Businesspeople and politicians mourn the death of Abilio Diniz – 02/18/2024 – Market

Businesspeople, politicians and companies that were part of Abilio Diniz’s story expressed their sadness at the death of the former owner of Grupo Pão de Açúcar this Sunday (18). Everyone showed admiration for the businessman and exalted their lively hope for the future of Brazil.

Abilio, who was 87 years old, had been admitted to the Albert Einstein Hospital, in São Paulo, since last month, with pneumonia.

The acting president, Geraldo Alckmin (PSB), highlighted the importance of Diniz’s memory for the country’s new generation of businesspeople.

“I received with great sadness the news of the passing of Abílio Diniz, one of the greatest Brazilian businessmen. His vitality, dedication to work and faith in Brazil formed great life lessons”, wrote Alckmin on his Twitter account.

“May your example continue to inspire the next generations of businesspeople in Brazil. I convey my condolences to your family and friends”, he added.

The presidents of the Chamber and Senate, Arthur Lira (PP) and Rodrigo Pacheco (PSD), respectively, also lamented the businessman’s death.

“I lost a friend. The country lost an example of entrepreneur, of competence. He always saw Brazil with optimism, with hope and unbreakable faith in our future. My condolences to his family and friends”, wrote Lira.

“One of the main Brazilian businessmen, he actively participated in the transformations of the productive sector and played a fundamental role in the economic and social development of the country. He recently brought to his TV program, in which I had the honor of participating, all his experience in discussing topics relevant to Brazilians. An intelligent, thoughtful and exemplary man, for whom I deeply admired”, said Pacheco.

Governors and mayors also spoke out. The president of São Paulo, Tarcísio de Freitas (Republicans), praised not only his career in entrepreneurship, but also his inspiring lifestyle.

“Above all, I saw in him someone always rooting for Brazil to succeed, and he worked his entire life to do so, creating jobs for many people, while always looking out for others. May God receive him in his infinite grace and comfort him heart of his entire family”, said Tarcísio.

Among the businesspeople, the chairman of the board of MRV and founder and owner of CNN Brasil, Rubens Menin, said it was “lucky” to participate in his reinventions on TV.

“Wherever he went, Abilio Diniz created opportunities and transformed realities. At CNN Brasil, we were fortunate to witness and participate in one of his many reinventions: as an interviewer, he called on leaders from the most diverse areas to discuss the future of Brazil, a country that so loved and for which he worked so hard!”, wrote the businessman.

“In addition to being a brilliant manager, Abilio was a great philanthropist and encouraged several other businesspeople to form a powerful chain of solidarity during the pandemic. An irreparable loss. My most sincere condolences to his family and friends”, he added.

“Abilio has always been a reference of determination, determination and purpose. He is rare and therefore iconic as an inspiration”, said the chairman of the board of Albert Einstein Hospital and Conib (Israeli Confederation of Brazil), Claudio Lottenberg.

“I deeply regret the passing of Abilio Diniz. A dear friend whose contribution to entrepreneurship and economic development in Brazil leaves a great legacy. My condolences to Geyze Diniz, his children, family and friends at this time of great sadness,” the official posted on Twitter. former governor and businessman João Doria.

In a statement, GPA (formerly Grupo Pão de Açúcar) deeply regretted the loss of the businessman. “His significant contribution to the growth and consolidation of Brazilian retail is undeniable, especially given his history at GPA. His leadership and innovations shaped the sector, positively impacting the national economy and inspiring generations”, says the company.

“May his memory be honored and his legacy continue to inspire the business community in Brazil. Our condolences to his family and friends at this difficult time”, the note continues.

Carrefour Brasil, of which Abilio was vice-president of the board of directors, also issued an opinion. “We received the news of his death with immense sadness. We had the honor of working side by side with the most respected and admired businessman in Brazilian retail, who encouraged us to strive to be better every day”, says the note.

“Over almost a decade, Abilio dedicated his unique vision and skills to the development and maturity of our company, and the legacy he leaves us is invaluable. Abilio was more than a successful entrepreneur. He was an example of dedication and love for family, education, sports, health, spirituality and Brazil. An example of a human being, who forever leaves his name and his mark on the history of our country”, he adds.

The president of the Casino group, which is the current owner of GPA, Jean-Charles Naouri, said that Abilio was one of the biggest names in retail in the world.

“It is with deep sadness that I receive the news of the passing of Abilio Diniz, with whom I had the privilege of living for almost two decades. In this moment of pain, I would first like to sympathize with his family, to whom Abilio dedicated himself throughout his life . Abilio was a tireless entrepreneur who, above all, never abandoned his optimism for Brazil. His legacy will always be remembered as one of the biggest names in food retail in the world.”

Abras (Brazilian Supermarket Association) thanked the businessman for his leadership.

“Abras regrets the passing of Abilio Diniz, one of the most important businessmen in the country, with a fundamental contribution to the development of retail. Abilio, with his entrepreneurial spirit, transformed Grupo Pão de Açúcar into the largest retail chain in the country. also fundamental in the creation and strengthening of Abras, as one of its most important members”, says the association in a statement.

“Abras thanks Abilio for his leadership and contribution to the supermarket sector. The entity pays its condolences to the family and friends of this illustrious businessman, who left a beautiful example of dedication to work, family and the entire supermarket class. Our sector is mourning”.