Early Life
Miguel Gellert Krigsner was born in La Paz, Bolivia, on January 9, 1950, to a Jewish family. His parents, Jacob and Anneliese Krigsner, fled Nazi Germany to seek refuge in Bolivia. In 1961, at the age of 11, Miguel and his family moved to Curitiba, Brazil. In Curitiba, he developed an interest in pharmacy and biochemistry.
Rise to Success
After graduating with a degree in Pharmacy and Biochemistry from the Federal University of Paraná (UFPR) in 1975, Krigsner founded O Boticário in 1977. Initially a small compounding pharmacy, he started creating and selling his own perfumes and lotions. Krigsner's enterprise gained traction, leading to the opening of a second store at Afonso Pena International Airport in Curitiba. He utilized the franchising model, which allowed for rapid expansion across Brazil. By the late 1980s, O Boticário had hundreds of stores throughout the country. He served as CEO until 2008, when he transitioned to the Chairman of the Board.
Key Business Strategies
Krigsner's business strategy focused on quality, innovation, and a strong connection with consumers. He was an early adopter of franchising in Brazil, allowing for quick expansion. He was also known for building strong relationships with suppliers. Also, Krigsner emphasized sustainability. O Boticário was among the first to introduce refill systems and sustainable practices in manufacturing and retail operations.
Philanthropy
In 1990, Krigsner established the Fundação Grupo Boticário de Proteção à Natureza, a non-profit organization dedicated to the conservation of Brazilian biodiversity. The foundation has supported numerous environmental projects. Krigsner also helped create the Holocaust Museum in Curitiba.
