Gustavo Cisneros, a prominent Venezuelan media tycoon and co-founder of Univision, has died in New York City, New York, at the age of 78, as confirmed by his company.
His demise, following a brief battle with pneumonia, marks the conclusion of a significant chapter in the media and entertainment industry, where Cisneros had left an indelible mark across Latin America and the United States.
Born on June 1, 1945, in Caracas, Venezuela, Cisneros was the progeny of a successful business family. His father, Diego Cisneros, acquired the Pepsi concession for Venezuela in 1940 and the ownership of a local television network in the 1960s.
Cisneros transformed the family business into a global conglomerate after taking control in 1970. Under his stewardship, the Cisneros Group expanded to include over 30 companies in 90 countries, covering diverse sectors such as media, real estate, and communications.
In 1992, Cisneros reached a significant milestone when he co-founded Univision, the first Spanish-language media company in the United States. His pursuit of innovation did not stop there; he launched DIRECTV in 1995, marking the beginning of satellite television service in Latin America. His business prowess and visionary foresight were evident in the expansion of the Cisneros Group.
Besides his business endeavors, Cisneros, along with his wife Patricia Phelps, was a known patron of Latin American abstract art. The couple made a considerable contribution to the art world, notably donating 102 art pieces to the Museum of Modern Art in Manhattan in 2017.
The Cisneros family also embarked on sustainable tourism with the creation of the Four Seasons Resort and Residences Dominican Republic at Tropicalia. Situated in Miches, Dominican Republic, this luxury destination, set to open in early 2026, showcases Cisneros’ commitment to integrating luxury with sustainability. The project targets LEED certification, combining high-end amenities with environmental awareness.
Cisneros was also a prominent figure in the sports and entertainment industry, owning the Miss Venezuela pageant and the Leones de Caracas baseball team, demonstrating his diverse interests.
Survived by his wife Patricia and their three adult children, including Adriana Cisneros, the current CEO of the Cisneros Group, and ten grandchildren, Gustavo Cisneros leaves behind a substantial legacy. His influence can be seen in his family, his wide-ranging business empire, and his contributions to arts and philanthropy.
Cisneros maintained residences in several countries, reflecting his global reach. He spent most of the year at the exclusive La Romana resort in the Dominican Republic and had been on the board of Barrick Gold in the same country since 2003. He also had strong connections to Miami and South Florida, acknowledging Miami’s role as a significant global business center.
The passing of Gustavo Cisneros signifies a considerable loss for the media and entertainment industry in Latin America and the United States. His entrepreneurial drive, and dedication to culture and philanthropy, have left a lasting impact on the sectors he was involved in.
