Billionaire Profile
Jose Maria Aristrain
Global Rank
#2284

Image: Public domain | via Wikimedia Commons

Jose Maria Aristrain

CEO, Acerinox
ES
Real-Time Net Worth
$1.7B
As of December 2025
Age
63
Source
Steel
Industry
metals-mining
Citizenship
ES

Biography

Jose Maria Aristrain, a prominent figure in the steel industry, is a Spanish businessman with a current net worth of $1.7 billion. He is known for his former ownership of Arcelor, a steel giant, and is now believed to hold significant shares in ArcelorMittal. Aristrain inherited his business acumen from his father and took over the family's steel conglomerate at a young age. His career has been marked by strategic investments and an active role in the steel sector. Additionally, he is a shareholder in Spain's Tubacex, a major manufacturer of stainless steel tubes.

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life

Jose Maria Aristrain de la Cruz was born in Spain and inherited a steel business conglomerate at a young age following his father's death in 1986 in a helicopter crash. His father, also named Jose Maria Aristrain, founded the company. Aristrain's early life was marked by this unexpected inheritance, thrusting him into a leadership role within the family business.

Rise to Success

Aristrain led the steel company until 2006. A pivotal moment in his career was his support for Lakshmi Mittal's bid to merge Arcelor with Mittal Steel, forming ArcelorMittal, the world's largest steel company. As a result of this venture, Aristrain obtained a stake in ArcelorMittal. He also holds a significant stake in Tubacex, a major global manufacturer of seamless stainless steel tubes.

Key Business Strategies

Aristrain's business strategy has involved strategic investments and maintaining a significant presence within the steel sector. His decision to back the Arcelor-Mittal merger was a key move. He has focused on maintaining a low public profile and has been known to prioritize security.

Philanthropy

Specific details on his philanthropic initiatives were not found in the search results.

Career Milestones

1986

Inherited the family steel business

Took over the company after his father's death.

2006

Supported the Arcelor-Mittal merger

Backed Lakshmi Mittal's bid, leading to a stake in ArcelorMittal.

Controversies & Challenges

2016

Tax Evasion Accusation

Accused of defrauding the public treasury, but was acquitted in January 2022.