According to the 2023 census, the Dominican Republic is home to just over 10 million inhabitants, along with more than one million foreigners. This Caribbean nation boasts several famous personalities with significant wealth, including athletes, singers, and businesspeople. Here, you will learn about the most influential and wealthiest families in the Dominican Republic, according to Forbes.
Héctor José Rizek Llabaly (Grupo Rizek): Owner of the Rizek Cacao company, a business dedicated to producing, processing, and transporting cocoa since 1905. After Trujillo’s death, they began exporting cocoa. They are partners and have investments in stock markets and are the owners of the baseball league team Los Gigantes del Cibao and a basketball league. They are also partners in newspapers and gyms. According to Forbes, this group has a net worth of over $200 million.
Rolando González Bunster: An Argentine businessman who has resided in the Dominican Republic since he was 10 years old and has various investments elsewhere in Latin America. Most of his investments in the Dominican Republic are related to electrical energy, including new charging stations for electric cars. His companies are estimated to be worth $407 million, although his personal net worth has not been confirmed.
Carlos José Martí (Grupo Martí): His investments in the Dominican Republic are mostly distributed in propane gas, originating from Tropigas. This group also represents vehicle brands in the country such as Volvo, Fiat, Alfa Romeo, among others. They also have investments in newspapers and the tourism sector. According to Forbes, Grupo Martí has a fortune valued at $500 million.
Manuel Estrella, President of Grupo Estrella: Leaders in the construction area, both private and governmental. They are also owners of Acero Estrella and Grupos Panamá, a company dedicated to the manufacturing of cement and concrete. They also have investments in journalism and sports, as well as in several hardware stores. According to Forbes, the net worth of Grupo Estrella is estimated to be $608 million.
José Luis Corripio Estrada (Grupo Corripio): A businessman of Spanish origin who has over 20 companies in the Dominican Republic in various sectors, managed alongside his sons. These sectors are commerce, industry, automotive, and media. They are leaders in the communication area of the Dominican Republic, and according to Forbes, his fortune has not been publicly disclosed to date.
Felipe Vicini Lluberes (Grupo Vicini / Inicia): In 2016, they changed their name to Inicia, a private asset management firm that operates through societies with specialized managers focused on the northern Latin American region, with origins dating back five generations that began in commerce and agribusiness. Today, this group has diverse investments and are partners in the country’s financial area, including banks, entertainment, and most powerfully in the energy sector, being partners of EGE Haina, the largest energy supplier in the country. According to Forbes, the net worth of Grupo Inicia is estimated to be $914 million.
Miguel Barletta (Grupo Ambar): Miguel’s grandfather founded Santo Domingo Motors in 1920. Today, Grupo Ambar operates in over six countries and over time has diversified its investments in the hotel and commercial real estate sectors in the country. Motor Ambar exclusively represents the brands Chevrolet, Cadillac, Nissan, Yamaha, Suzuki, and Infiniti. According to Forbes, Grupo Ambar has a net worth of $750 million.
Frank Rafael Rainieri Marranzini: President of Grupo Puntacana. Pioneers since 1969, this young Frank and an American businessman developed the Punta Cana area for tourism. Today, its tourism is recognized across five continents, and he owns the Punta Cana Airport, which transports around 7 million people. They have also developed schools and hospitals in the Punta Cana area and have diversified into the Baní area for tourism. According to Forbes, Grupo Puntacana has a net worth of around $1.2 billion.
These groups of Dominican and foreign businessmen have always had support from the government in power, which is why during elections, it is often said that every new president comes into office with various commitments due to the investments these families provide during electoral campaigns.
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