Billionaire Profile
Luciano Hang
Global Rank
#1763

Image: Public domain | via Wikimedia Commons

Luciano Hang

CEO, Havan
BR
Real-Time Net Worth
$2.2B
As of December 2025
Age
63
Source
Department stores
Industry
fashion-retail
Citizenship
BR

Biography

Luciano Hang is a Brazilian billionaire businessman and the co-founder of the Havan department store chain. Born in Brusque, Santa Catarina, in 1962, Hang built his career from humble beginnings, co-founding Havan in 1986. Havan rapidly expanded into a major retail force with over 170 stores across Brazil. Hang's net worth is estimated at $2.2 billion, primarily from his ownership of Havan. He is known for his strong business acumen and outspoken views. Hang's achievements include building one of Brazil's largest retail chains and is recognized for his contributions to the economy.

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life

Luciano Hang was born on October 11, 1962, in Brusque, Santa Catarina, Brazil. He is of German and Italian descent and grew up in a family of textile workers. Hang attended local schools and later studied data processing at the Regional University of Blumenau. During his studies, he served as president of the Clube dos Estudantes Universitários de Brusque (CEUB) for three years.

Rise to Success

Hang's career began at the age of 17, working at the Carlos Renaux Textile Factory, where his parents were employed. In 1984, at the age of 21, he bought a towel factory, Tecelagem Santa Cruz. In 1986, he co-founded Havan with Vanderlei de Limas, starting as a small fabric store in Brusque. The name "Havan" was created by combining the first syllables of the founders’ last names: Hang and Vanderlei. Hang later became the sole owner. Under his leadership, Havan expanded rapidly, growing into a large retail chain across Brazil.

Key Business Strategies

Havan's growth strategy focused on aggressive expansion and creating a unique shopping experience. The company is known for its distinctive store facades, often featuring replicas of the Statue of Liberty and architecture resembling the White House. Havan expanded its product offerings, moving beyond fabrics to include electronics, appliances, clothing, toys, and home goods. Hang also implemented e-commerce early on, launching Havan's website in 2003. Havan has over 170 stores across Brazil.

Philanthropy

Luciano Hang is involved in philanthropic activities and supports various social causes. In 2021, he donated 200 oxygen cylinders to hospitals in Manaus during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Career Milestones

1986

Co-founded Havan

Founded the Havan department store chain with Vanderlei de Limas, starting with a small fabric store in Brusque.

1989

Expanded Havan

Moved the store to a new location in Brusque due to rapid growth and diversification of products.

1995

Opened first branch outside Brusque

Opened the first Havan branch outside Brusque, in Curitiba, Paraná.

2003

Launched E-commerce

Launched the Havan website, entering the digital environment.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Healthcare

COVID-19 Relief

Undisclosed

Donated 200 oxygen cylinders to hospitals in Manaus during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Controversies & Challenges

2022

Investigation for alleged coup support

Federal Police of Brazil carried out search and seizure warrants on his properties due to alleged support for a potential coup to support Jair Bolsonaro.

Unknown

Attacks on Federal University of Santa Maria

Luciano Hang stated that federal universities "form zombies and communists".