Carlos Slim Helu's Biography

Carlos Slim Helú is a renowned Mexican business magnate, investor, and philanthropist, often ranked among the world's richest individuals. Born on January 28, 1940, in Mexico City, Slim is the son of Lebanese immigrants and inherited a keen sense for numbers and business from an early age. He studied civil engineering at the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) but quickly ventured into the business world, making his first significant fortune during Mexico's 1982 economic crisis by investing in undervalued assets. Slim is best known for controlling América Móvil, Latin America's largest mobile-phone carrier, as well as a diversified empire through Grupo Carso, spanning telecommunications, retail, finance, and infrastructure. Over the decades, his strategic investments and acquisitions have made him a central figure in Mexico's economy and a subject of both admiration and controversy, particularly regarding his influence over the country's telecommunications sector. Despite criticism, Slim has contributed significantly to philanthropic causes, particularly in health, education, and sports. He is also an avid art collector, with the Museo Soumaya in Mexico City showcasing his extensive collection. With a current net worth estimated at $104 billion in 2024, Carlos Slim's legacy endures as one of vision, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to business innovation and social responsibility.