Carlos Pedro Blaquier is an Argentine businessman best known for having served as president of Ledesma, Argentina’s leading sugar producer, from 1970 to 2014. By 2015, his fortune was estimated at 4.2 billion dollars.
Early life and education
Born in 1927, Blaquier came from a French family. He studied at Colegio Champagnat and graduated from the Higher Institute of Philosophy. He held a doctorate in Law and Social Sciences and was awarded an honorary doctorate in Philosophy by the Pontifical Lateran University of Rome.
Business career
Blaquier continued the legacy of his father-in-law, Herminio Arrieta, at Ledesma, transforming the sugar mill—which had already incorporated a paper factory—into a company of major national importance.
The organization was modernized under his leadership, expanding its operations to become not only Argentina’s top sugar producer but also the country’s sole manufacturer of coated paper and its leading producer of notebooks and school supplies.
Read also the profile of Argentine banker Jorge Brito
Ledesma is also one of the country’s top orange exporters and a significant producer of grapefruit. It produces and exports concentrated fruit juice and manufactures fructose, glucose, and starches. In addition, it is involved in cattle and grain production.
Social responsibility
During Blaquier’s presidency, he was known for his major contributions to the development of the community of Libertador General San Martín, where much of the company’s activity takes place.
Among his initiatives were the construction of hospitals, schools, and housing. By 2014, the year Blaquier stepped down from his role at age 86, Ledesma was building 1,000 homes for its employees.
Blaquier as philosopher and art collector
One of Blaquier’s lesser-known roles is that of a writer. He authored titles such as Notes for an Introduction to Philosophy, The Loves of Louis XV, and Considerations on Argentine Political History, among others.
Regarding philosophy, Blaquier stated that his studies were extremely useful in his business life, describing philosophy as “mental gymnastics.”
He is also considered one of Argentina’s most prominent art collectors.