Luis Felipe Gazitúa Receives a Top Honor from the State of Rio Grande do Sul in Brazil
21 de April, 2025
Gazitúa was recognized by Governor Eduardo Leite during his final trip to Brazil as CMPC Chairman, having filled the role for nine years. “We are not a fly-by-night outfit. We are a stakeholder seeking to contribute to the sustainable development of Brazil, Rio Grande do Sul, and all of its residents,” Gazitúa said at the ceremony.
“Fifteen years have transpired, and I can say, with deep respect and humility, that we feel as much like Gauchos as every one of you.” This is how Empresas CMPC Chairman Luis Felipe Gazitúa expressed his gratitude for the Viscount of Mauá award, the highest honor bestowed by the government of the State of Rio Grande do Sul to those who have significantly contributed to regional development.
The ceremony was held at the Piratini Palace and presided over by Governor Eduardo Leite, marking Gazitúa’s final visit to Brazil as company chairman. He will step down on Thursday, April 24th after nine years in office. Bernardo Larraín Matte, the current Vice-chairman of the multinational company, will be his replacement. This tribute to Gazitúa, the first foreigner to receive this honor during Leite’s administration, reflects the strong bond that CMPC has established with the region over the years.
Leite noted that the local government is “very reserved when it comes to handing out awards”, but in this case they felt it was their duty to “thank CMPC for all of its commitment to Rio Grande do Sul over the years.” “I am certain that we will meet again,” he added.
During the ceremony, Gazitúa recalled the early days of CMPC’s presence in Brazil and highlighted the relationship of trust and closeness forged with the State of Rio Grande do Sul. “Fifteen years ago, our company chose to make its initial investment in Brazil in the State of Rio Grande do Sul, which is where our forestry and industrial development projects have been carried out. Today, we have nothing but words of gratitude,” he noted.
Gazitúa added that CMPC is not “a fly-by-night outfit. We are a stakeholder seeking to contribute to the sustainable development of Brazil, Rio Grande do Sul, and all of its residents.” In 2024 the company reaffirmed its commitment to Brazil by announcing the Natureza Project, an investment of more than USD 4.5 billion in Barra do Ribeiro, the largest in the state’s history. This megaproject, in addition to expanding industrial and logistics capacity, will seek to promote sustainability and job creation in the area. The Guaíba pulp mill is already the largest of the four the company operates worldwide, with a production capacity of nearly 2.5 million tons per year.
The Viscount of Mauá award—inspired by Irineu Evangelista de Sousa, a precursor to Brazil’s industrialization in the 19th century—has been awarded in the past only to emblematic figures of Brazilian industry, such as Jorge Gerdau. It serves to recognize business leadership in conjunction with a vision of comprehensive and sustainable development.
Luis Felipe Gazitúa’s final day in Brazil also included the traditional Guaíba Committee meeting. It featured a tribute from the plant’s workers to the executive, highlighting the legacy of closeness, professionalism, and social commitment he brought during his tenure as Chairman of CMPC.
