CEO of the Year
May 29, 2008
Brazil’s most famous adventure capitalist seeks to become the world’s richest man via high stakes natural resource bets. Critics are wary of his track record as a flipper. by Dan Shirai
The X FactorEike Batista plans to be the richest man in the world by polishing diamonds from the rough of Brazil’s critical sectors – infrastructure, power, mining and oil and gas – and significantly multiplying their value. Just a few years ago, this would have appeared woefully quixotic. But maverick Brazilian businessman Batista’s quest is underpinned by an increasingly impressive track record, as well as real and rapidly appreciating assets on the ground.“We are serial company makers,” Batista tells LatinFinance in an exclusive interview. “Investors like to invest in specialized vehicles dedicated to a specific sector.”Batista – typically referred to by his first name – has earned Brazilian household name status during a 30-year career colored by daredevil sports, tumultuous personal relationships and high stakes business gambles. Until just five years ago, he was better known for a relationship with one of Brazil’s most famous actresses and Playboy models. Sporting...
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