| Birthdate | February 26, 1950 |
|---|---|
| Birthplace | Rio de Janeiro, Brazil |
| Education | Federal University of Rio de Janeiro |
| Career Highlights | Co-founder of 3G Capital; Successful investments in the food and beverage industry including AmBev, Burger King, Tim Hortons, and Kraft Heinz |
| Philanthropy | Supports education and healthcare initiatives in Brazil |
| Net Worth | $13 billion (as of 2021) |
Marcel Herrmann Telles is a Brazilian businessman and entrepreneur known for his vast wealth and success in the food and beverage industry. Born on February 26, 1950, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Telles grew up in a middle-class family and attended the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, where he studied economics.
After completing his education, Telles started his career in finance and worked for several years as a stockbroker and investment banker. In the late 1980s, he joined forces with two other Brazilian businessmen, Jorge Paulo Lemann and Carlos Alberto Sicupira, to form the investment firm 3G Capital.
Under Telles’ leadership, 3G Capital became known for its aggressive and successful investment strategies, particularly in the food and beverage industry. In 1999, the firm acquired a controlling stake in the Brazilian brewery AmBev, which would eventually become part of the global beer giant Anheuser-Busch InBev.
Over the years, Telles and his partners at 3G Capital have made a series of successful investments in other food and beverage companies, including Burger King, Tim Hortons, and Kraft Heinz. Through their various holdings, Telles and his partners have amassed a considerable fortune, with Telles himself estimated to be worth around $13 billion as of 2021.
Telles’ success has not come without controversy, however. Critics have accused 3G Capital of prioritizing cost-cutting and layoffs over long-term investment and innovation, leading to accusations of corporate greed and a negative impact on workers and consumers.
Despite these criticisms, Telles remains a highly respected figure in the Brazilian business community and is widely regarded as one of the most successful and influential entrepreneurs of his generation. His wealth and success have also allowed him to pursue philanthropic endeavors, including supporting education and healthcare initiatives in Brazil.
Here is a timeline of Marcel Herrmann Telles’ life:
1950 – Marcel Herrmann Telles is born on February 26th in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
1972 – Telles graduates from the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro with a degree in economics.
Late 1970s – Telles begins his career in finance, working as a stockbroker and investment banker.
1989 – Telles, Jorge Paulo Lemann, and Carlos Alberto Sicupira form the investment firm 3G Capital.
1999 – 3G Capital acquires a controlling stake in the Brazilian brewery AmBev.
2004 – AmBev merges with Belgium-based Interbrew to form InBev, the world’s largest brewer at the time.
2010 – InBev acquires the American beer company Anheuser-Busch to become Anheuser-Busch InBev.
2010s – 3G Capital makes several successful investments in the food and beverage industry, including Burger King, Tim Hortons, and Kraft Heinz.
2021 – Telles is estimated to have a net worth of around $13 billion.
Throughout his career, Telles has also been involved in various philanthropic efforts, including supporting education and healthcare initiatives in Brazil.
5 Interesting Facts about Marcel Herrmann Telles:
- Telles’ father was a prominent lawyer in Brazil and was part of the team that helped draft the country’s 1988 constitution.
- Telles is known for his love of sports, particularly soccer and tennis, and has invested in several sports teams in Brazil.
- In addition to his business ventures, Telles is also involved in philanthropic efforts and has donated to various education and healthcare initiatives in Brazil.
- Telles is a fan of the Stoic philosophy and has cited the works of philosophers like Marcus Aurelius and Epictetus as sources of inspiration.
- Despite his immense wealth, Telles is known for his frugal lifestyle and reportedly still flies economy class on commercial flights.
5 Quotes from Marcel Herrmann Telles:
- “I believe that the biggest asset we have is the people who work with us. And that’s what we really focus on.”
- “I don’t believe in perfection. I think perfection is the enemy of good. You have to have a very strong bias for action.”
- “I think it’s very important to have principles and values, and to stick to them. That’s what I try to do in my personal and professional life.”
- “I’m always looking for the next challenge. I think that’s what keeps me motivated and engaged.”
- “Success is not about how much money you make. It’s about the impact you have on people’s lives.”
