Early Life
Luis Carlos Sarmiento Angulo was born in Bogotá, Colombia, on January 27, 1933. Growing up in a period of societal and political change in Colombia, he showed an early interest in academics, particularly mathematics. This led him to study civil engineering at the National University of Colombia, from which he graduated with distinction.
Rise to Success
Sarmiento began his career in the construction industry in the 1950s, building residential and commercial developments. He established his own construction firm and quickly gained a reputation for delivering high-quality work, contributing to Colombia's modernization efforts by building roads, bridges, and buildings. His most significant contributions came in the financial sector, where he began acquiring banks and financial institutions in the 1970s. This strategic move led to the creation of Grupo Aval, the largest banking conglomerate in Colombia. Under his leadership, Grupo Aval expanded into Central America, becoming a regional powerhouse.
Key Business Strategies
Sarmiento's business philosophy emphasized customer trust, innovation, and financial inclusion, enabling millions of Colombians to access banking services. He is known for his conservative management style, which helped Grupo Aval survive the worst recession in Colombia's history. His strategic acquisitions and investments in the financial sector, along with his focus on customer service, have been key to his success.
Philanthropy
Sarmiento has been a prominent advocate for social development and philanthropy throughout his career. Through the Fundación Luis Carlos Sarmiento Angulo, he has supported initiatives in education, healthcare, and poverty alleviation. He donated 400 apartments to families affected by Colombia's torrential rain and landslides in 2012. In 2020, he donated 80 billion Colombian pesos to assist families in need and to procure medical equipment and tests during the COVID-19 pandemic.
