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Billionaire Profile
Germán Larrea Mota Velasco & family
Global Rank
#34

Image: Public domain | via Wikimedia Commons

Germán Larrea Mota Velasco & family

CEO, Grupo México
MX
Real-Time Net Worth
$46.4B
As of December 2025
Age
72
Source
Mining
Industry
metals-mining
Citizenship
MX

Biography

Germán Larrea Mota Velasco, a Mexican billionaire, is the driving force behind Grupo México, the nation's largest mining corporation and a global leader in copper production. Born in 1956, Larrea has a long and prolific career in business. He transformed Grupo México, expanding into infrastructure and rail transportation. With an estimated net worth of $46.4 billion as of 2024, his wealth source is primarily mining. He has been the CEO of Grupo México for over 25 years. His leadership has expanded Grupo México's operations and influence globally.

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life

Germán Larrea Mota-Velasco was born on October 26, 1953, in Mexico City, Mexico. His father, Jorge Larrea Ortega, was a prominent businessman and politician known as "The King of Copper". His mother was María Teresa Mota Velasco.

Rise to Success

Larrea began his career in the mining industry in 1978, founding Grupo Impresa, a printing and publishing company. He joined Grupo México in 1981 and became its Chairman, President, and CEO in 1994. Under his leadership, Grupo México has become one of the largest mining companies globally and a leading copper producer.

Key Business Strategies

Key strategies include strategic acquisitions and long-term planning. He expanded the company into infrastructure and rail transportation. Grupo Mexico's diversification has enabled it to expand its reach beyond mining.

Philanthropy

In 2014, Grupo México agreed to deposit $150 million into a trust to compensate local residents affected by a copper mine spill in Sonora, Mexico.

Career Milestones

1978

Founded Grupo Impresa

Founded a printing and publishing company.

1981

Joined Grupo México

Joined Grupo Mexico as executive vice chairman and director.

1994

CEO of Grupo México

Became chairman, president, and CEO of Grupo México.

1997

Chairman and CEO of Grupo Ferroviario Mexicano

Oversaw the largest railroad network in Mexico.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Environmental

Sonora Mine Spill Compensation

$0.15B

Grupo México agreed to deposit $150 million into a trust to compensate local residents harmed by the spill.

Controversies & Challenges

2014

Sonora Mine Spill

Grupo México faced scrutiny after a spill at its copper mine in Sonora, Mexico, contaminating two rivers nearby.