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Billionaire Profile
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Global Rank
#836

Image: Ricardo Mendes | CC BY 4.0 | via Wikimedia Commons

Walther Moreira Salles Junior

CEO, Banking
BRAZIL
Real-Time Net Worth
$5.05B
Estimated based on Banking stock value as of March 6, 2026
-0.25% (24h)
Age
69
Source
Banking, minerals
Industry
Finance & Investments
Citizenship
BRAZIL

Biography

Walther Moreira Salles Junior, born in 1956, is a prominent Brazilian filmmaker and producer. His estimated net worth is $4.97 billion, primarily derived from his stakes in banking and mineral resources. Salles is a member of one of Brazil's oldest banking families, with his father, Walther Moreira Salles, founding Unibanco. His career includes directing over 20 films, including 'The Motorcycle Diaries' and the Oscar-nominated 'Central Station.' He is the third richest filmmaker in the world. Salles is married and has one child, residing in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Fact Checked
Verified by Editorial Team
Live Data
Updated 3/6/2026

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life

Walther Moreira Salles Júnior was born on April 12, 1956, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. He spent his youth in France and the United States due to his father's diplomatic career. At 15, he returned to Brazil during the Emílio Garrastazu Médici dictatorship. Salles attended the University of Southern California's School of Cinematic Arts.

Rise to Success

Salles is a major figure in Brazilian cinema, often regarded as one of the greatest filmmakers. His breakthrough came with 'Central Station' (1998), which earned two Academy Award nominations. He has directed over 20 films, including 'The Motorcycle Diaries' (2004).

Key Business Strategies

Salles's wealth stems from his family's legacy in banking and their stake in CBMM, the world's leading supplier of niobium. The family's fortune was built through the banking industry with his grandfather, João Moreira Salles, founding Casa Bancaria Moreira Salles, and his father, Walther Moreira Salles, later rebranding the company as Unibanco.

Philanthropy

Salles's father launched the Moreira Salles Institute (IMS) in 1990-91, a non-profit organization promoting cultural projects.

Career Milestones

1987

Founded VideoFilmes

Co-founded the production company VideoFilmes with his brother, João Moreira Salles.

1998

Central Station

Directed the film 'Central Station,' which received critical acclaim and two Academy Award nominations.

2004

The Motorcycle Diaries

Directed 'The Motorcycle Diaries,' which gained international recognition.

2024

I'm Still Here

His film 'I'm Still Here' received a rare double nomination at the 97th Academy Awards and won for Best International Feature.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Culture

Moreira Salles Institute (IMS)

Undisclosed

His father launched this non-profit organization to promote cultural projects.

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