Emilio Estefan Jr.
Chairman and Co-Founder
Miami Connection
Emilio revolutionized Miami's South Beach by purchasing and revitalizing the Cardozo Hotel in the early 1990s, helping establish it as an international tourist hotspot, and opened iconic Cuban eateries like Larios on the Beach and Bongos at American Airlines Arena. In 2009, he became the first Cuban-American minority shareholder in the NFL's Miami Dolphins, boosting local sports pride. His Estefan Enterprises drives economic growth with restaurants, hotels, and studios that employ thousands and promote Latin culture worldwide from Miami Beach.
About
Born in Havana, Cuba in 1953, Emilio Estefan Jr. immigrated to Miami in 1967 and began his music career forming the Miami Latin Boys in 1975, which evolved into the Miami Sound Machine with his future wife Gloria Estefan. He has produced hits for artists like Madonna, Ricky Martin, and Shakira at his Crescent Moon Studios, earning 19 Grammy Awards and producing the Broadway musical On Your Feet. In the 1990s, he foresaw South Beach's potential, acquiring the Cardozo Hotel on Ocean Drive and launching successful Cuban restaurants like Larios on the Beach and Bongos Cuban Café across South Florida. His film work includes directing the acclaimed documentary 90 Millas, premiered at major festivals including Miami International. Today, through Estefan Enterprises in Miami Beach, he oversees a multimedia empire spanning music, TV, hospitality, and studios, employing nearly 2,000 people.