Celebrity Biographies
Iris Fontbona Biography and Net Worth
Iris Balbina Fontbona González is a wealthy Chilean businesswoman. She owns mines as well as media firms.
Who is Iris Fontbona?
Iris Balbina Fontbona González is a wealthy Chilean businesswoman. She owns mines as well as media firms. When her husband, Andrónico Luksic Abaroa, died, she inherited his company, Antofagasta PLC.
Bio Data
Name | Iris Fontbona |
Gender | Female |
Date of Birth | 1942/1943 |
Place of Birth | Santiago |
Profession | Businessperson |
Nationality | Chile |
Net worth | $24 Billion |
Biography
Fontbona finished high school in 1942 at a Catholic institution. She met Andrónico Luksic Abaroa, who was 15 years older, at 17 and they wed when she turned 20. At seven, she became stepmother to Andrónico Luksic Craig. The couple had three kids together, along with a son, Guillermo Luksic, who sadly passed away from lung cancer in 2013.
Fontbona has three main homes, one in Vitacura, Chile, another in Belgravia, London, and one in Liechtenstein. She is a committed Roman Catholic and values her privacy. She does, however, make a notable appearance at the Chilean Telethon.
Net Worth
Iris Fontbona is a businesswoman, who has an estimated net worth of $24 billion, she inherited her fortune through her marriage to Andronico Luksic, the founder of Antofagasta, a significant copper mining firm. She became the majority stakeholder after his death in 2005.
Her stake in Antofagasta is 65%, making it the world’s seventh-largest copper producer. She also owns a significant piece of the company alongside her son Jean-Paul Kuksic.
Career
Fontbona’s early business endeavors faded into obscurity. However, upon her husband’s death in 2005, she took over as CEO of his mining firm, Antofagasta. They took the family business to new heights with her sons Guillermo, Jean-Paul, and Andronico.
Fontbona’s family controls Banco de Chile, Madeco, CCU, and the main shipping firm CSAV through Quinenco. CSAV is one of the world’s major shipping companies. She also owns luxury hotels and a resort in Croatia, as well as a major 70% share in Chilean television station Canal 13.
Fontbona’s compassion shines through even outside of work. She gave a record-breaking $3.9 billion to the Chilean Telethon in 2015, which helped children with physical limitations. Her appearance on television during the event demonstrated her dedication. She topped this in 2016 with a $5.5 million donation, creating a new record for the charity’s fundraising.
Her leadership has propelled the family business to become Chile’s second-biggest bank, the world’s largest brewer, the manager of the world’s largest copper mines, and the operator of the world’s largest shipping enterprise.
Despite the regular engagement of her son Andrónico Luksic Craig, key decisions frequently rely on Fontbona’s consent. This demonstrates her significant influence within the company.
Personal Life
She married her husband Abaroa at the age of 20 and became the stepmother to his five children from his first marriage to Patricia Lederer. They also shared three children.
FAQs
Q: Who is Iris Fontbona?
A: Iris Fontbona is a prominent Chilean businesswoman known for her significant holdings in various industries, including mining, media, and finance. She inherited and managed Antofagasta PLC, a major mining company, after her husband’s passing.
Q: What is Iris Fontbona’s net worth?
A: As of recent estimates, Iris Fontbona’s net worth is approximately $24 billion. This wealth is primarily derived from her involvement in businesses like mining, banking, and media.
Q: How does Iris Fontbona contribute to philanthropy?
A: Iris Fontbona is involved in philanthropic activities, notably contributing substantial sums to the Chilean Telethon, which supports children with physical disabilities. Her donations have set records for the event, highlighting her commitment to charitable causes.