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Billionaire Profile
Rubens Ometto Silveira Mello
Global Rank
#2468

Image: Public domain | via Wikimedia Commons

Rubens Ometto Silveira Mello

CEO, Cosan S.A.
BR
Real-Time Net Worth
$1.5B
As of December 2025
Age
75
Source
Sugar, ethanol
Industry
energy
Citizenship
BR

Biography

Rubens Ometto Silveira Mello, a prominent Brazilian businessman, is the Chairman of Raízen and Cosan. Born in 1950, he has significantly impacted the sugar and ethanol industry. Mello's career includes a financial director role at Votorantim Group and a pivotal role in transforming Cosan into a global leader. His leadership has been instrumental in promoting sugarcane ethanol as a renewable fuel, and his net worth is estimated at $1.5 billion. Mello is recognized for his contributions, earning awards and the moniker "the tractor" for his strategic and decisive approach to business. His source of wealth is primarily from sugar and ethanol, and he is a director of UNICA, the Brazilian sugarcane industry association.

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life

Rubens Ometto Silveira Mello was born in Piracicaba, Brazil, in 1950. He graduated from the University of São Paulo with a degree in production and mechanical engineering. His early career included an internship at Unibanco.

Rise to Success

Mello's career took off when he joined Votorantim Group as a financial director, and later he became CEO of Cosan, succeeding his father. Under his leadership, Cosan grew into a major sugar and ethanol producer. He is credited with transforming Cosan from a small sugar and ethanol producer into a global leader in the industry. He acquired the Esso fuel distribution plants in Brazil and created a joint venture with Shell, Raízen.

Key Business Strategies

Mello's key business strategies involved strategic acquisitions and expansions. He has been instrumental in promoting sugarcane ethanol as a renewable fuel and expanding Cosan's operations through acquisitions and partnerships. He is the chairman of Raízen, a joint venture between Cosan and Shell.

Philanthropy

In 2022, he donated R$4 million to the NGO Gerando Falcões, which works to combat hunger and transform vulnerable communities.

Career Milestones

1970s

Early Career

Worked at Unibanco and as a financial director at Votorantim Group.

1986

Took Over Family Business

Assumed leadership of Cosan, transforming it into a major player in the sugar and ethanol industry.

2008

CEO of Cosan

Became CEO of Cosan, succeeding his father.

2010

Created Raízen

Formed a joint venture with Shell.

2023

Chairman of Raízen

Became Chairman of Raízen.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Social Impact

Gerando Falcões

$0.8B

Donated to the NGO that works to combat hunger and transform vulnerable communities.

Business Philosophy & Leadership

Notable Quotes

"We have to recognize merits where they are, and stop complaining about what could have been better."

Leadership Principles

Strategic Vision

Focusing on growth, professionalization and market expansion through acquisitions and partnerships.

Family Business Management

Keeping family out of company operations.