Emilio Fernando Azcárraga Jean

“Our industry is undergoing a significant transformation, which presents great challenges, but the opportunities are far greater”, declared Emilio Fernando Azcárraga Jean in October, 2017. Two months later, he would no longer formally be the Chief Executive and Managing Director of Grupo Televisa S.A.B., after twenty years in charge of the media conglomerate.

The only male child of the founder of Televisa, Emilio Azcárraga Milmo, alias “El Tigre” (“The Tiger”) took control of Grupo Televisa in the late 1990s, after a will dispute with his stepmother –Paula Cussi– and after the sale of shares by other partners, such as the family of ex-president Miguel Alemán Valdés.

Emilio Azcárraga III handed the executive chairmanship of the group to Alfonso de Angoitia and Bernardo Gómez, now co-chairs, in January 2018. Two years before, The Wall Street Journal published information accusing Alfonso de Angoitia of alleged embezzlement of company’s cash income –originating from state governments and political parties.

“For more than two decades, and during critical periods in our business, they have proven to be executives with great commitment and dedication, and their contributions to Televisa exceed their current position”, said Azcárraga Jean of his successors.

The third Emilio of the Azcárraga family retains his position as Chief Executive of the Board of Directors of the Group, as well as direct responsibility for the “América football team, and Fundación Televisa”. Azcárraga is beneficiary –not known if he is the only one– of the Azcárraga Trust, which adds up to about 43% of all shares issued and outstanding of Grupo Televisa S.A.B.

“The Fantastic Four of Televisa”, a group formed by Emilio Azcárraga, Alonso de Angoitia, Bernardo Gómez and José Antonio Bastón, as well as 16 other “proprietor board members” of the company, have stakes in industries from various sectors: financial, banking, power, health, education, alcoholic beverages, and gambling, among others.