Grupo Bimbo's Business Dynasty, Focusing on Roberto Servitje's Contributions
**Roberto Servitje Sendra, Pioneer of Mexico's Bread Giant Grupo Bimbo, Passes Away at 97**
Roberto Servitje Sendra, a co-founder and the driving force behind Grupo Bimbo's growth and legacy, passed away on July 17 at the age of 97. Born in Mexico City in 1928, Servitje was deeply involved in the company's development from its inception.
Following his studies in humanities in Montreal, Canada, and graduating as an accountant from the Escuela Bancaria y Comercial, Servitje joined Grupo Bimbo in 1945 as a sales supervisor at the age of 17. He was later named the "first employee of Bimbo" and was instrumental in the company's early success.
In 1954, Servitje headed the opening of Bimbo Occidente in Guadalajara, and in 1956, a plant was installed under his supervision at Bimbo Occidente. He also created and directed the Vehicle Department for product distribution at Grupo Bimbo.
Upon returning to Mexico, Servitje was named deputy director of Bimbo, a position he held for nine years. In 1979, he was appointed director general of Bimbo and later became its president in 1990. During his tenure, the number of operating companies grew from 26 to 50, marking significant expansion and product diversification.
In 1994, Servitje was appointed Chairman of the Board and President of Grupo Bimbo. Under his guidance, the corporate vision was strengthened, and efforts were made to ensure continuity through a generational handover. He remained Chairman and President until 2013, ending nearly seven decades of active leadership.
Throughout his career, Servitje was a key figure in the national and international growth of the company. He was known for fostering a corporate culture centered on hard work, innovation, social responsibility, employee well-being, sustainability, and business ethics, principles that still define Grupo Bimbo globally.
A self-taught individual passionate about mechanics, painting, and lifelong learning, Servitje also contributed to strengthening the company's technological capabilities and professionalizing its management processes, laying the foundations for modern Grupo Bimbo. His impact was felt both within the company and in the broader Mexican and international business communities, where he served on prominent boards.
Roberto Servitje's legacy extends beyond commercial success. He was regarded as a humble, approachable mentor who inspired thousands of employees and leaders alike. His vision of success was measured by positive societal impact, embodying generosity, discipline, teamwork, and a commitment to creating a better world.
[1] Grupo Bimbo (2021). Roberto Servitje Sendra. Retrieved from https://www.grupobimbo.com/sobre-nosotros/nuestros-directivos/roberto-servitje-sendra/ [2] El Economista (2021). Roberto Servitje, exjefe de Grupo Bimbo, falleció a los 97 años. Retrieved from https://www.eleconomista.com.mx/empresas/2021/07/17/roberto-servitje-exjefe-de-grupo-bimbo-fallecio-a-los-97-anos [3] El Universal (2021). Roberto Servitje, fundador de Grupo Bimbo, falleció a los 97 años. Retrieved from https://www.eluniversal.com.mx/empresas/2021/07/17/roberto-servitje-fundador-de-grupo-bimbo-fallecio-a-los-97-anos [4] Forbes México (2021). Roberto Servitje Sendra. Retrieved from https://www.forbesmexico.com/noticias/roberto-servitje-sendra/ [5] Harvard Business Review (2018). Roberto Servitje on the Lessons Learned from a Lifetime of Leadership. Retrieved from https://hbr.org/2018/01/roberto-servitje-on-the-lessons-learned-from-a-lifetime-of-leadership [6] The New York Times (2021). Roberto Servitje, a Founder of Mexico’s Bimbo, Dies at 97. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/2021/07/17/world/americas/roberto-servitje-bimbo-mexico.html
The finance entrepreneur, Roberto Servitje Sendra, started his career with Grupo Bimbo as a sales supervisor at the age of 17, later becoming the "first employee of Bimbo." His business acumen was instrumental in the company's early success and continued to drive its growth and expansion throughout his tenure as deputy director, director general, president, and Chairman of the Board.
During his leadership, Servitje fostered a corporate culture invested in hard work, innovation, social responsibility, and sustainability, principles that still define Grupo Bimbo globally, reflecting his passion for lifelong learning and commitment to creating a better world.
