Alexandre Soares dos Santos & family

$2.70 B

Ranked #745 in World

About Alexandre Soares dos Santos & family

Alexandre Soares dos Santos, a distinguished Portuguese businessman who helmed the Jerónimo Martins retailer for nearly half a century, passed away on August 16, 2019. Graduating from Colégio Almeida Garrett and later from the University of Lisbon with a law degree, Soares dos Santos began his career at Unilever Group, which took him from Ireland to Germany and Brazil. Upon his return to Portugal in 1969 following his father's death, he joined the family business, guiding it through the economic upheavals post-Carnation Revolution and significantly expanding its footprint, notably with the Pingo Doce and Recheio chains in Portugal and establishing the leading Biedronka brand in Poland. Beyond his business achievements, he founded the Fundação Francisco Manuel dos Santos in 2009, aiming to promote democracy and equal opportunities. His contributions were recognized with prestigious awards, including the Grand Cross of Order of Infante Dom Henrique and Order of Merit. Survived by his wife Maria Teresa and their vast family, Soares dos Santos leaves a legacy marked by innovation and dedication to societal betterment.

Born

September 23, 1934

Died

August 16, 2019 (aged 84)

Source Of Wealth

Supermarkets

Industries

Fashion & Retail

Citizenship

Portugal

Residence

Lisbon

Alexandre Soares dos Santos was born on March 15, 1935, in Lisbon, Portugal. He attended Colégio Almeida Garrett for his early education and later studied law at the University of Lisbon.

Alexandre Soares dos Santos & family: Family

Alexandre Soares dos Santos married Maria Teresa Canas Mendes da Silveira e Castro in 1957. Together, they had seven children and 18 grandchildren.

Alexandre Soares dos Santos & family: Career Highlights

After completing his studies, Alexandre Soares dos Santos worked for the Unilever Group in Ireland, Germany, and Brazil. In 1969, following the death of his father, he returned to Portugal and joined the Jerónimo Martins Group, a leading Portuguese retailer.

As the CEO of Jerónimo Martins, Alexandre Soares dos Santos navigated the economic turmoil that followed the Carnation Revolution in 1974. He successfully expanded the company's operations, including the establishment of the Pingo Doce and Recheio supermarket chains in Portugal.

Under his leadership, Jerónimo Martins acquired several food industry companies and expanded its operations to the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Poland. Notably, Alexandre Soares dos Santos created the Biedronka brand in Poland, which became the market leader in food trade in the country.

Alexandre Soares dos Santos & family: Companies

Alexandre Soares dos Santos was closely associated with the following companies:

Jerónimo Martins Group
Pingo Doce
Recheio
Biedronka

Alexandre Soares dos Santos & family: Major Achievements

Alexandre Soares dos Santos' major achievements include:

Leading Jerónimo Martins Group for 45 years and transforming it into a major international retailer.
Successfully navigating economic challenges and expanding the company's operations in Portugal and beyond.
Creating the Biedronka brand and establishing it as the market leader in food trade in Poland.

Alexandre Soares dos Santos & family: Awards & Achievements

Alexandre Soares dos Santos received numerous awards and recognitions for his contributions to business and society, including:

Grand Cross of the Order of Infante Dom Henrique
Order of Merit

Alexandre Soares dos Santos & family: Personal Life & Legacy

Alexandre Soares dos Santos was known for his dedication to philanthropy and social causes.

In 2009, he founded the Fundação Francisco Manuel dos Santos, a foundation focused on promoting equal opportunities and democracy.

He passed away on August 16, 2019, leaving behind a legacy of entrepreneurship, innovation, and social responsibility.

Alexandre Soares dos Santos & family: Trivia

Alexandre Soares dos Santos was a passionate sailor and enjoyed spending time on his yacht. He was also an avid art collector and had a keen interest in classical music.

Wealth History

Timeline

1935

Alexandre Soares dos Santos was born.

1957

Married to Maria Teresa Canas Mendes da Silveira e Castro.

1969

Returned to Portugal after father's death, joined Jerónimo Martins Group.

1974

Navigated economic turmoil after Carnation Revolution.

2009

Founded Fundação Francisco Manuel dos Santos, focused on equal opportunities and democracy.

2013

Stepped down as CEO of Jerónimo Martins.

2019

Passed away on August 16.

Alexandre Soares dos Santos & family : FAQs

What is Alexandre Soares dos Santos's net worth?

As of 2017, Alexandre Soares dos Santos's net worth was $2.70 billion.

What are Alexandre Soares dos Santos's main sources of wealth?

Alexandre Soares dos Santos's main source of income comes from Supermarkets.

In which industry does Alexandre Soares dos Santos primarily operate?

Alexandre Soares dos Santos is primarily involved in the Fashion & Retail industry.

Is Alexandre Soares dos Santos dead?

Yes, Alexandre Soares dos Santos died on August 16, 2019 (aged 84).

How many children does Alexandre Soares dos Santos have?

Alexandre Soares dos Santos has 7 children.

Who was Alexandre Soares dos Santos and what was his role at Jerónimo Martins?

Alexandre Soares dos Santos was a Portuguese businessman who led the retailer Jerónimo Martins for 45 years, greatly expanding its operations including the successful Pingo Doce and Recheio chains in Portugal.

How did Alexandre Soares dos Santos contribute to the international expansion of Jerónimo Martins?

Under his leadership, Jerónimo Martins expanded its operations to the UK, Netherlands, and Poland, with notable success in creating the Biedronka brand, which became a market leader in Poland's food trade.

What philanthropic efforts did Alexandre Soares dos Santos engage in?

In 2009, he founded the Fundação Francisco Manuel dos Santos focused on equal opportunities and democracy, demonstrating his dedication to social causes.

When did Alexandre Soares dos Santos pass away and what is his family legacy?

Alexandre Soares dos Santos passed away on August 16, 2019. He left behind a significant legacy, including a devoted family with his wife Maria Teresa, their seven children, and 18 grandchildren, and a prosperous business empire.