Anáhuac Mexico University awards Fernando Senderos Mestre an honorary doctorate

Recognized for his business career and commitment to Mexico, His Excellency Fernando Senderos Mestre received the highest university honor.

Anahuac Mexico University held a solemn ceremony on September 30, 2025, in the North Campus Rector's Auditorium in honor of Fernando Senderos Mestre (Business Administration, class of '73), a renowned Mexican businessman who received an honorary doctorate, the highest academic degree conferred by our institution.

The event highlighted the award winner's career, his impact on the business world and his firm commitment to social development, education, employment and social responsibility in Mexico. University authorities, family members and special guests attended the ceremony.

The presidium was composed of Alberto José Simán Dada, L.C., president of the Board of Directors of Anáhuac Mexico University ; Dr. Cipriano Sánchez García, L.C., rector of the University; the Academic Vice Rector, Dr. José Rodrigo Pozón López; María Elisa Ruiz Ladrón de Guevara, Vice Rector for Comprehensive Education; Eduardo Robles-Gil Orvañanos, L.C., Vice Rector for Finance and Administration; and José Luis Tadeo Rivas Martínez, General Secretary.

Among the members of the rectoral committee were Dr. Enrique Tapia Sanz, L.C., vice rector for Integral Formation; Dr. Lorena Rosalba Martínez Verduzco, academic vice rector; Alfredo Nava Govela, general director of Finance and Administration; Dr. Erika Benítez Camacho, Director of the School of Psychology; Dr. Salvador Bueno Valenzuela, Director of the School of Health Sciences; and Edgar González Olea, Director of the School of Economics and Business.

José Luis Tadeo Rivas presented the certificate conferring the Doctorate Honoris Causa, while our rector, Dr. Cipriano Sánchez, addressed the honoree. In his speech, he recognized Fernando as a man whose life reflects a combination of perseverance, strategic vision and profound spirituality. He described him as a leader with firm faith, capable of finding meaning even in adversity and whose family represents “the most important enterprise.” He also emphasized that true success is not based solely on strategy, but on human, ethical and spiritual foundations. The University honors him for his vocation to service, his impact on the transformation of the country and for being a promoter of leadership with values.

The laudation was delivered by Edgar González Olea, director of the School of Economics and Business, who highlighted the achievements, distinctions and legacy of our honoree as an entrepreneur, leader and citizen committed to the well-being of Mexico.

Anáhuac Mexico University recognizes the profound influence of Fernando Senderos Mestre on the country's business and social development. After graduating with a degree in Business Administration from this university, in 1974 he joined the Board and Executive Committee of DESC, Sociedad de Fomento Industrial, founded by his father. Under his general management since 1985 and as executive president and chairman of the Board since 1989, he consolidated the company as a national point of reference. He promoted flagship projects such as Kekén, a leader in pork production and export; established strategic alliances such as Dynasol (with Repsol) and Herdez Del Fuerte (with Grupo Herdez) and promoted real estate development through DINE with iconic projects such as Arcos Bosques, Santa Fe and Punta Mita.

In 2007, he spearheaded the separation of DESC, giving rise to KUO and DINE, both of which are now listed on the Mexican Stock Exchange (BMV). He has also served on the boards of leading corporations and is actively involved in cultural and social initiatives through various foundations and trusts.

During the ceremony, the solemn investiture took place with the presentation of the doctoral medal, the laureate cap, the white gloves and the title of Doctor Honoris Causa. This distinction is awarded to an individual whose vision has managed to intertwine the legacy of a family tradition with a bold look toward the future. Not only has he transformed his companies, but he has also inspired his colleagues and left a profound mark on the country. His story is testimony to the fact that authentic development is achieved through integrity, generosity and a people-centered approach.

Convinced that education is a driving force for transformation, Fernando has consistently supported Anahuac University. In particular, he continues to support the DESC Chair in Sustainable Processes, an initiative that contributes to the training of new generations of leaders committed to sustainability and responsible development.

At the end of the ceremony, His Excellency Fernando Senderos addressed those present with the following message:

“I accept this recognition not as a personal achievement, but as a renewed commitment to continue serving Mexico and my community. This university educated me not only academically, but also in values and principles that have guided every important decision in my life. To the students here today, I say: you represent the future of our country. Take with you the knowledge you have acquired here and also the commitment to build a more prosperous, just and united Mexico.”

This event represents much more than academic recognition. It is a call to new generations to follow the example of leadership, vision and commitment to the country embodied by His Excellency Fernando Senderos Mestre. Anáhuac Mexico University reaffirms its mission to train leaders of positive action, with an ethical and human vision capable of transforming society through knowledge, innovation and service to the common good.