“Iris Fontbona: The Billionaire and Her Family”

Overview

Iris Fontbona is one of the wealthiest women in the world, with a net worth of over $23 billion as of 2021. She is the majority owner of Antofagasta Plc, one of the largest copper mining companies in the world. Her late husband, Andrónico Luksic, founded the company in 1888 and it has remained in the family ever since. In addition to her stake in Antofagasta, Fontbona also has investments in other sectors, including energy and finance.

Early Life and Education

Iris Fontbona was born in Santiago, Chile in 1942. Her parents were both immigrants from Croatia. She grew up in a middle-class family and attended Catholic schools in Chile. After graduating from high school, she studied commercial engineering at the Universidad Católica de Chile, where she met her future husband Andrónico Luksic.

Career and Achievements

After getting married in 1961, Iris Fontbona began working alongside her husband at Antofagasta Plc. Under their leadership, the company expanded its operations and became one of the largest copper producers in the world. In addition to mining, Fontbona has invested in other industries, including banking and energy. She is the chairman of the board of Banco de Chile, the country’s largest bank by assets. She also has stakes in Enersis, a major energy company in Latin America, and Quiñenco, a conglomerate with holdings in finance, manufacturing, and wine.

Fontbona’s success in the corporate world has earned her numerous accolades. In 2013, she was named the most powerful woman in Chile by Forbes. She has also been recognized for her philanthropy, particularly in the areas of education and healthcare.

Personal Life

Iris Fontbona has three children with her late husband Andrónico Luksic, who passed away in 2005. Today, her children are also involved in the family’s business empire. She is known for her low profile and rarely gives interviews or makes public appearances.

Profile