Zambrano family

The Zambrano family has been one of Mexico’s leading entrepreneurial families for more than 165 years. Today, they are best known for their controlling interest in Cemex, the world’s second-largest building materials manufacturer. The family foray into business started with Gregorio Zambrano Guajardo who co-founded the first textile mill in the region in 1854. His son, Lorenzo Hormisdas Zambrano Gutiérrez, launched a building materials company in 1920, which would merge to create Cementos Mexicanos in 1931. The company began to thrive in the third generation when Lorenzo Hormisdas Zambrano Treviño took the helm. Lorenzo first joined Cemex in 1968 at the age of 24. He learned the business for 17 years before taking over as CEO in 1985. He is largely credited with developing and executing the strategy that enabled Cemex to grow from a regional operation to a global one. During his time, he oversaw 16 major acquisitions that gave Cemex a truly global presence. Lorenzo was also responsible for many of the family’s philanthropic efforts including long-time service with Monterrey Museum of Modern Art (MARCO). Following his sudden passing in 2014, his cousin Rogelio Zambrano succeeded him a Chairman of the Board for Cemex.