Mauricio Macri served as the President of Argentina from 2015 to 2019, marking the first time in the nation's history that a presidential election was decided by a runoff ballot. Before ascending to the country's highest executive office, he established his public profile through a lengthy tenure as the president of the Boca Juniors football club.
Background and Professional Development
Born in 1959 in Tandil, Macri moved to Buenos Aires early in his youth. He pursued a background in civil engineering at the Pontifical Catholic University of Argentina. His academic training expanded to include studies at the University of CEMA, Columbia Business School, and The Wharton School. Before entering the political sphere, he worked as a businessperson and executive, notably holding senior positions within the Socma Group and managing the automobile manufacturer Sevel Argentina.
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Macri served as the president of the football club Boca Juniors between 1994 and 2007. His work in sports management focused on re-establishing the organization's profitability and restructuring its operational model. This high-profile role served as a springboard into governance. He transitioned into politics by forming the party that would evolve into the Republican Proposal (PRO) and successfully sought elective office in the autonomous city of Buenos Aires.
Public Office and Executive Tenure
Macri held the position of member of the Argentine Chamber of Deputies from 2005 to 2007. Subsequently, he served as the Chief of Government of the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires for eight years starting in 2007. His term as President of Argentina was defined by attempts to shift the national economy toward free-market solutions, including the removal of export taxes and the liberalization of the energy sector.
Diplomacy and International Recognition
During his presidency, Macri focused on re-integrating Argentina into international markets and fostering stronger diplomatic ties with the United States and the European Union. He engaged in regional politics through Mercosur and took a firm stance against the government in Venezuela. His efforts in leadership were recognized with several international awards, including the Collar of the Order of Isabella the Catholic and the Gold Olympic Order, both conferred in 2018.
Fast facts
- Born: 1959, Tandil
- Citizenship: Argentina, Italy
- Presidency: 2015-2019
- Chief of Government of Buenos Aires: 2007-2015
- Education: Pontifical Catholic University of Argentina, The Wharton School
- Religion: Catholicism
- Occupation: Businessperson, politician, civil engineer
Questions readers ask
What was Macri's primary role before becoming president?
He served as the Chief of Government of the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires from 2007 to 2015.
Which major sports club did he lead?
He was the president of the football club Boca Juniors from 1994 to 2007.
Achievements
- Chief of Government of the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires (2007–2015)
- member of the Argentine Chamber of Deputies (2005–2007)
- President of Argentina (2015–2019)
- Order of the Southern Cross
- Collar of the Order of Isabella the Catholic — 2017
- Knight Grand Cross in the Order of the Netherlands Lion
- Order of the Aztec Eagle
- Educated at Pontifical Catholic University of Argentina and The Wharton School
