Eduardo Riedel (b. 1969) — Biography & Facts

Eduardo Riedel secured the governorship of Mato Grosso do Sul on October 30, 2022, after receiving 808,210 votes in the state's second round of elections. A career politician and agribusiness executive, he transitioned into state leadership following a tenure managing strategic initiatives and government portfolios within the regional administration of his predecessor, Reinaldo Azambuja.

Early Life and Agricultural Management

Born in Rio de Janeiro on July 5, 1969, to parents Seila Garcia Côrrea and Nelson Riedel, Eduardo Riedel pursued extensive academic training. He graduated from the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, the Fundação Getúlio Vargas, and INSEAD. His early professional life focused on the agricultural sector. In 1995, he assumed management of the family's rural property located in Maracaju. This role preceded his involvement in industry organizations, including his position as president of the Maracaju Union in 1999, director of the National Confederation of Agriculture, and president-director of Famasul from 2012 to 2014.

THE FREE TEST

How high is yours?

Twenty questions, eight minutes on the clock, and a percentile measured against everyone who has taken it. No sign-up.

Take the IQ test →

Governmental Roles and Pandemic Response

Riedel entered public service as the Secretary of State for Government and Strategic Management of Mato Grosso do Sul in 2015, serving in that capacity until 2021. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he was appointed to lead the Steering Committee of the Health and Safety Program for the Economy in July 2021. In this role, he publicly contested judicial efforts to impose lockdowns in Campo Grande, arguing that such measures were less effective than maintaining direct dialogue and economic operational continuity. From February 2021 until April 2022, he also served as the Secretary of State for Infrastructure and Housing.

Gubernatorial Tenure

Inaugurated on January 1, 2023, at the Legislative Assembly of Mato Grosso do Sul, Riedel's administration emphasizes public-private partnerships, such as the Infovia Digital project and infrastructure investments including road paving. His term has included the management of social initiatives like the More Social program, which provides a monthly stipend to families, and the CNH MS Social program covering driver's license costs. In 2023, he addressed a temporary suspension by the State Court of Auditors regarding highway contracts in the Pantanal, asserting the transparency of his administration's operations.

Fast facts

Born: 5 July 1969, Rio de Janeiro
Political Party: Brazilian Social Democracy Party
Spouse: Mônica Morais (married 1994)
Children: Marcela and Rafael
2022 Election Result: 56.90% of second-round votes
Inauguration Date: 1 January 2023
Previous Role: Secretary of State for Infrastructure (2021-2022)

Questions readers ask

What is Eduardo Riedel's professional background?

He is an entrepreneur and farmer who managed family rural properties before serving as a director for agricultural organizations like Famasul and later transitioning into government service.