Latin Trade Announces The Winners Of The 2012 18th Annual BRAVO Business Awards

MIAMI, Oct. 1, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Latin Trade, the premier business source covering Latin America and the Caribbean, today announced all the honorees who will be recognized at the 2012 18^th Annual BRAVO Business Awards, to be held on October 26 in Miami.

H.E. Miguel Juan Sebastian Pinera, president of Chile, will be recognized as Leader of the Year for his superior efforts and continued commitment in positioning Chile at the economic, social and political forefront of the Latin American investment market. Carlos Slim Domit, chairman of the board of Telmex, Grupo Carso and Grupo Sanborns and cochairman of America Movil, will be the recipient of the Investor of the Year award, in recognition of his key role in creating investment opportunities leading to sustainable economic growth in Mexico and the region. Raul Calfat, CEO of The Votorantim Group (Votorantim), will be acknowledged as CEO of the Year for his executive leadership at the helm of one of the largest conglomerates in Latin America, contributing to the company's evolvement into a regional and global multi-business leader. Julio Velarde Flores, Gov., Central Reserve Bank of Peru, is the recipient of the Distinguished Service of the Year award for his commitment to building Peru's economy, positioning the country as a hub for Latin American investment.

"Since its inception, the BRAVO Business Awards has recognized exceptional business, government and social leaders who have raised industry standards in Latin America and the region," said Latin Trade Executive Director, Rosemary Winters. "We're once again proud to honor and bring together such an esteemed group of individuals at this year's 18^th annual event."

The Latin Trade BRAVO Business Awards recognizes the accomplishments of government, business and social leaders in Latin America and the Caribbean. Winners are selected by a group of judges from a pool of candidates nominated by Latin Trade magazine readers and third parties. The magazine's editorial team consults with leading international experts and BRAVO Council Ambassadors to select honorees who are recognized at a black-tie gala held at the Four Seasons Hotel in Miami. Winners are also featured in the September/October issue of Latin Trade.

Prior to the BRAVO Business Awards gala, the Latin Trade Symposium, the preeminent forum for discussion and innovation exclusive to business and government decision makers, will showcase the leaders and organizations that have been key to the economic success of the region. The event is organized in partnership with the Inter-American Development Bank and the Americas Society/Council of the Americas. The Latin Trade Symposium is attended by a select group of business, humanitarian and government leaders who gather to discuss and debate thought-provoking issues affecting the Americas.

Earlier this year, Latin Trade announced the first group of corporate leaders to be honored at this year's 18^th Annual BRAVO Business Awards.

2012 List of Winners:

Leader of the Year – H.E. Miguel Juan Sebastian Pinera – President of Chile

As President of Chile, Pinera has played an instrumental role in the advancement of the country, making him one of the most visible heads of state in the region. His contributions to increasing government, economic and social sustainability have allowed Chile to be a concourse for Latin American investment. Pinera is also recognized for his unparalleled accomplishments in leading the reconstruction of the country after the devastating 2010 earthquake that left thousands disenfranchised. In addition, he directed the remarkable rescue operation of the 33 Chilean miners who spent more than two months underground.

Investor of the Year – Carlos Slim Domit – Chairman of the Board of Telmex, Grupo Carso and Grupo Sanborns and CoChairman of America Movil.

Carlos Slim Domit is recognized for being a key player in creating investment opportunities and economic growth in Mexico and abroad. His vision and entrepreneurship make him a leading contributor to the development of ventures that highlight the strength of the business landscape in Latin America and the Caribbean. Carlos Slim Domit has been involved in diverse projects which include the acquisition of YPF S.A. shares, and a recent deal with America Movil to invest in infrastructure improvements for its network across Latin America as well as bond its strategy with its two European investment targets through its stakes in KPN and Telekom Austria AG.

CEO Lifetime Achievement Award – Juan Benavides – Falabella 

The award wishes to acknowledge his lasting influence on the retail industry in Latin America as leader of one of the largest companies in Chile and the second largest operator of retail chains in Latin America. The award recognizes his trajectory since 1995 as well as his leadership and dedication to the consolidation of Falabella in the region. Under Benavides' leadership, Falabella has grown exponentially in the region, expanding beyond its flagship Falabella department stores, adding Mall Plaza shopping centers, Tottus supermarkets, Banco de Falabella banks, and Sodimac home improvement centers.

CEO of the Year – Raul Calfat – Votorantim

As CEO of one of the largest industrial conglomerates in Latin America, Calfat contributed to the evolution of Votorantim from a regional leader to a global powerhouse. Under his direction, the company began operating in several continents, becoming one of the first Brazilian companies with global operations in both established and emerging markets. This steady international expansion has allowed Votorantim to generate value for its stakeholders through a reputable management structure that has improved practices, fostered talents and increased socio-environmental responsibility.

Financier of the Year – David Bojanini Garcia – Grupo de Inversiones Suramericana, GRUPO SURA

Following the acquisition of Dutch group ING's Latin American pension and insurance portfolio, Bojanini Garcia successfully positioned GRUPO SURA as one of the leading providers of financial services in the region. He is also responsible for the largest acquisition of a foreign company ever executed by a Colombian business.

Entrepreneurial CEO of the Year – Alejandro Ramirez Magana – Cinepolis

Ramirez Magana leads Cinepolis, the largest film exhibition company in Latin America and the fourth largest globally. Under his direction, the organization has expanded into international markets, making Cinepolis the film industry leader in more than 10 countries around the world. Additionally, Ramirez Magana is President of the Cinepolis Foundation, which aims at providing support to underprivileged sectors in Latin America. His innovative work in social responsibility has also led to his participation in organizations such as Mexicanos Primero and The World Economic Forum, where he became the first Latin American entrepreneur to serve as co-chair.

International CEO of the Year – Andres Gluski – AES Corporation

While at the helm of one of the world's leading power companies, Gluski's leadership has encompassed an extensive international perspective. His vast international experience has allowed him to transcend national and regional boundaries to continuously raise the bar for excellence in the industry.

Distinguished Service of the Year – Julio Velarde – Central Bank of Peru

Governor Velarde is president of the Central Bank of Peru, and is an instrumental contributor to furthering Peru's economy, helping develop the country as an emerging market for Latin American investment. Since 2006, Gov. Velarde is regarded for the implementation of his remarkable macroeconomic policy, which helped the country avoid economic collapse during the 2009 global economic crisis.

Social Sustainability Leader of the Year – Douglas Orane – GraceKennedy Limited

Orane is the first Jamaican national to be recognized as a BRAVO Business Awards winner. As non-executive Chairman of GraceKennedy Limited, one of the world's premier Caribbean food and drink companies, Orane helped develop the company's operations, positioning GraceKennedy Limited as a model of ethical and social sustainability.

For more information, please visit www.bravo.latintrade.com.

Latin Trade Symposium and BRAVO Business Awards Sponsors: HSBC, InterContinental Hotels Group, Copa Airlines, Marriott Hotels and Resorts, Zenith, CAF-Development Bank of Latin America, AES, Charles Schwab and Kroll.

Partner: Ashoka.

Media Partners: CNN en Espanol, Financial Times, PR Newswire.

Communications: Republica.

Latin Trade Group develops and publishes award-winning content in Spanish and English for distribution throughout Latin America, the Caribbean and the United States through print and online media sources, while providing access and information through events marketing.

Media Contact:
Jose Cano
Republica
[email protected]
786-347-4721

SOURCE Latin Trade Group