Tireless, inspiring and brilliant: entrepreneurs and managers mourn the passing of Abilio Diniz

Tireless, inspiring and brilliant: entrepreneurs and managers mourn the passing of Abilio Diniz


Partners, friends and rivals remember the Brazilian retail giant, who died this Sunday

The death of Abilio Diniz, one of the most recognized and successful Brazilian entrepreneurs, has been appreciated by leading Brazilian entrepreneurs and executives. Read some statements about the person who was of great importance in the creation of the group SugarloafWe are one of the largest forces in Brazilian retail and have invested in and served on the boards of Carrefour and from BRFas well as being a great supporter of national sport.

Jean-Charles Naouri, president of the Casino Guichard-Perrachon group: “tireless entrepreneur”

“It is with profound sadness that I receive the news of the passing of Abilio Diniz, with whom I had the privilege of living for almost two decades. In this moment of pain, I would first of all like to sympathize with his family, to whom Abílio dedicated himself for Throughout his life Abílio was a tireless entrepreneur who, above all, never abandoned his optimism for Brazil. His legacy will always be remembered as one of the biggest names in food retailing in the world.”

Stephane Maquaire, president of Grupo Carrefour Brasil: “I feel the pain of losing a source of inspiration”

Today is a very sad day for me, very much so.

On the day in which the Carrefour Brasil Group loses the vice president of its board of directors and the country loses one of its most admired entrepreneurs, I also feel the pain of losing someone who, for almost three years, has been a partner and collaborator, a source of inspiration and learning. Most of all, a friend.

People like Abilio Diniz do not die: they remain alive forever, through the legacy and lessons they leave for society and all the individuals whose lives they have impacted.

Since I accepted the invitation to lead our company’s Brazilian operations in 2021, I have had leadership who has made important contributions to my mission leading the company.

But not only. Abilio was a source of life lessons. Abilio was passionate about living life with balance, wisdom, dedication and dedication to others. He loved his family, his friends and his country, to whose development he tirelessly dedicated himself in the most diverse ways. And he left a legacy that will never be erased.

I will be forever grateful to say that Abilio has not only been a part of my professional journey, but has also inspired me to strive to be someone better every day. And he will continue to inspire.”



Lucilia Diniz, Abilio’s sister: ‘He leaves a legacy of stubbornness’

“Abílio leaves us. He also leaves a legacy of persistence, job creation and wealth. He also leaves his example, which inspires his children, nieces and nephews to continue to engage and believe in this country.”

Luiza Helena Trajano, president of the board of directors of Luiza magazine: “A Brazilian who took a stand”

“Sadly, while Brazil loses a great leader, retail loses one of its greatest allies. A Brazilian who took a stand.”

Pão de Açúcar Group

“We deeply regret the loss of entrepreneur Abilio Diniz. His significant contribution to the growth and consolidation of Brazilian retail is undeniable, especially considering his history at GPA. His leadership and innovations have shaped the sector, positively impacting the national economy and inspiring generations. May his memory be honored and his legacy continue to inspire the Brazilian business community. Our condolences to his family and friends in this difficult time.”

Casas Bahia

“With deep regret we received the news of the passing of the entrepreneur Abílio Diniz. Abílio was part of the former Via Varejo, now Grupo Casas Bahia, and contributed to building the history of our brand. May his legacy remain as an inspiration to all Our most sincere condolences to all the family and closest friends.”

Nizan Guanaes, founder of N. Ideeas

“Abilio is one of the greatest influences in my life. He went from being a great businessman to becoming a reference in other human dimensions. How many different generations he influenced! I’m so sad that I don’t even know how to speak properly. We have lost Abílio who was great and Bilo, who was even greater than Abilio.”

Rubens Menin, founder of MRV and CNN Brasil

“Today, Brazil bids farewell to one of its brightest and most inspiring personalities. Everywhere he went, Abilio Diniz created opportunities and transformed realities. At CNN Brasil, we were fortunate enough to witness and participate in one of his many reinventions: how interviewer, called leaders from the most diverse fields to discuss the future of Brazil, a country he loved so much and for which he worked so hard. In addition to being a brilliant manager, Abilio was a great philanthropist and encouraged numerous other entrepreneurs to form a powerful chain of solidarity during the pandemic. An irreparable loss. My deepest condolences to the family and friends.”

Fábio Barbosa, CEO of Natura &Co

“A great entrepreneur, a great leader, a great Brazilian. He has always invested in Brazil and has done a lot for a better country. He leaves a void.”

Walter Schalka, president of Suzano

“Very sad to lose a great Brazilian, who has always invested in Brazil with great determination and confidence, creating opportunities for many!”

Luiz Lara, president of the Advertising Market Self-Regulation Forum Cenp Meios

“It is incredible that we lost Abilio Diniz at the age of 87. I always imagined that he would reach 100 years old. He had incredible energy, tireless persistence and a permanent ability to reinvent himself. He built the history of retail in Brazil. He was an industrialist, a business leader, investor and philanthropist, always making plans and developing projects for the future. An ace and beloved native of São Paulo, who loved his family and sports. A maverick who always fought for his beliefs and values. He leaves a spectacular legacy and the feeling that I would always have done so much more.”

San Paolo football club

“With the deepest regret, the São Paulo Futebol Clube regrets the death of businessman and distinguished native of São Paulo Abílio Diniz, at the age of 87. He was a victim of respiratory failure due to pneumonia.

An entrepreneur, Abílio became an important public figure on the national scene, and was always present in the São Paulo environment, bringing knowledge and many admirers.

Saint Paul officially declares three days of mourning and wishes strength to friends and family.”

Marcia Esteves, president of the Brazilian Association of Advertising Agencies

“A huge loss for our country. His legacy will be remembered by all who followed his incredible entrepreneurial journey and will continue to inspire generations. We express our condolences to his family, friends and colleagues in this difficult time .”

Marcelo Rech, executive president of the National Association of Newspapers: ‘Abilio has maintained a respectful relationship with the press’

“Few businessmen in the history of Brazil have been so frequently a source of news. In good and bad moments of his exemplary career, Abílio Diniz maintained a respectful relationship with the press, valuing journalists and considering his activity as a contribution to a more just world and a more just and developed society.”

Sérgio Gordilho, partner of the Africa agency: “Steel businessman with a giant heart”

“We lost Abílio. A huge loss for all of us. The steel businessman with the giant heart who never lost the motivation to transform Brazil into a better Brazil.

He leaves us with this bold entrepreneur, successful businessman, generous philanthropist, devoted sportsman, passionate about life, family, Geyze and protagonist in paving the way towards the future of our country. But his example and his lessons remain that will continue to inspire and guide generations.”

Cesar Bochi, CEO of Sicredi: ‘National reference for entrepreneurship’

“I am very sorry for the passing of this national reference in entrepreneurship, who actively contributed to the economic development of Brazil. Abilio Diniz leaves a very strong example of work, determination, discipline and energy.”

Source: Terra

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