Juan Roig
Juan Roig | |
|---|---|
| Born | October 8, 1949 Valencia, Spain |
| Occupation(s) | Entrepreneur, businessman |
| Known for | Chairman of Mercadona and Valencia Basket |
Juan Roig Alfonso (; born 8 October 1949) is a Spanish billionaire entrepreneur, serving as the chairman of the supermarket chain Mercadona and the basketball club Valencia Basket. As of November 2024, his fortune was valued at approximately US$6 billion.
Early life
Roig was born in Valencia and pursued economics at the University of Valencia. He furthered his education with postgraduate studies at IESE Business School, part of the University of Navarra. His family initially managed eight butcher shops under the name Cárnicas Roig in La Pobla de Farnals, which were eventually transformed into grocery outlets.
Business career
In 1981, Roig, together with three brothers, took ownership of the family’s retail shops. By 1991, he had acquired their shares to become sole proprietor. He developed the enterprise into what is now Mercadona, a network exceeding 1,400 stores. His expansion strategy emphasizes affordable pricing and adoption of technology such as barcode scanners and automated logistics centers. During the late 1990s, he implemented full-time employment contracts for all staff members. In recognition of his achievements, Roig was awarded the Prince Felipe Prize for Business Excellence in 2010.
Personal wealth
According to Forbes in October 2013, Roig’s net worth stood at €5.8 billion, ranking him as Spain’s second richest person. This valuation is based on his and his wife’s combined 78% ownership of Mercadona; however, since these shares are privately held, the estimate remains approximate. By July 2018, Forbes estimated his wealth at US$4.3 billion. Between 2006 and 2013, their Mercadona stake yielded dividends exceeding $400 million. In August 2022, Forbes assessed Roig’s net worth to be around US$3.5 billion.
Personal life
Roig met his spouse, Hortensia Herrero, during their university years; they wed in 1973 and have four children together. The couple lives in Valencia, Spain. Herrero holds the position of vice-president at Mercadona. Roig is a proponent of maintaining family involvement in business operations and values contributions from relatives. He is characterized as reserved yet determined in business, known for a straightforward and disciplined style. Among his notable expressions are calls to adopt a diligent work ethic inspired by Chinese marketplaces and to find enjoyment in one’s profession.
Philanthropy
Via his firm Alquería Capital, Roig supports Proyecto Lanzadera, an initiative that assists emerging entrepreneurs by offering workspace and financial backing through the Lanzadera Business Centre located in Valencia. Additionally, he sponsors the professional basketball team Valencia Basket.