The co-founder of Grupo Bimbo , Roberto Servitje Sendra , passed away this Thursday, July 17, at the age of 97, according to what was announced by Monsignor Francisco Javier Acero, auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Mexico, who was close to the Mexican businessman, although the company has not yet given details either on its networks or on its website.
Originally from Mexico City, Servitje, who was born in 1928, entered the business world at a very young age. At 17, he joined the newly founded company Bimbo as a sales supervisor and later created and headed the Vehicle Department.
In 1954, he was offered the opportunity to open Bimbo Occidente in Guadalajara, Jalisco, and take over as general manager of the facility.
“He was responsible for opening the market in that city, León, and San Luis Potosí, establishing the factory in 1956, and developing the region’s commercial operations,” according to the company’s website.
In 1969 he traveled to Boston, United States, where he graduated from Harvard University in the Program Management Development course .
Upon his return to Mexico, he served as deputy director of the organization, holding this position for nine years. By the end of his term in 1978, the Bimbo Organization already had 13 factories, according to Bimbo’s website.
In 1979, he was appointed CEO of Grupo Bimbo, and in 1990, he assumed the position of executive chairman.
“During his tenure, the group expanded, creating 24 operating companies, bringing the total to 50.”
In 1994, he was appointed Chairman of the Board of Directors and took over as President of Grupo Bimbo, a position he held until 2013.
Just this Thursday morning, Grupo Bimbo announced an investment of more than two billion dollars (mdd) in Mexico starting this year and continuing through 2028, which will be used to modernize its production plants and expand its vehicle fleet, said José Manuel González Guzmán, CEO of Bimbo México.
Marcelo Ebrard, head of the Ministry of Economy , lamented the death of the Mexican businessman on his X account and highlighted the commitment he always maintained to the development of Mexico.
The Mexican bakery has 38 plants in the country, which are part of the 116 factories it has in North America, with a total of 203 production facilities worldwide, according to company information. By the end of 2024, it will have a fleet of more than 7,500 vehicles powered by alternative energy, according to the company’s annual report.
Main image taken from grupobimbo.com .
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