Early Life
Iris Balbina Fontbona González was born in Chile in 1942 or 1943. Little is known about her early life, as she maintains a low public profile. She attended a Catholic high school and met Andrónico Luksic Abaroa at 17, marrying him when she was 20.
Rise to Success
Iris Fontbona inherited her wealth after her husband, Andrónico Luksic Abaroa, passed away in 2005. Her husband built a vast fortune in mining and beverages. The bulk of the business went to her three sons, with Jean Paul managing Antofagasta PLC, one of the largest mining companies in the world. Under her management, the family business grew significantly.
Key Business Strategies
Iris and her family control Antofagasta PLC, a Santiago-based mining company, and through Quiñenco, she also controls Banco de Chile, Madeco, CCU, and CSAV. CSAV is the world's 16th largest shipping company by TEUs. Fontbona's leadership style is characterized by conservative management and a focus on long-term growth.
Philanthropy
Iris Fontbona is known for her philanthropy. In 2015, she made a record-breaking donation of approximately $3.9 million to the annual Chilean Telethon. In 2016, she donated approximately $5.5 million, setting new fundraising records for the event. The family also supports philanthropic interests through the Foundation Familia Luksic.
