Iris Fontbona's Biography

Iris Fontbona is a renowned Chilean businesswoman and philanthropist, widely recognized as the matriarch of the influential Luksic family. Born on June 15, 1942, Iris became a central figure in global business circles after inheriting control of the Luksic Group following the death of her husband, Andrónico Luksic Abaroa, in 2005. Under her leadership, the family’s holdings—spanning mining, banking, beverages, and media—have continued to expand, with Antofagasta PLC standing out as one of the world’s leading copper producers. Fontbona’s business acumen has secured her place as one of the wealthiest women globally, and the richest in Latin America, with a net worth estimated at $23.1 billion in 2024. Despite her immense wealth, Iris Fontbona maintains a low public profile, eschewing social media and rarely giving interviews. She is noted for her philanthropic efforts, supporting various social and health-related causes in Chile. However, her fortune is not without controversy, as her companies have faced criticism over environmental issues and Chile’s wealth inequality. Iris Fontbona continues to influence the business landscape in Chile and beyond, balancing her roles as a shrewd entrepreneur, devoted family matriarch, and committed philanthropist.