Former chairman of Brazilian cement producer Votorantim, Dr Ant么nio Erm铆rio de Moraes has died. He was 86. The cause of death was heart failure.

Raul Calfat, chairman of Votorantim Participa莽玫es (VPAR), said in a statement, 鈥淭he history of Votorantim is directly related to the personal dedication and hard work of Dr Ant么nio, who served as an example and inspiration for its values, such as ethics, respect, and entrepreneurship.鈥�

Votorantim is Brazil鈥檚 largest cement producer and is active in other parts of Latin America. Votorantim Group also has interests in the metals, paper and agribusiness sectors. The company was founded in 1919 by Jos茅 Erm铆rio de Moraes, Dr Ant么nio Moraes鈥� father.

Dr Moraes joined Votorantim in 1949. His tenure as chairman in the 1980s is associated with the company鈥檚 internationalisation. He left the group in 2001 when he was diagnosed with Alzheimer鈥檚 Disease.

Dr Moraes was also politically active. In 1986 he ran for governor of S茫o Paulo state but was not successful. Among the issues he was associated with were the advancement of democracy, improvement of Brazil鈥檚 health services and the creation of employment opportunities.