Early Life
Iris Balbina Fontbona González was born in Chile in 1942 or 1943. Details about her early life are limited, as she maintains a low public profile. She attended a Catholic high school and later married Andrónico Luksic Abaroa at the age of 20.
Rise to Success
Iris Fontbona's prominence in the business world came after the death of her husband, Andrónico Luksic Abaroa, in 2005. She inherited a vast business empire, which she and her family have since expanded. This empire includes significant holdings in mining through Antofagasta PLC, a company listed on the London Stock Exchange. The family also controls Quiñenco, a publicly-traded conglomerate with diverse interests in banking, beverages, and shipping.
Key Business Strategies
The Fontbona family's business strategy has focused on maintaining a diversified portfolio and a long-term growth perspective. Jean-Paul Luksic is the chairman of Antofagasta. Major decisions impacting the company require her approval. The family has also invested in real estate and industrial projects in Chile and abroad.
Philanthropy
Iris Fontbona is known for her philanthropic contributions, particularly in Chile. In 2015, she made a record donation of approximately $3.9 million to the Chilean Telethon. In 2016, she donated approximately $5.5 million to the same event, setting new fundraising records.