Jorge Gerdau Johannpeter: A Legacy of Constructive Restlessness and Commitment to Brazil

Jorge Gerdau Johannpeter’s journey is marked by curiosity, constructive restlessness, and a deep commitment to excellence in all his areas of involvement. From an early age, the values of respect, hard work, and dedication inherited from his parents, Curt and Helda, shaped his worldview and his efforts toward the social, economic, and cultural development of Brazil. As he affirms, "this is the most important legacy I received from my parents."

Throughout his life, Jorge Gerdau has become not only a business leader but also an agent of social transformation. His work extends beyond business, encompassing areas such as education, culture, health, and sports, always driven by an unrelenting pursuit of innovative solutions and continuous improvement. As Chairman of the Higher Council of the Competitive Brazil Movement (MBC), Gerdau is one of the leading promoters of efficiency and quality in public and private management in Brazil, playing a crucial role in creating a more competitive and sustainable environment for the country. He is also the founder of the Gaúcho Program for Quality and Productivity and a member of both the International and Brazilian Academies of Quality.

Jorge Gerdau served as president of the Gerdau Group from 1983 to 2006. Under his leadership, alongside his brothers Germano Klaus and Frederico, the group became the largest in the Brazilian steel industry, expanding its operations internationally to more than 10 countries and going public with shares listed on the New York Stock Exchange. With over 30,000 employees, the group achieved a level of efficiency and productivity of international standards, reflecting a constant pursuit of excellence in all aspects.

Curiosity is a hallmark of his personality. Gerdau is always in search of new knowledge, new ways of thinking, and acting. "Curiosity has an inseparable relationship with excellence," he says. For him, this combination generates a "constructive restlessness" that drives his actions in different areas. The desire to better understand the world around him led him to take on leadership roles in important cultural institutions, such as the Iberê Camargo Foundation. He was instrumental in the construction of the building that houses the Iberê Camargo collection, one of the only Brazilian artists to have a museum dedicated entirely to his work.

In the sports field, Jorge Gerdau has always demonstrated passion and dedication, from his youth as a surfer to his pivotal role in the development of equestrianism in Brazil. At the age of 36, he won the title of Brazilian equestrian champion. Additionally, three horses from his breeding program participated in an Olympics, two of which won bronze medals for Brazil as part of a team, an extraordinary achievement by international standards. He believes that sports, like business and social issues, require excellence and commitment, values that he carries with him in all areas of his life.

Moreover, his work in the healthcare sector, particularly at the Moinhos de Vento Hospital, one of the best in Brazil, reflects his belief in the importance of social investments aimed at collective well-being. According to Gerdau, "restlessness for excellence" was essential in transforming the hospital into one of the most respected institutions in the country.

Jorge Gerdau is also a tireless advocate for the modernization and professionalization of public administration in Brazil. Through his leadership in the MBC and other initiatives, he has worked relentlessly to promote structural changes that improve efficiency and transparency in the public sector, believing that the country's future depends on more efficient and modern governance.

With a life dedicated to building a fairer, more competitive Brazil with better education levels, Jorge Gerdau Johannpeter continues to inspire generations with his relentless pursuit of excellence and his willingness to build a legacy that benefits everyone.