Former Votorantim chairman dies

Former chairman of Brazilian cement producer Votorantim, Dr Antônio Ermírio de Moraes has died. He was 86. The cause of death was heart failure.

Raul Calfat, chairman of Votorantim Participações (VPAR), said in a statement, “The history of Votorantim is directly related to the personal dedication and hard work of Dr Antônio, who served as an example and inspiration for its values, such as ethics, respect, and entrepreneurship.”

Votorantim is Brazil’s largest cement producer and is active in other parts of Latin America. Votorantim Group also has interests in the metals, paper and agribusiness sectors. The company was founded in 1919 by José Ermírio de Moraes, Dr Antônio Moraes’ father.

Dr Moraes joined Votorantim in 1949. His tenure as chairman in the 1980s is associated with the company’s internationalisation. He left the group in 2001 when he was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease.

Dr Moraes was also politically active. In 1986 he ran for governor of São Paulo state but was not successful. Among the issues he was associated with were the advancement of democracy, improvement of Brazil’s health services and the creation of employment opportunities.