Jorge Paulo Lemann
Brazil
Net Worth
$12B
Source of Wealth
3G Capital
Global Rank
#85 of 100
About Jorge Paulo Lemann
Jorge Paulo Lemann is Brazil's most accomplished business builder and one of the most influential investors in the global consumer goods industry. As a co-founder of 3G Capital alongside Marcel Telles and Carlos Alberto Sicupira, Lemann has orchestrated some of the largest and most transformative deals in business history, including the acquisitions of Anheuser-Busch, Burger King, Tim Hortons, and the merger of Kraft and Heinz. His partnership-driven, meritocratic approach to business has created enormous value and influenced a generation of entrepreneurs and investors worldwide.
Born in Rio de Janeiro to a Swiss-Brazilian family, Lemann studied economics at Harvard University and was a nationally ranked tennis player who competed at Wimbledon. He brought the same competitive drive and discipline to business, founding Banco Garantia in 1971 and modeling it after Goldman Sachs — emphasizing meritocracy, partnership, and performance. The bank became a breeding ground for Brazil's most talented financiers and business leaders, and the culture Lemann established there became the template for all his subsequent ventures.
Lemann's investment philosophy centers on acquiring strong brands, installing world-class management, and relentlessly improving operational efficiency. His ability to identify talented operators and empower them to drive results has been the cornerstone of his success. Beyond business, Lemann has been a passionate supporter of education in Brazil, co-founding Fundacao Lemann and Fundacao Estudar, which have provided scholarships and educational resources to thousands of Brazilian students. His belief that education is the key to Brazil's future has driven decades of generous giving to educational causes.
Key Achievements
Anheuser-Busch InBev Creation
Orchestrated the acquisitions and mergers that created AB InBev, the world's largest brewer, including the landmark $52 billion acquisition of Anheuser-Busch in 2008.
3G Capital Empire
Co-founded 3G Capital and built it into one of the most successful private equity firms in history, known for transformative deals in the consumer goods sector.
Kraft Heinz Merger
Engineered the merger of Kraft and Heinz to create one of the world's largest food and beverage companies, partnering with Berkshire Hathaway.
Educational Philanthropy in Brazil
Co-founded Fundacao Lemann and Fundacao Estudar, providing scholarships and educational programs that have benefited thousands of Brazilian students.
Meritocratic Business Culture
Pioneered a performance-driven, meritocratic corporate culture starting with Banco Garantia that became a model for Brazilian business and influenced management practices globally.
Notable Quotes
“A big dream with a good team and a lot of determination can accomplish incredible things.”
— Jorge Paulo Lemann
“The best investment you can make is in yourself and in the people around you.”
— Jorge Paulo Lemann
“I always looked for people who were better than me. If you surround yourself with talented, driven people, extraordinary things happen.”
— Jorge Paulo Lemann
Key Decisions
Founded Banco Garantia, modeling it after Goldman Sachs with a meritocratic partnership culture that became legendary in Brazilian finance.
Acquired Brahma beer, beginning the consolidation of Brazil's brewing industry that would eventually lead to the creation of the world's largest brewer.
Co-founded 3G Capital with Marcel Telles and Carlos Alberto Sicupira, creating the investment vehicle for their most ambitious global acquisitions.
Led the $52 billion acquisition of Anheuser-Busch, the largest all-cash acquisition in history at the time, creating the world's dominant brewing company.
Partnered with Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway to merge Kraft and Heinz, creating one of the largest food companies in North America.
Explore More
See how Glen Bradford applies these principles to his own investing. Long Fannie Mae & Freddie Mac junior preferred — and not going anywhere.