Gustavo Cisneros: Pioneer

Library Journal

This biography of global entrepreneur Cisneros by Chilean journalist Bachelet was originally published in Spanish in 2004 (see Criticas, 5/6/04) and reads more like a campaign biography than a critical business history. It describes the growth of the Cisneros business empire from a family Pepsi business to holdings in broadcasting (Venevision and Univision), sporting goods, bottling (from Pepsi to Coke), and other interests worldwide. In the process, Cisneros established himself as an innovator, with ties to the international financial community and to many figures in world business and politics. The book also makes clear that Cisneros and his wife are of interest for their philanthropic support of Venezuelan arts and Hispanic education. Although at times this translation is strained, Bachelet offers insight into a man who has tended to be anonymous outside financial circles-Forbes places his net worth at over $4 billion-but who remains one of the world's key figures. Recommended especially for business collections.-Boyd Childress, Auburn Univ. Lib., AL Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.