Belmiro de Azevedo was a Portuguese billionaire entrepreneur with an estimated net worth of $2.7 billion at the time of his death in 2017. He is best remembered as the longtime chairman and a major shareholder of Sonae SGPS, one of Portugal’s largest and most influential business groups.
| Belmiro de Azevedo Net Worth | $2.7 Billion |
| Date of Birth | 17 February 1938 |
| Place of Birth | Portugal |
Early Life
Belmiro de Azevedo was born in 1938 in Portugal. Over the course of several decades, he developed a reputation as one of the country’s most successful and visionary business leaders, playing a major role in shaping Portugal’s modern corporate landscape.
Sonae SGPS
Azevedo served as chairman of Sonae SGPS, a diversified Portuguese conglomerate with interests spanning retail, telecommunications, real estate, technology, and investment management. Under his leadership, Sonae grew into a global enterprise with operations and investments in around 65 countries, including Spain, Greece, Germany, Italy, and Brazil.
One of Sonae’s most recognizable international brands is Zippy, a children’s clothing retailer with stores operating in markets such as Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Kazakhstan. The group’s expansive global footprint made Sonae one of the most powerful corporate entities in Portugal.
Ownership Stake and Wealth Growth
Belmiro de Azevedo and his immediate family collectively held just under 53% of Sonae SGPS. Despite periods of economic difficulty in Portugal, the value of Sonae shares recovered strongly, rising by more than 50 percent on the back of better-than-expected earnings, significantly boosting the family’s wealth.
Belmiro de Azevedo Net Worth
At the time of his passing, Belmiro de Azevedo net worth was estimated at $2.7 billion, placing him among the wealthiest individuals in Portugal. His fortune was largely derived from his controlling stake in Sonae and the company’s international investments.
Death
Belmiro de Azevedo died on November 29, 2017, at the age of 79. He was survived by his wife, Maria Margarida Carvalhais Teixeira, and their three children, who continue to play key roles in the management and strategic direction of Sonae.
His son, Paulo Azevedo, went on to become co-CEO of Sonae SGPS, ensuring the continuity of the family’s leadership within the company.
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