Alfredo Harp Helu Mexican entrepreneur Country: Mexico

1. Alfredo Harp Helú: Mexican Business Tycoon
2. Early Life and Career
3. Avantel: A Telecommunications Giant
4. Kidnapping and Ransom
5. Philanthropic Endeavors
6. Family and Wealth

Alfredo Harp Helú: Mexican Business Tycoon

Alfredo Harp Helú is a prominent Mexican entrepreneur and business magnate. He has been the owner of some of Mexico's largest companies, including Mexican bank and Banamex. Currently, he owns the telecommunications company Avantel, Mexico's second-largest telephone company, and serves on Banamex's board of directors.

Early Life and Career

Alfredo Harp Helú was born in 1944 in Mexico City. Of Lebanese descent, he built an impressive business empire throughout his career. He is renowned for his ownership of Mexican bank and Banamex, demonstrating his keen business acumen.

Avantel: A Telecommunications Giant

Harp Helú played a pivotal role in the establishment of Avantel, founded in October 1994 by a group of Mexican investors. The company commenced operations in August 1996, with Francisco Gil Díaz as its CEO. Avantel pioneered the use of the Internet for telephone communication, becoming the first Mexican telecommunications company to do so.

Kidnapping and Ransom

In 1994, Harp Helú was kidnapped by a notorious criminal group. The kidnappers held him captive for 106 days, demanding a ransom of $30 million for his release. His family paid the exorbitant sum without hesitation, and at the behest of Harp Helú's wife, the police were not involved in the negotiations.

Philanthropic Endeavors

Harp Helú dedicates much of his time to philanthropic pursuits. Through his Banamex Social Foundation, he supports initiatives to improve the economic conditions in Oaxaca, one of Mexico's poorest states. Harp Helú believes in his responsibility to uplift those in need, especially through education. He invests heavily in educational initiatives, striving to make quality education accessible to all Mexicans.

Family and Wealth

Alfredo Harp Helú is married and has four children. In 2008, the Harp Helú family's net worth was estimated at $1.6 billion. According to Forbes magazine, Harp Helú ranks 743rd among the world's wealthiest individuals.