Roberto González Barrera
Roberto González Barrera | |
|---|---|
| Born | September 1, 1930 Cerralvo, Nuevo León, Mexico |
| Died | August 25, 2012 (aged 81) Houston, Texas, United States |
| Occupation(s) | Entrepreneur, businessman |
| Known for | Chairman of Gruma and Banorte |
Roberto González Barrera (September 1, 1930 – August 25, 2012) was a prominent Mexican entrepreneur who served as chairman of Gruma, recognized as the largest global manufacturer of tortillas and corn flour, as well as Banorte, the leading Mexican-owned private banking institution. Often referred to by the nicknames "El Maseco" or "Don Maseco," which derive from Gruma's affiliate Grupo Industrial Maseca, he earned the title "King of Tortillas" due to his pivotal role in the international expansion of Gruma.
Personal life
Originating from Cerralvo, Nuevo León, Barrera began his professional journey at a young age, initially selling food and shining shoes. He left formal education at 11 to assist in his father’s grocery warehouse. By the age of 15, he had established his own enterprise. Following a period working with Pemex in explosives transportation and managing a coconut farm, he returned home equipped with capital to grow the family business.
At 18, Barrera recognized the commercial opportunity presented by corn milling after noticing that local cotton workers consumed approximately 15 tons monthly. In 1948, together with his father, he acquired their first corn mill for 75,000 pesos, laying the foundation for Maseca—now responsible for producing one out of every four corn tortillas distributed across Europe, Asia, and Central America. To finance this venture, they divested other businesses and obtained a loan from General Bonifacio Salinas Leal, then governor of Nuevo León, who accepted company shares as collateral; these shares were subsequently bought back. This episode marked the beginning of Barrera’s significant political alliances, frequently acknowledged as instrumental in his company’s advancement.
Barrera joined the ranks of billionaires through his involvement with Banorte, where he became the principal shareholder in 1992. Banorte distinguished itself during Mexico’s 1995 financial crisis by remaining the sole major bank under Mexican ownership. His substantial holdings in Banorte secured his place on Forbes’ billionaire list by 2011.
Maseca encountered difficulties related to health concerns and internal family conflicts; currently, 23% of its shares are held by U.S.-based conglomerate Archer Daniels Midland, with most of the remaining stock owned by Barrera and his first wife, to whom he remained legally married. González Barrera passed away at age 81 in Houston, Texas, due to complications from cancer.
His son Roberto González Sr. achieved success as a racecar driver, finishing third in the 1976 12 Hours of Sebring; additionally, his grandsons Ricardo González Valdez and Roberto González Valdez have pursued careers in racing.
Controversy
González Barrera refused to provide testimony in the legal proceedings involving Raúl Salinas de Gortari, sibling of former President Carlos Salinas de Gortari, citing their personal friendship as grounds for his decision.