André Bier Gerdau Johannpeter is a Brazilian businessman and former athlete born on March 17, 1963 (age 61) in Porto Alegre, Brazil. As remarkable as it sounds, he worked closely with his father at Gerdau, a major steel company, and also won a bronze medal at the 1996 Olympic Games.
Jorge Gerdau, André’s father, was responsible for continuing the Gerdau legacy, a company originally founded by his great-grandfather. The firm operates across the continent, and André took the reins in recent years to further its expansion.
His life story combines business leadership, sports achievements, academic milestones, and a pivotal role in the family business.
Academic background and early entry into the family business
After completing elementary and high school, André pursued a degree in Business Administration in Rio de Janeiro. This marked the beginning of his academic journey, which continued with a master’s degree in Business Administration in Toronto, Canada.
He also completed Business Administration and Marketing courses in the United States, rounding out a comprehensive educational profile.
At age 17, influenced by his father and still studying, André joined Gerdau. Due to his young age and lack of experience, he began as an operator assistant, where he started building his foundation in the industry.
The legacy of Jorge Gerdau and the company’s origins
Johann Kaspar Gerdau, of German descent, founded the company in 1901. Since then, it has passed from generation to generation. Jorge, André’s father, served as president from 1983 to 2006.
André joined the company in the years leading up to his father’s presidency, when the family name already carried significant weight within the organization.
Jorge played a vital role not only in the company but also in public service, including efforts to reduce the number of ministries in government—a move considered a political success at the time.
Founded in 1901, the company grew into a metallurgical leader and continues to operate across South and Central America today.
Business and sport: two pillars of the Gerdau family
The Gerdau name has deep ties to both business and sports. Jorge was a horse rider and surfing enthusiast, influencing his son’s path.
André Bier competed at the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta. At 33 years old and actively working at Gerdau Group, he earned a bronze medal in individual jumping. Four years later, at the Sydney Olympics, he won another.
Nine years after joining as an operator assistant, André became Executive Director, and shortly after, Director of Systems.
In the early 2000s, as the company was expanding internationally, he served as Vice President of Operations for North America.
During the final years of his father’s presidency, André remained active in various departments, eventually rising to the role of Chief Operating Officer.
Presidency and global recognition
In 2006, Jorge stepped down and André took over as president. A year earlier, the company had made one of its largest investments, acquiring a Spanish steel company for nearly 500 million euros.
Estimates suggest the company produces around 25,000 tons of steel annually. It has multiple shareholders and is listed on both the U.S. and Brazilian stock exchanges.
In addition to his presidency, André joined several of Gerdau’s internal committees.
One of the major changes during his tenure was the company’s exit from Chile. After years of operating in the country, Gerdau sold its Chilean business to local investors.
Such was the success of his leadership that the World Steel Association recognized his contributions shortly before he stepped down in 2018.
Current role and global impact
After leaving the presidency, André’s experience was valued so highly that he was appointed president of the World Steel Association in 2018, succeeding a Japanese executive. Today, he is part of the organization’s executive leadership.
From joining the company at 17 to becoming one of the most influential names in metallurgy, André Bier Gerdau Johannpeter has built a notable career. His dual legacy as both a business leader and Olympic medalist underscores his unique profile.
Currently, he leads the World Steel Association, drawing on his decades of experience in the steel industry and continuing the Gerdau legacy from a global perspective.