Bernardo Garza Sada (1930 – 7 November 2009) was a Mexican businessman who founded the Grupo ALFA conglomerate in 1974.[1] He also served as ALFA's former president. Additionally, Garza Sada was a member of the company's board of directors for two decades.[1]
Garza Sada, a graduate of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT),[2] is credited with turning Grupo Alfa into a diversified conglomerate with revenues of $10.6 billion USD in 2008.[3] ALFA currently consists of four major operations and consortia as of 2009 - Alpek, which produces petrochemicals and synthetic fiber; Sigma, which manufactures food; Nemak, which builds automotive parts; and Alestra, which consists of ALFA's telecommunications arm.[1][3] Alfa also produces televisions, machinery, and has assets in Mexico's tourism sector.[1]
Garza Sada also championed the modernization of Monterrey Institute of Technology, one of Mexico's most important private universities.[1]
Bernardo Garza Sada died at his home in Monterrey, Nuevo León, Mexico, on November 7, 2009, at the age of 79.[1] He was survived by his wife and three children.[3] In a statement released posthumously, ALFA called Garza Sada, "Leader and visionary businessman, promoter of education and social responsibility, driving force for the growth of the company and the country."[1]
References
- Mexican Businessman Bernardo Garza Sada Dies Latin American Herald Tribune, 2009-11-08, retrieved 2009-11-28^
- Jonathan Tapia. Muere el empresario Bernardo Garza Sada El Universal, 7 November 2009, retrieved 28 November 2009^
- Mexican magnate Bernardo Garza Sada dies at 79 Businessweek, 2009-11-07, retrieved 2009-11-28