Billionaire Profile
Ricardo Salinas Pliego & family
Global Rank
#1174

Image: Unsplash Contributor | Unsplash License | via Unsplash

Ricardo Salinas Pliego & family

CEO, Retail
MEXICO
Real-Time Net Worth
$3.685B
Estimated based on Retail stock value as of April 20, 2026
0% (24h)
Age
70
Source
Retail, media
Industry
Fashion & Retail
Citizenship
MEXICO

Biography

Ricardo Salinas Pliego is a prominent Mexican businessman, the founder and chairman of Grupo Salinas, a conglomerate with interests in telecommunications, media, financial services, and retail. Born in Mexico City on October 19, 1955, he is currently 70 years old. His career began with a CPA degree from the Instituto Tecnológico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey (ITESM) and an MBA from Tulane University. Salinas Pliego transformed Elektra into Mexico's largest consumer-finance company and has played a significant role in the development of Mexico's telecommunications and media industries, notably through TV Azteca. As of March 2024, his estimated net worth is $3.5 Billion.

Fact Checked
Verified by Editorial Team
Live Data
Updated 4/20/2026

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life and Education

Ricardo Benjamín Salinas Pliego was born in Mexico City on October 19, 1955. He graduated as a CPA from the Instituto Tecnológico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey (ITESM) in 1977. He furthered his education by earning an MBA from Tulane University in 1979.

Rise to Success

Salinas Pliego's career began in 1981 when he joined Elektra as an import manager. He became the CEO of Grupo Elektra in 1987, succeeding his father, Hugo Salinas Price. Under his leadership, Elektra expanded and became Mexico's largest consumer-finance company. He also acquired Imevisión, which was later renamed TV Azteca.

Key Business Strategies

Salinas Pliego's business strategy involved targeting lower middle-income consumers, providing them access to credit and financial services through Banco Azteca to purchase goods from Elektra stores. He has been involved in significant acquisitions and mergers in the telecommunications industry, including Iusacell and Unefón.

Philanthropy

Salinas Pliego established Fundación Azteca, which focuses on health, education, and environmental protection. He has also been involved in initiatives to support social well-being in Hispanic communities.

Career Milestones

1981

Import Manager, Elektra

Began his career at Elektra as an import manager.

1987

CEO, Grupo Elektra

Became CEO of Grupo Elektra, transforming the company.

1993

Founder, TV Azteca

Acquired Imevisión and renamed it TV Azteca.

2002

Founder, Banco Azteca

Founded Banco Azteca to serve underserved populations.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Social Initiatives

Fundación Azteca

Undisclosed

Focuses on health, education, and environmental protection.

Business Philosophy & Leadership

Notable Quotes

""Sell your home, buy Bitcoin""

""I have no shares other than those of my company, 70% is in bitcoin and 30% is in gold." "