Billionaire Profile
Blairo Maggi
Global Rank
#2692

Image: Antônio Cruz/ABr | CC BY 3.0 br | via Wikimedia Commons

Blairo Maggi

CEO, Agribusiness
BRAZIL
Real-Time Net Worth
$1.464B
Estimated based on Agribusiness stock value as of April 20, 2026
0% (24h)
Age
69
Source
Agribusiness
Industry
Energy
Citizenship
BRAZIL

Biography

Blairo Maggi, born in 1956, is a prominent Brazilian agribusiness magnate and politician, often referred to as the "Soy King." His estimated net worth is $1.4 billion as of March 2026. The source of his wealth is primarily from his stake in the Amaggi Group, one of the world's largest soybean producers. Maggi's career includes a degree in Agronomy from the Federal University of Paraná. He has served as the Governor of Mato Grosso from 2003 to 2010, a Senator, and Brazil's Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, and Food Supply from 2016 to 2019. His achievements include leading the Amaggi Group to become a global leader in soybean production. However, his career has also been marked by controversies regarding Amazon rainforest deforestation.

Fact Checked
Verified by Editorial Team
Live Data
Updated 4/20/2026

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life

Blairo Borges Maggi was born on May 29, 1956, in Torres, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. He is the son of André Maggi, who founded the Amaggi Group, a major player in the soybean industry. Blairo graduated from the Federal University of Paraná with a degree in agronomy, laying the foundation for his successful career in agribusiness.

Rise to Success

Maggi's career took off as he became the world's largest soybean producer. He took over as the chief executive of Amaggi after his father's death in 2001 but no longer holds the position. He is still a controlling shareholder. He has also served as the governor of the state of Mato Grosso and as Brazil's Minister of Agriculture. Under his leadership, Amaggi has expanded its operations globally, including establishing offices in Europe and China.

Key Business Strategies

Maggi's key business strategy involved the expansion and vertical integration of the Amaggi Group. This included investing in various aspects of the soybean industry, such as harvesting, processing, exporting, and logistics, including soy terminals, highways, and waterways. Another key strategy was expanding the rural producers' base to supply grain by increasing the company's total storage capacity.

Philanthropy

The Amaggi Group, founded by Blairo Maggi's father, has a foundation called the André and Lucia Maggi Foundation, which focuses on local and human development in the communities where it operates.

Career Milestones

2001

CEO of Amaggi Group

Assumed leadership of Amaggi Group after his father's death.

2003-2010

Governor of Mato Grosso

Served as the governor of Mato Grosso for two consecutive terms.

2011-2016

Senator

Served as a Senator representing Mato Grosso.

2016-2019

Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, and Food Supply

Served as Brazil's Minister of Agriculture.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Community Development

André and Lucia Maggi Foundation

Undisclosed

Focuses on local and human development in the communities where it operates.

Business Philosophy & Leadership

Notable Quotes

""To me, a 40 percent increase in deforestation doesn't mean anything at all, and I don't feel the slightest guilt over what we are doing here.""

""We're talking about an area larger than Europe that has barely been touched, so there is nothing at all to get worried about.""

Controversies & Challenges

2006

Golden Chainsaw Award

Awarded by Greenpeace for contributing to Amazon rainforest destruction.

2017

Paradise Papers

Named in the 'Paradise Papers' allegations by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalism, which raised concerns about offshore financial activities.

2017

Corruption Investigation

Brazilian police raided his home in a corruption investigation linked to his time as state governor.