Iris Fontbona: A Comprehensive Biography – Iris Fontbona Net Worth
Net Worth: $24 Billion
Category: Richest Business › Richest Billionaires
Gender: Female
Profession: Businessperson
Nationality: Chile
What is Iris Fontbona’s Net Worth?
Iris Fontbona is a Chilean businesswoman with a net worth of $24 billion. She earned her fortune through her marriage to Andronico Luksic, who founded one of the world’s largest copper mining companies, Antofagasta. Upon his death in 2005, Fontbona became the majority stockholder in Antofagasta, maintaining her status as the richest person in Chile. She is also one of the 100 richest people globally and one of the 10 richest women in the world.
Early Life
Iris Fontbona was born in 1942 in Santiago, Chile. She attended a Catholic high school and met Andronico Luksic Abaroa when she was 17 years old. Despite their 15-year age difference, they married when Fontbona was 18 and Luksic was 33.
Family Wealth
For much of her early life and marriage, Fontbona’s involvement in business was behind the scenes. It wasn’t until her husband’s death in 2005 that she acquired her substantial wealth and control of Antofagasta, a Santiago-based mining company her husband founded. She manages the company with her sons, Guillermo, Jean Paul, and Andronico. Under her management, the family business has grown and reached new heights of success.
Business Ventures
Fontbona’s business interests extend beyond Antofagasta. The family owns 65% of Antofagasta, making it the ninth-largest copper producer in the world. They also control 81% of Quinenco, a publicly traded company that includes Banco de Chile, copper product manufacturer Madeco, brewer CCU, and shipping company CSAV. Additionally, they are investors in the television network Canal 13 and own the Croatian resort chain Playa Laguna.
Major Business Holdings:
- Antofagasta: 65% ownership
- Quinenco: 81% ownership, includes:
- Banco de Chile
- Madeco
- CCU (brewer)
- CSAV (shipping company)
- Playa Laguna: Croatian resort chain
- Canal 13: 70% stake
Philanthropy
Fontbona is also known for her philanthropy. In 2015, she donated a record $3.9 billion to the annual Chilean Telethon, which helps children with physical disabilities. The following year, she increased her donation to $5.5 million, setting a record for the charity event in terms of overall funds raised. Her involvement in the telethon is notable as she typically maintains a low public profile.
Personal Life
Iris Fontbona married Andronico Luksic Abaroa at the age of 20, becoming the stepmother to his five children from his first marriage to Patricia Lederer. The couple had three children of their own. Fontbona resides in three primary residences: Vitacura, Santiago, Chile; Belgravia, London; and Liechtenstein. She is a devout Roman Catholic and usually keeps a low profile, rarely granting interviews but participating in the Chilean Telethon.
Residences:
- Vitacura, Santiago, Chile
- Belgravia, London
- Liechtenstein
Fontbona’s life and career are marked by her transition from a supportive spouse to a powerful business leader. Her management of the Luksic family’s extensive business interests and her significant philanthropic contributions have solidified her status as one of the world’s most influential women.
