Since 2003, La República's Empresario del Año award has honored 27 business leaders in Colombia for their organizational, labor, and social contributions. David Vélez Osorno, CEO of Nu Holdings LTD, received the 2025 award for revolutionizing digital finance. The recognition highlights innovations that shape the economy and society.
The Empresario del Año award, presented by Diario La República since 2003, celebrates key figures in Colombian business. In total, 27 individuals have been honored for their contributions across sectors like construction, commerce, energy, and technology.
David Vélez Osorno began in 2013 a project to simplify finance in Latin America, leading Nu Holdings LTD to expand to the United States. His 2025 distinction highlights this digital transformation.
Recent winners include Jaime Gilinski, president of Nutresa in 2024; María Andrea Vargas, general manager of Natura in 2023; César Caicedo, president of Colombina in 2022; Margarita Henao, president of Daviplata in 2021; Felipe Bayón, president of Ecopetrol in 2019; Simón Borrero, CEO of Rappi in 2018; and Álvaro Pimentel, president of Itaú Colombia in 2017.
In 2020, amid the global economic and social crisis, regional recognitions were awarded: Gabriel Mesa of EPS Sura in Antioquia; Giovanny Mesa of Audifarma in the Coffee Region; Christian Daes of Tecnoglass in the Caribbean; Sergio Martínez of Keralty in the Capital Region; Vicente Borrero of Fundación Valle del Lili in the Pacific; and Juan Felipe Montoya of Incubadora Santander in the Santanderes.
Winners have shared meaningful reflections. Jaime Gilinski, receiving the award from President Gustavo Petro, emphasized: “Business leaders must develop the best employment, education, health, and promote a market economy with social responsibility. The market provides efficiency, competition, and excellence, but a market without social sense becomes indifferent to the needs of many.” He also expressed gratitude to the 70,000 people in his organization.
María Andrea Vargas highlighted collective work and sustainability, noting the use of natural ingredients and community projects. César Caicedo accepted the award on behalf of his team, underscoring family legacy, the free market, and the need for clear rules for development.
José Manuel Restrepo, rector of Universidad EIA, described the award as “the most important recognition that exists for a business leader and organizational leader today in Colombia” due to its rigorous selection.
The first honorees included Carlos Enrique Piedrahíta of Compañía Nacional de Chocolates in 2003, Luc Gerard of Philip Morris in 2004, and Pedro Gómez of Pedro Gómez y Cía in 2005.
