- Institutional
Obituary - Abilio Diniz, FGV Professor

The Getulio Vargas Foundation received, with extreme sorrow, the news of the passing of its professor and former student, Abilio Diniz, at the age of 87. Founder of the Pão de Açúcar Group and a leader in numerous other ventures throughout his life, Diniz leaves behind a legacy of his journey as an entrepreneur, which has inspired millions of people in Brazil and around the world.
Abilio Diniz's story intersected with that of FGV back in the 1950s when he enrolled as a student in the undergraduate program in Business Administration at the School of Business Administration of São Paulo (FGV EAESP) in 1956. Just three years later, alongside his father, he founded the Pão de Açúcar supermarket, which would become the largest retail chain in Latin America in the following decades.
As a successful and admired entrepreneur in Brazil and worldwide, he conceived the Leadership 360° specialization course, offered by FGV Executive Education since 2010. This program has been responsible for training thousands of Brazilian entrepreneurs based on the teachings and business vision of a highly capable and special entrepreneur.
FGV extends its deepest condolences and sympathies to his family and friends. The wake will be open to the public this Monday, February 19, from 11 am to 3 pm, at the Noble Hall of Morumbi Stadium, in the city of São Paulo.