Broad business horizons, but without forgetting local beneficiaries and Antioquian values. That's how you could define the outlook of these leading Antioquian businessmen.
“We choose very well where we invest our money,” says Bojanini. “We have investments in leading companies in a range of sectors and in companies that have a background of good results.” All investment decisions at Grupo de Inversiones Suramericana are taken carefully.
Only the best and most transparent companies are chosen, with sectors ranging from banking to insurance, food and beverages to energy. “I’m not laying down any limits. Nowadays, paradigms need to be smashed. Today, we’re present all over Colombia, but we also need to invest in neighbouring countries.”
Empresas Públicas de Medellín (EPM) is in charge of providing electricity, gas, water and telecommunications to the metropolitan area of Medellin. As well as investing in major projects to increase capacity, Restrepo is equally determined that any business development should be socially sustainable. As such, the company invests in schemes to ensure supplies, better equipment and education for the poorest areas.
“This company has been an engine for the development of the region, including £107 million invested in higher education,” says Restrepo. “This is fundamental to any understanding of EPM.”
“I enjoy working; I always enjoy what I’m doing,” says the chairman of this food and beverages giant. With his extensive experience, Piedrahita considers himself to be a typical Antioquian businessman. “The Antioquian is restless,” he says. “When the Colombian economy opened up, we were the first to explore our options abroad.” As one of Grupo Nutresa’s main activities is exporting chocolate and biscuits abroad, Piedrahita’s international outlook fits right in. It’s no surprise, then, that the chairman is now looking towards Asia as the group’s next stop.
CEO TOOLS
Leading a business in Antioquia requires a briefcase full of diverse and transferable skills. The region’s history, geography and outlook all have their part to play, creating a very special kind of business person.
