Have you ever stopped to think about who really controls one of Brazil's largest pharmaceutical companies? João Adibe Marques is one of those names that constantly appears when it comes to the national pharmaceutical industry, and it's no coincidence. He has built an interesting trajectory, blending family heritage with a very practical business vision.

The story begins even before he was born. His grandfather, João Marques, was one of the pioneers in the sector back in the 1950s, founding Laboratório Prata. His father was also immersed in the business. Born in São Paulo in 1972, João Adibe Marques started working as a teenager, at age 15, helping at Hornoterápica laboratory. Unlike many entrepreneurs, he chose to learn through hands-on experience rather than follow traditional academic training.

Grupo Cimed was officially established in 1977 through the merger of sector companies, including Cimed and Grupo Windson. For about 30 years, the founders maintained control. Over time, João Adibe took over as president while his sister Karla Marques Felmanas deepened strategic involvement as vice president. The differentiator? The company remained 100% Brazilian with family control — a rare thing in the sector.

The turning point happened when João Adibe completely shifted Cimed’s positioning. It moved from being just another laboratory to becoming a popular brand focused on affordable medicines, generics, vitamins, and supplements. The aggressive entry into the generics market, especially targeting lower-income consumers, was strategic. The numbers speak for themselves: presence in about 90% of pharmacies in Brazil, a portfolio with over 600 products, approximately 5,000 employees, and more than 60,000 sales points.

In 2018, revenue surpassed R$ 1 billion. Then, in 2020, growth accelerated even more. With the high demand for vitamins, supplements, and immunity products, that segment grew about 35%. The result? Gross revenue reached R$ 2 billion, an increase of approximately 25% compared to 2019. This solidified Cimed as one of the four largest in Brazil.

João Adibe Marques also positions himself as an innovator. Recently, the holding announced plans to invest around R$ 300 million over five years in space research, including on the International Space Station. Clear goal: develop new products, expand technological capacity, and reinforce the biotech image.

Outside of the corporate world, he has built a strong relationship with sports. Cimed has been investing in sports marketing since the 1990s — sponsoring football clubs, boasting a successful history in men's volleyball, and maintaining a constant presence in motorsports, especially in Stock Car. For him, the sports logic of teamwork, clear goals, and discipline directly applies to the business environment.

On social media, João Adibe shares his routine and frequently uses the hashtag #FlyNow, associated with the philosophy of action and growth. He was included among Latin America’s 500 most influential people according to Bloomberg Línea.

What’s impressive is how a businessman managed to keep Brazilian control in such a highly competitive sector, transforming Cimed into a national powerhouse. Operational discipline, brand positioning, and market insight — sometimes these things make more difference than any technology.