Wesley Batista
Wesley Mendonça Batista | |
|---|---|
| Born | December 8, 1972 Brazil |
| Occupation | Entrepreneur |
| Known for | Founding JBS S.A. |
Wesley Mendonça Batista (born 8 December 1972) is a Brazilian entrepreneur and billionaire, known for founding JBS S.A.. As the company's president, he spearheaded JBS's entry into the United States market through the 2007 acquisition of Swift.
Leadership at JBS
In 2016, Wesley and his brother Joesley Batista were listed among the 70 wealthiest individuals in Brazil by Forbes.
2016: Involvement in Operation Car Wash
Wesley was implicated in July 2016 as part of Operation Car Wash, accused of facilitating payments via JBS to former Brazilian congress leader Eduardo Cunha to obtain financing from the (FI-FGTS).
2017: Allegations of Bribery and Insider Trading
On 17 May 2017, the Batista siblings confessed to a 12-year bribery scheme involving Brazilian officials, which allowed JBS to secure over R$10 billion in preferential loans from the BNDES. These funds were subsequently used for additional illicit payments. In return for their collaboration, Wesley, his brother, and other executives at JBS were exempted from prosecution but required to pay fines totaling R$225 million.
Prior to public release of audio evidence revealing the corruption, the brothers sold large portions of their holdings in JBS S.A., generating proceeds exceeding USD 1 billion. This sale preceded a sharp decline in the company’s stock value, prompting an insider trading probe by the Brazilian Securities Commission ("CVM"). Following these developments, Wesley moved to the United States.
Personal life
Batista lives in São Paulo, Brazil, is married, and has three children.