Fernando Gerardo Chico Pardo is a prominent Mexican businessman and financial investor, born in 1953. He is widely recognized for his leadership as Chairman of the Board of ASUR (Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste), a position he has held since 2005. As the founder and president of Promecap, a private equity firm supporting Mexican businesses, Chico Pardo has built a reputation as one of the most influential figures in the country’s financial and infrastructure sectors.
From academic foundations to early ventures
Chico Pardo studied Business Administration at Universidad Iberoamericana in Mexico City and later earned an MBA from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management. He launched his first business at age 27: a brokerage firm called Acciones y Asesoría Bursátil. His early success brought him into the orbit of billionaire Carlos Slim, whose financial conglomerate, Inbursa, acquired the firm.
In 2003, after leaving Inbursa, Chico Pardo became a shareholder in Grupo Financiero del Sureste, marking his entry into the airport infrastructure space. The move set the stage for his acquisition of a strategic position in ASUR, one of Mexico and Latin America’s largest airport operators.
Leadership at ASUR and industry transformation
ASUR oversees 16 airports in Mexico, Puerto Rico, and Colombia. Chico Pardo became involved with the group in 2004 through ITA, a strategic partner of ASUR in which he held a controlling stake. A year later, ASUR transitioned to a fully private company. In 2008, it was awarded the Distintivo Empresa Socialmente Responsable by CEMEFI (Centro Mexicano para la Filantropía).
Under his leadership, ASUR expanded its operational scope and modernized several facilities, with the Cancún International Airport becoming the second-most important air hub in Mexico. Post-pandemic growth in passenger traffic exceeded expectations, further consolidating Chico Pardo’s reputation as a key player in regional transportation infrastructure.
He also served on the boards of other major corporations such as Grupo Carso, Inbursa, Condumex, Sanborns Hermanos, Sears Roebuck de México, and Grupo Posadas, reflecting his influence across industries.
Sustainability, philanthropy, and cultural commitments
Chico Pardo is also deeply committed to sustainability and corporate responsibility. He has publicly emphasized the importance of environmental stewardship and social responsibility not only outside the organization but also within corporate culture, advocating for the wellbeing of employees and the communities impacted by business activities.
He is active in several NGOs that support education and environmental causes. He is a current member of the Board of Trustees of the Fundación Olga y Rufino Tamayo, a foundation dedicated to promoting contemporary international art in Mexico. The foundation supports the Tamayo Museum’s programming and plays a central role in preserving and expanding Mexico’s cultural heritage.
Diversification and international expansion
Beyond his airport and finance ventures, Chico Pardo has invested heavily in the hospitality industry. Through the investment fund Emin Capital, he acquired the iconic Hotel Formentor in Mallorca and the Hotel Villamagna in Madrid, expanding his influence into the European luxury hotel market.
One of his sons played a central role in negotiating the acquisition of Hotel Formentor, signaling a generational transfer of involvement and a continuation of the family’s business legacy.
Ongoing impact in Latin America and beyond
Today, Fernando Chico Pardo is recognized as one of the most important business leaders in Mexico and throughout Latin America. His strategic role in the development and expansion of ASUR has enhanced Mexico’s airport network and strengthened its connectivity with global markets.
ASUR is now a benchmark in customer service, security, and infrastructure modernization. From founding a small brokerage firm to managing major airport operations and acquiring high-profile international assets, Chico Pardo’s journey highlights a life dedicated to finance, leadership, and responsible enterprise.