Venezuela’s Titans: Mendoza, Cohen, and Escotet Among Latin America’s Most Influential

Venezuela’s Titans: Mendoza, Cohen, and Escotet Among Latin America’s Most Influential

Venezuela’s Pride: Mendoza, Cohen, and Escotet

Three of Venezuela’s most influential figures, Lorenzo Mendoza, Alfredo Cohen, and Juan Carlos Escotet, have made it to the list of the 500 most influential people in Latin America for 2023. This prestigious list, compiled by Bloomberg Línea, recognises individuals based on their significant contributions to business, economics, and finance in the region, as well as their innovative ideas across various sectors.

Alfredo Cohen: A Pillar in Venezuela’s Economic Recovery

Alfredo Cohen, one of Venezuela’s wealthiest men, has made significant contributions to the country’s economy. He played a pivotal role in the recovery of the Centro Sambil La Candelaria, a project that had been under nationalization for 14 years. His construction firm, Constructora Sambil, has seven similar projects scattered across Venezuela, and three more on international soil in Madrid, Curacao, and the Dominican Republic.

Beyond construction, Cohen’s family corporation has launched a housing project offering credit payments, which has been spurred on by Venezuela’s mild economic recovery. By facilitating access to affordable housing, Cohen’s initiatives are contributing to the overall economic development of the country.

Juan Carlos Escotet: Banking on Success

Juan Carlos Escotet, a renowned economist and banker, is ranked as Venezuela’s wealthiest individual and the fifth wealthiest in Spain, according to Forbes magazine. In December, Escotet completed the acquisition of Targobank, a Spanish subsidiary of the French group Crédit Mutuel, through his bank, Abanca. With a fortune estimated around US$4 billion, Escotet is a significant player in the global banking sector.

In addition to his banking endeavors, Escotet serves as an advisor to the Advisory Council of Visa International for Latin America and the Caribbean. His experience and knowledge in the financial sector have made him a key figure not only in Venezuela but also in the wider Latin American region and beyond.

Lorenzo Mendoza: A Powerhouse Entrepreneur

Lorenzo Mendoza, another one of Venezuela’s wealthiest individuals, boasts a net worth of $1.5 billion. Over the past few years, Mendoza has emerged as one of Venezuela’s most influential entrepreneurs. Between 2017 and 2018, public opinion polls identified him as a popular potential presidential candidate, a position he respectfully declined.

Mendoza, who has been listed among Forbes’ billionaires, has made significant investments in various countries in the region. His economic influence and contribution to Venezuela’s economy have made him a key figure in the country’s business landscape.

Conclusion

The inclusion of Lorenzo Mendoza, Alfredo Cohen, and Juan Carlos Escotet in the 2023 list of the 500 most influential people in Latin America is a testament to their significant contributions to Venezuela’s economy. Their innovative ideas, combined with their dedication to their respective fields, have not only made them successful figures in their own right but also vital contributors to the economic development of Venezuela and the wider Latin American region.