Early Life
Iris Balbina Fontbona González was born in Antofagasta, Chile. She grew up in a Catholic family and attended a Catholic high school. At 17, she met Andrónico Luksic Abaroa, who was 15 years her senior, and they married a couple of years later.
Rise to Success
Iris Fontbona's rise to prominence began after the death of her husband, Andrónico Luksic Abaroa, in 2005. She inherited his business empire, which included Antofagasta PLC, a major copper mining company. Under her leadership, the family business grew, reaching new heights of success. Fontbona and her family control Antofagasta, which owns copper mines in Chile and trades on the London Stock Exchange. They also own a majority stake in Quiñenco, a Chilean conglomerate active in banking, beer, and manufacturing.
Key Business Strategies
Key strategies involve maintaining a significant presence in the copper mining sector through Antofagasta PLC. The company has diversified its holdings, including stakes in banking, beer, and manufacturing through Quiñenco. Jean-Paul Luksic is the current chairman of Antofagasta, while Andrónico Luksic, who headed up Quiñenco since 2013, stepped down in December 2023. Fontbona's leadership emphasizes collaboration, long-term growth, and innovation.
Philanthropy
Iris Fontbona is known for her philanthropy, particularly her support of the Chilean Telethon. She made record-breaking donations of $3.9 million in 2015 and $5.5 million in 2016. The family also runs the Fundación Familia Luksic, which supports educational, healthcare, sports, and entrepreneurship programs.