Billionaire Profile
Walther Moreira Salles Junior
Global Rank
#820

Image: Public domain | via Wikimedia Commons

Walther Moreira Salles Junior

CEO, Itaú Unibanco
BR
Real-Time Net Worth
$4.9B
As of December 2025
Age
69
Source
Banking, minerals
Industry
finance-investments
Citizenship
BR

Biography

Walther Moreira Salles Junior, born on April 12, 1956, is a Brazilian filmmaker with a net worth of $4.9 billion. His wealth stems from banking, minerals, and his significant stake in Itau Unibanco. He is a member of one of Brazil's oldest banking families. His career includes directing over 20 films, including 'Central Station' and 'The Motorcycle Diaries'. Salles has a degree from the University of Southern California. He is married and has one child.

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life

Walther Moreira Salles Junior was born on April 12, 1956, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. His father, Walter Moreira Salles, was a diplomat and the founder of Unibanco and also served as the former ambassador to the United States. Salles lived in the United States and France during his childhood due to his father's diplomatic work.

Rise to Success

Salles attended the University of Southern California's School of Cinematic Arts. He is a well-known filmmaker, recognized for his films 'Central Station', which earned him international acclaim, and 'The Motorcycle Diaries'. In 2008, Unibanco merged with Banco Itaú, creating Itaú Unibanco, the largest bank in Latin America.

Key Business Strategies

Salles's family owns stakes in CBMM, the world's leading supplier of the mineral niobium. His source of wealth is primarily attributed to banking and minerals.

Philanthropy

Information regarding specific philanthropy amounts could not be found through the search.

Career Milestones

1995

Film 'Terra Estrangeira' (Foreign Land)

Released the film 'Terra Estrangeira' which was recognized at over 40 film festivals worldwide.

1998

Film 'Central Station'

Directed 'Central Station', which earned international acclaim and two Academy Award nominations.

2004

Film 'The Motorcycle Diaries'

Directed 'The Motorcycle Diaries', which became a box-office hit in Latin America and Europe.