Carlos Slim is widely recognized as the richest person in Mexico and one of the most influential billionaires across Latin America, with his fortune estimated at $78 billion as of 2025. Born on January 28, 1940, Slim has built an impressive business empire over many decades, beginning with the foundation of Grupo Carso back in 1965.
According to Forbes, Slim’s outstanding business acumen has allowed him to amass significant wealth. He first gained major stakes in high-profile companies during the 1980s, including the visible acquisition of the Sanborns chain and the establishment of control over Telmex around 1990. These strategic decisions laid the foundation for his current multi-billion-dollar fortune.
At the heart of Slim’s financial success is América Móvil, his telecommunications giant, which includes subsidiaries such as Telcel and Claro. This company generated net profits of nearly $80.8 billion in 2023 alone. Slim holds around 8.4% of the company's stock, allowing him and his family to maintain substantial influence within this remarkable enterprise.
Beyond his corporate endeavors, Slim's legacy also involves his family. He has six children: Carlos, Johanna, Marco Antonio, Soumaya, Vanessa, and Patrick, who play active roles within various segments of his business empire. Carlos, for example, is the chairman of América Móvil and Telmex, steering the company through its complex telecommunications ventures.
Each of his children has their own distinct role within the family businesses. Johanna heads educational programs at Fundación Slim and is married to businessman Arturo Elías Ayub. Marco Antonio is the CEO of Grupo Financiero Inbursa and serves on notable boards such as BlackRock. The contributions of Slim's children hint at the deep-seated traditions of entrepreneurial spirit within the family.
While Slim’s business pursuits often dominate headlines, his family's public presence at events also garners significant attention. The recent marriages of three of Slim's grandchildren hint at their growing prominence. Johanna Elías recently announced her engagement to Arturo Maldonado, and Ana Isabel Slim married Pepe Chedraui Budib. Each moment contributes to the narrative of the Slim dynasty, intertwining their personal lives with their business legacy.
Looking forward, Grupo Carso continues to expand. According to Arturo Spíndola, the company plans to open 10 to 15 new Sanborns stores throughout Mexico by 2025. This bold move reflects Slim's long-standing commitment to increasing accessibility to his brands across the nation.
Slim's influence stretches far beyond the figures on his bank statements. His role as both businessman and patriarch highlights the integration of family and finance within the narrative of wealth accumulation. Notably, his family's privacy often results in speculation about romances and relationships among his grandchildren, who are among Mexico's most eligible bachelors.
Despite his significant wealth, Carlos Slim remains grounded, emphasizing the importance of strategic long-term planning over fleeting trends. His experiences mirror the story of many successful entrepreneurs: resilience, vision, and the capacity to adapt to changing economic landscapes.
At 85 years of age, Carlos Slim exemplifies the potential for family legacy intertwined with business innovation. Even as he approaches his birthday, his presence continues to shape not only Mexico's economy but also the lives of those around him. The future of Slim's enterprises appears secure, with his children being prepared to carry on his tremendous influence.
With every expansion and every new venture, one must wonder how much longer Slim will continue to lead the charge against competitors, and how his legacy will be viewed by future generations. His success personifies the spirit of entrepreneurship, redefining what it means to be truly wealthy—not just economically but as part of one’s community and family. It’s evident Carlos Slim is not just the richest man in Mexico—he has become a symbol of possibility.