Gustavo Cisneros, a Venezuelan media mogul and co-founder of Univision, passed away in New York City, New York, at 78, his company confirmed.
His death, following a short bout with pneumonia, represents the end of an era for the trailblazing entrepreneur who significantly influenced the media and entertainment sectors in Latin America and the United States.
Gustavo Alfredo Cisneros Rendiles was born on June 1, 1945, in Caracas, Venezuela. He was the heir to a business family, with his father, Diego Cisneros, being a successful businessman who procured the Pepsi concession for Venezuela in 1940 and later a local television network in the 1960s.
Cisneros took charge of the family business in 1970 and transformed it into an international conglomerate. Under Cisneros’ leadership, the Cisneros Group amassed investments in over 30 businesses in 90 countries, spanning sectors such as media, real estate, and communications.
In 1992, Cisneros reached a notable achievement by establishing Univision, the first Spanish-language media company in the United States. His innovative streak continued with the launch of DIRECTV in 1995, the pioneer satellite television service in Latin America. The expansion of the Cisneros Group under his direction attests to his business savvy and foresight.
Beyond his business exploits, Cisneros, along with his wife, Patricia Phelps, whom he married 53 years ago, were well-known collectors of Latin American abstract art. They made a substantial contribution to the art world when they donated 102 works to the Museum of Modern Art in Manhattan, New York, in 2017.
The Cisneros family also delved into sustainable tourism with the creation of the Four Seasons Resort and Residences Dominican Republic at Tropicalia. This luxury destination, located in Miches, Dominican Republic, and set to open in early 2026, exemplifies Cisneros’ dedication to combining luxury with sustainability. The project aims for LEED certification and represents a harmony of high-end amenities and environmental awareness.
In addition to his business and philanthropic pursuits, Cisneros was a familiar figure in the realms of sports and entertainment. His ownership of the Miss Venezuela pageant and the Leones de Caracas baseball team demonstrated his diverse interests and influence.
Cisneros is survived by his wife, their three grown children, including Adriana Cisneros, the current CEO of the Cisneros Group, and ten grandchildren. His legacy persists through his family, his extensive business empire, and his contributions to the arts and philanthropy.
His residences were spread across several countries, mirroring his global influence. He spent most of his time at the exclusive La Romana resort in the Dominican Republic and had been a member of the board of Barrick Gold in the Caribbean nation since 2003. Cisneros also maintained close connections to Miami and South Florida, acknowledging Miami’s importance as an international business center.
The passing of Gustavo Cisneros marks the loss of a visionary leader whose imprint on the media and entertainment sectors in Latin America and the United States was significant. His entrepreneurial drive and dedication to cultural and philanthropic pursuits have left a lasting mark on the industries he influenced.
