David Emilio Bojanini García is an industrial engineer born in 1956 in Medellín, Colombia. Over the course of his business career, he served as president of Sura, a highly successful insurance company in Colombia, and led it until a few years ago. His impact was significant at age 35, when he took on a major leadership role. From a young age, he participated in boards and worked in administration. Now 68 years old and no longer involved with Sura insurance, Bojanini García works with other investment funds.
David Bojanini García’s academic path
After finishing high school, Bojanini García studied industrial engineering at Universidad de Los Andes. But his education didn’t stop there—he traveled to the United States to complete a master’s degree at the University of Michigan, where he studied actuarial science.
Right after finishing his studies, David knew he had a path into Sura, the insurance company he would eventually lead. For context, this company was founded in 1944 and later expanded across Colombia, offering life insurance services.
A key figure in Bojanini García’s career was Nicanor Restrepo, who served as president of Sura between 1985 and 1999. Notably, the company itself financed Bojanini’s studies in the U.S., and upon his return, he was appointed Actuarial Manager at Suramericana Sura.
David Bojanini García and Sura
In 1980, David joined Suramericana Sura, initially as an analyst, following his background in industrial engineering. His results and potential were so outstanding that the company sent him to the United States for his MBA.
From there, Bojanini García’s journey—and Sura’s—only advanced. In 1991, following the implementation of new laws, he was appointed Administrator and then President of Protección.
Suramericana, as it was called until early 2006, underwent an international expansion process under Restrepo’s leadership, especially in Panama.
Years later, with new objectives and a different focus, Suramericana officially evolved into “Grupo Sura.” This happened in 2006, when Bojanini was appointed president.
The growth of Grupo Sura under David’s leadership
In 2006, after the company’s reorganization, David Bojanini García focused on shaping Grupo Sura as a financial services holding. The company began trading on the stock exchange and experienced remarkable growth, becoming one of the leading firms in Latin America.
Grupo Sura remained a shareholder in Suramericana, which maintained its focus on life insurance, and also held a stake in Banco de Colombia.
The international expansion process that began with Restrepo and continued under Bojanini García peaked in 2011 when the group integrated with ING Barings, acquiring several banking subsidiaries across Central and South America.
Throughout these years, Bojanini García—who had started as an analyst and moved up to Actuarial Manager and then president—also held other roles: he served on the Nomination Committee, the Corporate Governance Committee, and the Strategic Planning Committee.
In 2015, Grupo Sura continued its goal of competing in new markets and acquired subsidiaries of other banks. It also established a strong presence in Panama and entered the markets of Argentina, Brazil, and Uruguay.
The group’s core services focused on financial products—insurance, pensions, and savings—with many subsidiaries across multiple countries.
On the other hand, the industrial division focused more on the food sector.
Bojanini García’s farewell to Grupo Sura
Just months before the COVID-19 pandemic began, Bojanini García resigned from his role as president of Grupo Sura. The main reason, according to him, was a desire to enjoy his retirement phase.
The resignation was mutual and amicable, with praise on both sides. The Colombian expressed his gratitude and highlighted the company’s achievements, while the firm acknowledged his strategic vision in positioning Grupo Sura at the top of the regional market.
Equally important, alongside Grupo Sura, was Fundación Sura, where Bojanini García played a leading role. The foundation focuses on protecting and promoting education and cultural values in Latin America.
During all these years, David also participated in initiatives such as business councils and peace efforts.
Present day
Now nearing 70, David Bojanini García enjoys his time but remains involved in the Colombia Chapter of the Business Council. From his studies to the present, he has never stopped and has always invested in both national and international business development.
Gonzalo Pérez, a lawyer, succeeded David as president and now holds the leadership of Grupo Sura.