THE MAGNIFICENT SEVEN — PART THREE
By Publisher Ray Carmen
One world. Seven frontiers. Seven extraordinary fortunes.
Jorge Paulo Lemann is one of the most influential businessmen ever to emerge from South America.
Born in Rio de Janeiro in 1939 and educated at Harvard, Lemann built his reputation in Brazilian finance before joining long-time partners Carlos Alberto Sicupira and Marcel Herrmann Telles in creating a business empire that would eventually reach across the globe.
Their philosophy was simple but demanding: reward talent, control costs, think big and never be afraid of scale.
That approach helped transform Brazilian brewer Brahma into Ambev and later contributed to the creation of AB InBev, the global brewing giant behind some of the world’s best-known beer brands.
Through 3G Capital, Lemann and his partners then expanded into major international consumer businesses.
Burger King became one of their defining investments. They later partnered with Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway in the acquisition of Heinz, which subsequently combined with Kraft Foods to create Kraft Heinz.
More recently, 3G Capital moved into global footwear through the acquisition of Skechers.
From beer and burgers to packaged food and shoes, Lemann’s career has been built around one central idea:
A strong business can always become bigger.
But his story has not been without setbacks.
The aggressive cost-cutting philosophy associated with 3G has faced criticism, while the accounting scandal surrounding Brazilian retailer Americanas provided a reminder that rapid growth must always be supported by strong governance and transparency.
Lemann’s legacy also extends beyond business.
Through organisations including the Lemann Foundation and Fundação Estudar, he has supported education, leadership development and opportunities for younger generations in Brazil.
THE W7 VERDICT
Jorge Paulo Lemann helped prove that global corporate power did not have to begin in New York, London or Paris.
From Brazil, he helped build and influence businesses recognised around the world.
His career is a story of ambition, discipline, enormous deals, major successes and important lessons.
Magnificent does not mean flawless.
It means consequential.
And Jorge Paulo Lemann unquestionably changed the way the world viewed Brazilian business ambition.
NEXT IN THE SERIES
PART FOUR — BERNARD ARNAULT, EUROPE
THE EMPEROR OF THE LUXURY WORLD