Roberto Gonzalez Barrera

$1.90 B

Ranked #683 in World

About Roberto Gonzalez Barrera

Roberto González Barrera, the esteemed Mexican entrepreneur who founded Gruma and Banorte, passed away at 81 in Houston, Texas, after battling cancer. Known as "El Maseco," González Barrera was pivotal in making Gruma the world's leading tortilla and corn flour producer and elevating Banorte to become the largest Mexican-owned private bank. Born in Cerralvo, Nuevo León, he ventured into business early, eventually spotting an opportunity in corn milling at 18, which led to the creation of Maseca. This company significantly contributes to the global supply of corn tortillas. Despite facing personal and health challenges, including a complex ownership structure of Maseca's stock and refusing to testify in a high-profile case due to loyalty, González Barrera's legacy endures through his family's continued involvement in racing and his monumental impact on Mexico's financial and food industries.

Born

September 01, 1930

Died

August 25, 2012 (aged 81)

Source Of Wealth

Banking, Tortillas

Industries

Finance

Citizenship

Mexico

Roberto González Barrera was born on January 20, 1930, in Cerralvo, Nuevo León, Mexico. From a young age, he showed an entrepreneurial spirit by selling foodstuff. However, his formal education was cut short when he left school at the age of 11 to assist his father in their grocery warehouse. Later on, he ventured into his own business.

Roberto Gonzalez Barrera: Family

Roberto González Barrera was married and had children. His son and grandsons are racecar drivers.

Roberto Gonzalez Barrera: Career Highlights

González Barrera's career took various turns before he found his true calling in the corn milling industry. He worked as a driver for explosive transport at Pemex, Mexico's national oil company, and even partnered in a coconut plantation. However, it was at the age of 18 that he encountered corn milling and recognized its business potential. This led to the purchase of his first corn mill in 1948.

González Barrera's most significant achievement was the founding of Maseca, a company that manufactures and markets a substantial portion of corn tortillas in Europe, Asia, and Central America. Through his leadership, Maseca became a global player in the food industry.

In addition to his success with Maseca, González Barrera also ventured into the financial sector. He became a major shareholder in the Banorte financial group, the third-largest bank in Mexico. This venture propelled him into the billionaire's club, solidifying his status as a prominent businessman.

Roberto Gonzalez Barrera: Companies

Roberto González Barrera's primary business ventures were Maseca and Banorte.

Maseca: A leading producer of corn tortillas and corn flour, with a significant presence in Europe, Asia, and Central America.
Banorte: The third-largest Mexican-owned private bank, where González Barrera held a substantial shareholding.

Roberto Gonzalez Barrera: Major Achievements

González Barrera's major achievements include:

Building Maseca into a global leader in the production and marketing of corn tortillas and corn flour.

Becoming a billionaire through his successful business ventures, particularly his involvement in the Banorte financial group.

Roberto Gonzalez Barrera: Awards & Achievements

There is no information provided about specific awards or achievements received by Roberto González Barrera.

Roberto Gonzalez Barrera: Personal Life & Legacy

González Barrera faced various personal challenges, including health issues and family matters. Despite these challenges, he left a lasting legacy as a successful businessman and entrepreneur. His contributions to the corn milling industry and the financial sector in Mexico have had a profound impact on the country's economy.

González Barrera passed away on April 12, 2012, in Houston, Texas, at the age of 81 due to complications from cancer.

Roberto Gonzalez Barrera: Trivia

Roberto González Barrera was affectionately known as "El Maseco" or "Don Maseco" due to his pivotal role in expanding Gruma's subsidiary, Grupo Industrial Maseca.

González Barrera declined to testify in the case against Raúl Salinas de Gortari, the brother of former Mexican President Carlos Salinas de Gortari, citing their friendship.

Wealth History

Timeline

1930

Roberto González Barrera is born in Cerralvo, Nuevo León, Mexico.

1948

González Barrera buys his first corn mill.

1949

González Barrera founds Maseca, which manufactures and markets a significant portion of corn tortillas in Europe, Asia, and Central America.

1980s

González Barrera enters the billionaire's club through Banorte financial group, the third-largest bank in Mexico.

2012

González Barrera dies in Houston, Texas, at age 81 due to complications from cancer.

Roberto Gonzalez Barrera : FAQs

What is Roberto Gonzalez Barrera's net worth?

As of 2012, Roberto Gonzalez Barrera's net worth was $1.90 billion.

What are Roberto Gonzalez Barrera's main sources of wealth?

Roberto Gonzalez Barrera's main source of income comes from Banking, Tortillas.

In which industry does Roberto Gonzalez Barrera primarily operate?

Roberto Gonzalez Barrera is primarily involved in the Finance industry.

Is Roberto Gonzalez Barrera dead?

Yes, Roberto Gonzalez Barrera died on August 25, 2012 (aged 81).

How many children does Roberto Gonzalez Barrera have?

Roberto Gonzalez Barrera has 2 children.

Who was Roberto González Barrera and what was his contribution to the Mexican economy?

Roberto González Barrera was a prominent Mexican businessman, known for being the chairman of Gruma, the largest producer of tortillas and corn flour, and Banorte, the largest Mexican-owned private bank. His contributions significantly impacted Mexico's food industry and banking sector.

What led to Roberto González Barrera being nicknamed 'El Maseco'?

Roberto González Barrera earned the nickname 'El Maseco' or 'Don Maseco' due to his pivotal role in expanding Gruma's subsidiary, Grupo Industrial Maseca, which played a crucial role in the mass production and distribution of corn flour and tortillas.

How did Roberto González Barrera start his career in business?

Roberto González Barrera began his career in business at a young age by selling foodstuff and later left school at age 11 to work in his father's grocery warehouse. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to own his business and eventually enter the corn milling industry, where he saw significant business potential.

What were some of the major challenges faced by Roberto González Barrera during his lifetime?

Throughout his life, Roberto González Barrera faced several challenges, including health issues and family disputes over the ownership of Maseca's stock. Additionally, he encountered legal challenges, such as refusing to testify in the case against Raúl Salinas de Gortari, citing friendship.

How did Roberto González Barrera's personal interests influence his family?

Roberto González Barrera's personal interests had a notable influence on his family, with his son and grandsons becoming racecar drivers. This showcases how his passions extended beyond business and had a lasting impact on his family's pursuits.