banco de Chile today.
Fonbona’s dedication to innovation and research has resulted in many patents. And game-changing product developments, as well as a 50% boost in new product sales.
She volunteers her time to different organizations, such as the creation of scholarships for poor students and the construction of community centers.
Summary
Iris Fontbona’s leadership of her family firm has ensured her position as a powerful Chilean mining tycoon, media owner, and philanthropist.
Although she is not a big name around the world. Iris Fontbona’s riches and business interests have elevated her to one of Chile’s most powerful personalities.
She bucked the odds by taking over from her ex-husband. And becoming a major participant in a number of worldwide enterprises alongside her sons.
Iris Fontbona’s net worth is predicted to be $21.1 billion as of November 2023.