Our company
We are a large economic conglomerate in Chile, characterized by a successful and solid track record of highly diversified businesses.
Our history
Our history
Our values
We are proud to be a company based on the values established by our founder, Alfonso Swett Saavedra. His legacy of transparency and ethics has guided our solid business trajectory, fostering trusting relationships with partners, collaborators and clients.
We remain committed to a future that reflects these principles.
Transparency
Clarity and honesty are key to building trust with our partners and customers.
Commitment
We are committed to the well-being of people and the development of Chile, working every day to create a positive impact on our community.
Ethics
We act with rigor and professionalism, ensuring that every decision reflects our ethics and responsibility.
Trust
We foster an environment of mutual trust, where customers and collaborators can count on our support at every step.
Our founder
Alfonso Swett Saavedra
Born in Santiago, Chile in 1943, Alfonso Swett is an outstanding businessman whose vision and leadership have been fundamental in the development and success of Costanera S.A.C.I. Since the company’s founding, he has worked tirelessly to position it as a benchmark in the Chilean business environment. His trajectory as President of the company reflects his deep commitment to the modernization of commerce and services in the country, always with a focus on continuous improvement and the creation of a favorable environment for business.
In addition to his business work, he has held important roles in various institutions, such as President of the Universidad Católica Sports Club for 15 years, Merit Board Member of the Sociedad de Fomento Fabril (SOFOFA) and Director of La Protectora de la Infancia, contributing significantly to the social and business development of Chile. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated a strong commitment to the community, actively participating in cultural and charitable initiatives through his work as a board member of the Municipal Theater of Santiago, the Cultural Heritage Corporation of Chile and the Dolores Valdés de Cobarrubias Rural Life Foundation, dedicated to overcoming poverty in rural areas.
Father of four children, all of them active members of Costanera S.A.C.I., Alfonso Swett has left an indelible mark both in his company and in Chilean society, consolidating a tradition of excellence, leadership and social responsibility that transcends generations.
In honor of Alfonso Swett Opazo (1967-2024)
His life and career
Alfonso Swett Opazo was a prominent Chilean business leader and trade unionist, whose life was marked by a deep commitment to the social and economic development of Chile. Throughout his career, he left an indelible mark in various institutions and sectors, performing with vision, innovation and a great vocation for service.
He was president of the Confederation of Production and Commerce (CPC) between 2018 and 2020, where he promoted transcendental initiatives such as the Workers-Employers Forum, which continues to be a benchmark for dialogue and cooperation between employers and unions. Alfonso was a strong advocate of the importance of public-private collaboration and was dedicated to generating spaces of understanding in times of social and economic tension in the country.
In addition to his work in the CPC, he actively participated in numerous boards of directors of our companies, such as Forus S.A., Olivos del Sur S.A. and Elecmetal S.A., and was part of important international organizations such as the OECD and APEC. His leadership and vision were fundamental in the creation of public policies that promoted social justice and economic equity. He was also a professor of Commercial Engineering at the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, where he shared his vast experience with new generations.
Throughout his life, Alfonso proved to be a man of solid principles, with great faith in the ability of people to collaborate and move forward together towards progress through dialogue.
Upon his passing, Chile’s business and trade union world expressed its deep sorrow and acknowledged his legacy. Here are some of the quotes that reflect the admiration and respect for Alfonso:
In honor of Alfonso Swett Opazo (1967-2024)
His life and career
Alfonso Swett Opazo was a prominent Chilean business leader and trade unionist, whose life was marked by a deep commitment to the social and economic development of Chile. Throughout his career, he left an indelible mark in various institutions and sectors, performing with vision, innovation and a great vocation for service.
He was president of the Confederation of Production and Commerce (CPC) between 2018 and 2020, where he promoted transcendental initiatives such as the Workers-Employers Forum, which continues to be a benchmark for dialogue and cooperation between employers and unions. Alfonso was a strong advocate of the importance of public-private collaboration and was dedicated to generating spaces of understanding in times of social and economic tension in the country.
In addition to his work in the CPC, he actively participated in numerous boards of directors of our companies, such as Forus S.A., Olivos del Sur S.A. and Elecmetal S.A., and was part of important international organizations such as the OECD and APEC. His leadership and vision were fundamental in the creation of public policies that promoted social justice and economic equity. He was also a professor of Commercial Engineering at the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, where he shared his vast experience with new generations.
Throughout his life, Alfonso proved to be a man of solid principles, with great faith in the ability of people to collaborate and move forward together towards progress through dialogue.
Upon his passing, Chile’s business and trade union world expressed its deep sorrow and acknowledged his legacy. Here are some of the quotes that reflect the admiration and respect for Alfonso:
“He represents our purpose in the broadest sense of the word, because wherever he was he always contributed to the development of a more caring society.”
José Miguel Sánchez, Dean of Economics UC.
“Alfonso had an enormous public service streak and a deep commitment to society. He was generous with his time and with noble causes. His departure leaves a void that is difficult to fill.”
Felipe Larraín, Former Minister of Finance.
“His legacy lives on not only in the organizations he led, but also in the countless entrepreneurs and workers who continue to be inspired by his example of committed leadership and the ability to bridge different worlds.”
Rosario Navarro, President of SOFOFA.
“He stood out for being a union leader with a deep vocation for public service, an innovative businessman, a rigorous economist and a passionate professor. But, above all, he was a man of immense human quality, with strong convictions”.
Ricardo Mewes, President of the CPC.
“It was quite bold in its willingness to generate spaces for dialogue and convergence between counterparts (…). A dialogue on public policies”.
Bárbara Figueroa, Former President of the CUT.
Alfonso left an indelible mark, not only as a business and trade union leader, but also as a human being, always ready to support”.
Antonio Walker, President of the National Agricultural Society (SNA)
His legacy at Costanera
Alfonso Swett’s departure has been a profound blow to all of us who had the privilege of knowing and working with him. At Costanera, his legacy will live on as an example of leadership, generosity and commitment. He was a man who inspired us to be better, to think beyond the immediate and to never lose sight of the common good.
Beyond his professional achievements, we remember him for his humanity, for his genuine interest in the well-being of others and for his tireless desire to contribute to the progress of our company and the country.
In every project, in every conversation, in every important decision, Alfonso taught us to be aware of the impact our actions have on the world around us. His leadership was a model of how to lead with integrity, with respect for people and with a firm belief in the value of working together.
Today, we are challenged to continue his legacy. We pledge to honor his memory, to continue to promote the values he upheld, and to be a company that, beyond its results, is an agent of positive change for society.
We will always remember him with affection, respect and gratitude.