Horst Paulmann's Biography

Horst Paulmann Kemna is a prominent Chilean-German businessman best known as the founder and chairman of Cencosud, one of Latin America's largest and most successful retail companies. Born on March 22, 1935, in Kassel, Germany, Paulmann immigrated to Chile with his family in the 1950s. Demonstrating entrepreneurial spirit early on, he began his career helping to run his family's small restaurant in Temuco. His vision for large-scale retail led him to open the first Jumbo supermarket in Santiago in 1976—a move that revolutionized the Chilean retail landscape. Under Paulmann's leadership, Cencosud expanded rapidly, acquiring and launching brands such as Paris, Santa Isabel, and Easy, as well as developing major shopping centers across South America. Today, Cencosud operates in several countries, including Chile, Argentina, Brazil, Peru, and Colombia. Paulmann's net worth has steadily grown, reaching an estimated $3.2 billion in 2024, making him one of the wealthiest individuals in Chile. Despite some controversies surrounding labor practices, Paulmann has been recognized with awards such as Chile's Entrepreneur of the Year. Known for his persistence, innovation, and hands-on management style, Horst Paulmann remains a significant figure in the global retail industry. His story is a classic example of immigrant success, business acumen, and the transformative power of vision and hard work.