The engineer Carmelo Torrebiarte Lantzendorffer, who died this June 28, He is recognized for his business career at the head of Calzado Cobán and for having chaired the Foundation for the Development of Guatemala (Fundesa) between 1991 and 2005, a period that represents the longest continuous management in the history of the organization. During those 14 years, the entity consolidated its role as a technical reference in issues of development, competitiveness and institutionality of the country.
Born in Antigua Guatemala and raised in Cobán, Alta Verapaz, Torrebiarte was linked to the footwear industry thanks to the family business. After completing his university studies, in the 1960s he joined the Calzado Cobán factory and tannery, where he learned first-hand about the production processes. He later complemented his training with executive studies at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.
One of the defining moments of his life occurred on December 31, 1965, when his father, Miguel Torrebiarte Sohanin, was murdered. From then on, together with his brothers, he assumed the responsibility of continuing the family business, a decision that marked the beginning of several decades of business leadership.
Under his direction, Calzado Cobán, a company founded in 1914 in San Cristóbal Verapaz, established itself as one of the most important footwear industries in the region, with exports to Central America, the United States, Canada, the Caribbean, Mexico and Europe. in addition to expanding its productive presence outside Guatemala.
A consolidation stage at Fundesa
Torrebiarte’s presidency at Fundesa coincided with a decisive period for the country, marked by the signing of the 1996 Peace Accords and the subsequent years of institutional reconstruction. During that time, the foundation strengthened its focus on developing technical analyzes and public policy proposals related to investment, legal certainty and competitiveness.
Among the main milestones of his administration is the beginning of the National Meeting of Entrepreneurs (Enade), forum that began to be held in Guatemala in 2004 and, since then, has been held every year as a space for dialogue between the private sector, state agencies and civil society to discuss national development proposals.
Union leadership and recognition
In addition to his work at Fundesa, Carmelo Torrebiarte held leadership positions in different business organizations. He chaired the Association of Managers of Guatemala (AGG) and actively participated in the Exporters’ Guild, from where he promoted initiatives aimed at strengthening the competitiveness and international projection of the Guatemalan exportable offer.
His career was recognized in 2013, when the Guatemalan Managers Association awarded him the Manager of the Year award.a distinction that highlights the leadership and business vision of the country’s main executives.
On a personal level, he is married to Dianne de Torrebiarte and is the father of five children, who, along with other members of the family, have continued the business legacy of Calzado Cobán.