Edgardo Defortuna
President and CEO
Miami Connection
Defortuna has significantly contributed to Miami's internationalization as a global business, trade, and vacation hub through Fortune International Group's success in attracting U.S., European, and Latin American markets. He pioneered aligning with 'starchitects' like Herzog & De Meuron for landmark developments such as Jade Residences, shaping Miami's skyline and luxury condo market. His civic roles include membership on the Mayor of Miami’s International Council, Directorship of the Argentine-U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and philanthropy with organizations like Perez Art Museum Miami, Mount Sinai Hospital, Manos del Sur, and St. Stephen’s Episcopal School.
About
Edgardo Defortuna immigrated to Miami from Argentina in 1983 to pursue a Master's in Business Administration at the University of Miami, holding a Bachelor's in Electrical and Chemical Engineering from the National University of Argentina. He founded Fortune International Group that year, identifying a market gap for Latin American buyers and evolving from property management into a full-service brokerage and development firm. Over 40 years, he has overseen strategic decisions and operations, pioneering luxury projects in neighborhoods like Brickell, Key Biscayne, Coral Gables, Miami Beach, Aventura, and Sunny Isles Beach, often collaborating with renowned architects. His leadership has positioned the family-owned company as Florida's largest in its category, with his wife Ana Cristina as Executive Vice President and family involvement deepening its legacy. Currently, he serves as President and CEO, driving the firm's international expansion.