Ibo Blazicevic is a Bolivian businessman born in La Paz, Bolivia’s capital, and has worked with his family since a young age. With extensive experience at CBN (Cervecería Nacional Boliviana), a period of professional development in Mongolia, and numerous executive roles, he remains part of CBN as an advisor, though no longer its public figure, having turned his focus toward other goals.
Early work with family and the beginnings of a business mindset
By the age of 20, Blazicevic was already married, studying, and working. His introduction to the business world came at just 15, while still in high school in La Paz, when he started working afternoons in a family-run business.
While his mother relocated to Chile, Ibo and the rest of the family stayed in Bolivia to continue operating a textile enterprise. Upon graduating high school, he enrolled in university to study economics.
Balancing his studies with business ambitions, Blazicevic launched personal ventures within the automotive industry. By the age of 33, with a more solid professional foundation, he made a significant career move by joining a foundation linked to the mining sector.
This foundation offered him his first major experience in the business world. Rising through the ranks, he eventually became Head of External Relations. His evolving career path mirrored the strategic thinking and responsibility that would define his future leadership roles.
In an interview prior to his first venture outside Bolivia, Blazicevic acknowledged the crucial role women played in advancing the mining sector, particularly by fostering connections with local communities.
International work in Mongolia and return to Bolivia
A different culture, a new professional model, and an entirely new team awaited Blazicevic in Mongolia, where he made a leap not only in his personal development but also in his contributions to Bolivia.
He continued working in mining, aiding a small town in developing a new framework for planning and operations alongside Mongolian teams.
In 2009, Ibo Blazicevic joined CBN, the Cervecería Nacional Boliviana, a company with which he remains involved. His previous experiences in Mongolia and with British Gas positioned him for success in this new chapter.
At 40, with considerable international and domestic experience, he took on the challenge of improving CBN’s reputation—an objective he accomplished within a few years.
Recognized as one of Bolivia’s leading entrepreneurs, Blazicevic earned trust from the company’s leadership and reinforced the company’s position in the national market. He also served as Director of both the Bolivian Chamber of Beer Manufacturers and the Bolivian Chamber of Commerce, consolidating his influence across multiple sectors.
His rise as a national business figure became particularly evident in the last decade, a period that would cement his career achievements.
The last ten years: national service and enduring impact
What set Ibo Blazicevic apart from many other business leaders was his attention to the broader challenges facing Bolivia. He worked on corporate matters and took action in response to national difficulties.
He served as president of the Departmental Chamber of La Paz and also held a role on the Board of Directors of Entel, Bolivia’s national telecommunications company.
These high-ranking positions enabled him to build relationships with both local and international business leaders, a network that brought innovation to CBN and other companies under his guidance.
After thirteen years at CBN, Blazicevic stepped out of the spotlight but didn’t completely leave the organization. He now serves on the company’s advisory board, contributing in a supporting role.
In multiple interviews, he cited CBN’s transformation into one of Bolivia’s top companies as one of his greatest professional achievements. He also highlighted the significance of receiving an award and representing multiple countries in a development project.
Vision for Bolivia and outlook after the pandemic
Blazicevic emphasized two key themes in his recent reflections: the need for Bolivia’s recovery and the potential the country holds. Following the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, while many nations still face financial instability, he expressed optimism about Bolivia’s capacity for growth, noting its untapped resources and opportunities.
Married from a young age and a father, Ibo Blazicevic enjoys the experiences that have shaped his life and career. He has remained deeply connected to Bolivia, never abandoning his homeland, and always returning with a smile.