Carlos Slim

Carlos Slim Helú, a Mexican business magnate, investor, and philanthropist, was born on January 28, 1940, in Mexico City. He later became one of the richest individuals in the world through his extensive business holdings.

On June 25, 1965, Carlos Slim acquired funds to start the foundations of his company Grupo Carso, which was named after his wife.

Grupo Carso was founded on June 25, 1966.

Carlos Slim successfully completed his engineering studies and obtained his engineering degree. He also worked as a teacher at the engineering school where he pursued his education.

By 1972, Carlos Slim had expanded his business operations into numerous industries across the Mexican economy, including construction, soft drink, printing, real estate, bottling, and mining. This diversification marked a significant growth phase in his career.

In 1980, Carlos Slim consolidated his business interests by forming Grupo Galas as the parent company of a conglomerate with diverse interests in industrial manufacturing, construction, mining, retail, food, and tobacco. This strategic move further solidified his presence in the business world.

Amid Mexico's financial crisis in 1982, Grupo Carso, led by Carlos Slim, acquires the controlling interest in numerous companies.

Grupo Carso expanded its operations on June 25, 1990.

In 2000, Carlos Slim Helú's conglomerate expanded to include education, healthcare, manufacturing, real estate, media, energy, retail, and financial services. With forty percent of the listings on the Mexican Stock Exchange and a net worth of $50 billion, Slim's influence extends across various sectors of the economy.

In 2001, the mobile-telephone division of Telmex, América Móvil, became a separate company. It eventually grew to become one of the largest telecommunications companies in the world.

In 2003, Carlos Slim made headlines by purchasing large stakes in major US retailers such as Barnes & Noble, OfficeMax, and Circuit City, among others. This expansion was driven by the perception in Mexican business circles that there were limited acquisition opportunities in Mexico.

Mr. Carlos Slim Helu is awarded the Galardon del Salon del Empresario for his contributions to business and entrepreneurship. América Móvil strengthens its presence in South American telecommunications and diversifies into other sectors.

Carlos Slim, now retired from business activities, dedicates his vast fortune to improving the standard of living in Latin America. Through foundations, he provides educational opportunities, health services, and infrastructure development across the region.

On June 10th, 2008, the listing of TELMEX International Exchanges began in New York, Madrid, and Mexico.

In June 23, Vivian Fernández de Torrijos, First Lady of Panama, and Carlos Slim Helú signed an agreement to implement maternal and infant health programs in Panama through the Carlos Slim Institute of Health.

Eng. Carlos Slim Helu was conferred the Man of the Year 2008 by the World Boxing Council (WBC) in Mexico City.

Mr. Carlos Slim Helu received the ESADE award in recognition of his philanthropic and entrepreneurial management during the XIV Annual Celebration ESADE Alumni in Barcelona.

Mr. Carlos Slim received the George Washington University President's Medal, the most distinguished academic award, in recognition of his philanthropic and entrepreneurial management.

Mr. José Luis Luege and Mr. Carlos Slim signed a contract for building the Atotonilco Waste Water Treatment Plant, one of the biggest hydraulic infrastructure works in Mexico.

In January 2010, the Carlos Slim Institute of Health initiated one of the world's largest research projects focusing on the genome of cancer, diabetes, and renal insufficiency in Mexico.

President of Lebanon, Mr. Michel Sleiman, honored Mr. Carlos Slim by awarding him the Lebanese Gold Order to Merit and naming him Honorific Citizen by the Jezzine Municipal Government.

On May 20, 2012, Carlos Slim was granted an honorary doctorate in public service by George Washington University, recognizing his notable achievements in the field.

Carlos Slim was recognized for his leadership in philanthropy by President Bill Clinton at the Sixth Annual Clinton Global Citizen Awards in New York.

Carlos Slim was awarded the Medal of Honor for his dedication and contribution to the shooting sport.

In 2013, Carlos Slim lost the title of the world's richest man to Bill Gates as a result of a 3.7% drop in America Movil's stock market value.

On December 12, Mr. Carlos Slim received the Dwight D. Eisenhower Global Leadership Award from the Business Council for International Understanding.

Mr. Carlos Slim was honored with the Friars Club's Icon Award by the Friars Club of New York at the Friars Foundation Gala for his philanthropic and humanitarian efforts.

On January 14, 2015, Carlos Slim exercises warrants to acquire 16 million more shares of the New York Times, becoming the company's largest individual shareholder with an almost 17% stake.

On January 29, the Carlos Slim Foundation and Coursera sign an agreement to provide free online graduate education to Spanish speaking individuals.

On January 18, 2017, Carlos Slim announced plans to launch Nuestra Vision, a television channel specifically designed for Mexicans residing in the United States.

In January 27, 2017, Carlos Slim, the billionaire, offers to assist Mexico in negotiating with the new US government led by President Trump. He praises Trump's negotiation abilities and expresses optimism about positive changes for Mexico.

On March 21, 2020, Carlos Slim was presented with the Queen Sofía Spanish Institute Sophia Award for Excellence during an awards luncheon, highlighting his exceptional contributions.

The Carso Group and the Carlos Slim Foundation detailed actions taken to help the community face the sanitary emergency caused by COVID-19 on March 24, 2020.

On April 22, 2020, it was announced that Mexico City would have additional hospital space sponsored by the Carlos Slim Foundation to manage COVID-19 patients.

On April 30, 2020, Carlos Slim secured a contract to construct a section of the government's Maya Train, a significant infrastructure initiative aimed at connecting various cities across five southeastern states of Mexico.

On June 8, 2020, the Carlos Slim, Telmex-Telcel, and Inbursa foundations donated MX$1,000 M to support the fight against COVID-19 and assist medical personnel in over 30 hospitals.

On October 12, 2020, the Carlos Slim Foundation announced an extra donation of MX$90 M to extend the operation of the COVID-19 Temporary Unit until December 2020.

On June 30, 2021, Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador announced that Carlos Slim will cover all the expenses for the reconstruction of Mexico City's subway overpass, which collapsed in May, resulting in 26 fatalities.

Her Majesty Queen Sophia of Spain awarded the 'Sophia Award for Excellence' to Mexican businessman and philanthropist Eng. Carlos Slim.

Carlos Slim Helú, one of the world's richest people with a net worth of $92.1 billion as of September 2023, amassed his wealth through a combination of business acumen and political connections.

On October 25, 2023, His Majesty King Felipe IV of Spain presented the 'Enrique V. Iglesias Award' to Carlos Slim for his contribution to the development of Ibero-America.