Olegario Vázquez Raña, Influential Mexican Businessman, Dies

Olegario Vázquez Raña, a prominent Mexican businessman and former Olympic athlete, passed away on Friday, March 28, 2025, at the age of 89. His death, confirmed by Grupo Imagen, marks the end of an era for one of Mexico's most influential figures in business, health, media, and sports.

Born on December 10, 1935, in Mexico City, Vázquez Raña was the son of Spanish immigrants. He began his career at a young age, working in his father's radio store at just nine years old. This early experience in commerce laid the groundwork for a remarkable entrepreneurial journey that would span several decades.

In the 1980s, Vázquez Raña founded Grupo Empresarial Ángeles, recently renamed Grupo Vazol. This conglomerate includes notable companies such as Hospitales Ángeles, Imagen Televisión, the newspaper Excélsior, Grupo Multiva, the Camino Real Hotels chain, and the pharmaceutical company Kener. Under his leadership, Hospitales Ángeles became a leader in private healthcare services in Mexico. In finance, Multiva emerged as a significant player in banking and insurance, while his media ventures significantly influenced public discourse.

Before his business achievements, Vázquez Raña was an accomplished sports shooter, representing Mexico in four Olympic Games: Tokyo 1964, Mexico 1968, Munich 1972, and Montreal 1976. His dedication to the sport led him to serve as president of the International Shooting Sport Federation for nearly 40 years, where he championed modernization and gender equity in competitions. He also held the position of honorary lifetime president of the Mexican Shooting Federation and served as vice president of the Mexican Sports Confederation from 1983 to 1992.

In a significant move for Mexican soccer, Vázquez Raña acquired the Querétaro Football Club in 2014, where he notably facilitated the signing of Brazilian star Ronaldinho, drawing international attention to Liga MX. His involvement in sports extended beyond mere ownership, as he actively promoted the development of athletic programs and facilities.

Vázquez Raña's commitment to social causes was evident through his work with the Mexican Red Cross, where he played a crucial role in modernizing the organization and promoting humanitarian actions, scholarships, and medical programs. His philanthropic efforts were characterized by a discreet but impactful approach, benefiting thousands and enhancing his reputation as a socially responsible leader.

Recognized for his contributions to both business and sports, Vázquez Raña was an honorary member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and received numerous accolades throughout his life. Since 2009, he entrusted the executive leadership of his business empire to his son, Olegario Vázquez Aldir, who currently leads Grupo Imagen and Grupo Vazol.

On the day of his passing, condolences poured in from various public figures and media outlets. Pascal Beltrán del Río, editorial director of Excélsior, expressed his sorrow on social media, stating, "With great sadness, I inform you that my dear boss, Mr. Olegario Vázquez Raña, passed away this morning. He leaves behind an enormous legacy in business, health, and sports. A singular figure in Mexico's history, a dear friend, I will miss him dearly. A hug to his entire family."

Journalist Ciro Gómez Leyva also mourned his loss, revealing that Vázquez Raña had been battling an illness for several months prior to his death. He noted, "He died peacefully, surrounded by his family... he leaves behind a story not just for the business world, but for the entire country."

Vázquez Raña is survived by his wife, María de los Ángeles Aldir, and his children Olegario, María de los Ángeles, and Mónica. His legacy as an entrepreneur, athlete, and philanthropist will undoubtedly leave an indelible mark on modern Mexican history.

The farewell ceremony for Olegario Vázquez Raña will take place on Friday, March 28, at 12:30 PM at the Doña María Raña de Vázquez Auditorium, located within Hospital Ángeles del Pedregal.

As the nation reflects on his life and contributions, Olegario Vázquez Raña will be remembered not only as a successful businessman and sports figure but also as a compassionate leader who understood the importance of social responsibility and community engagement.