May 12

Deaths - Business Leaders

1900day.year

Göran Fredrik Göransson

(1819 - 1900)

Swedish merchant, ironmaster and industrialist

Swedish merchant ironmaster and industrialist

Swedish industrial pioneer who introduced the Bessemer process to Sweden and built a steel empire.

Göran Fredrik Göransson was a Swedish merchant and ironmaster credited with bringing modern steelmaking technology to Sweden. After experimenting with the Bessemer process in England, he established the Sandviken steelworks in 1862, which grew into what is now the global engineering company Sandvik. Under his leadership, the firm expanded its operations, developing advanced steel products that fueled Sweden’s industrialization. Göransson also invested in infrastructure projects and banking, contributing significantly to the country’s economic growth. His innovative spirit and managerial acumen earned him acclaim as one of Sweden’s leading industrialists. Göransson’s legacy lives on through Sandvik AB, which continues to be a major force in materials technology.

1900 Göran Fredrik Göransson

2014day.year

Lorenzo Zambrano

(1944 - 2014)

Mexican businessman and philanthropist

Mexican businessman who transformed Cemex into a global cement giant and was noted for his philanthropic efforts.

Lorenzo Zambrano (1944-2014) was a Mexican entrepreneur who led Cemex from a regional company to the world's third-largest cement producer. He studied engineering at Stanford and earned an MBA from Harvard Business School. Under his leadership as CEO from 1985, Cemex expanded through strategic acquisitions across Latin America, Europe, and Asia. Zambrano championed corporate social responsibility, establishing foundations in education and community development. His innovative management style and commitment to sustainability left a lasting mark on the global construction industry.

Lorenzo Zambrano