Itaú Unibanco, the largest non-government banking institution in Brazil, operates under the chairmanship of Pedro Moreira Salles. Born in 1959 in Washington, D.C., he maintains Brazilian citizenship and manages significant financial interests. His professional trajectory reflects a long-standing association with the banking sector, deeply rooted in the legacy established by his father, Walter Moreira Salles.
Professional Ascent
Salles joined Unibanco in 1989. After serving as vice chairman for approximately six years, he assumed the role of chairman in 1997. By April 2004, he advanced to the position of CEO. Since 2016, he has maintained his role as the chairman of Itaú Unibanco Holding. Beyond his core banking responsibilities, he contributes to the advisory board of IBMEC and serves as the vice-chairman of PlaNet Finance Brasil, a microcredit non-governmental organization.
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His educational foundation includes a bachelor's degree in economics and history from the University of California, Los Angeles. He continued his academic pursuits through the graduate program in International Relations at Yale University. Additionally, he completed the Owner/President Management Program at Harvard University.
Memberships and Personal Interests
Salles holds membership in the Group of Fifty (G-50), a non-profit initiative for Latin American executives sponsored by the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace and the Inter-American Dialogue. He is also a member of Instituto Todos Pela Saúde. Regarding his personal life, he is married to Marisa Moreira Salles, with whom he has two children. The couple supports stem cell research. His siblings include Fernando Roberto Moreira Salles, documentarian João Moreira Salles, and film director Walter Salles.
Fast facts
- Born: 1959
- Birthplace: Washington, D.C.
- Citizenship: Brazil
- Education: University of California, Los Angeles
- Net worth: US$9 billion (as of June 2026)
- Languages: Portuguese
Questions readers ask
What is the primary banking institution associated with Pedro Moreira Salles?
He serves as the chairman of Itaú Unibanco.
What is his educational background?
He earned a bachelor's degree in economics and history from the University of California, Los Angeles, and attended programs at Yale and Harvard.
Achievements
- Educated at University of California, Los Angeles



