“How did we get here?” This was the question that guided our conversation with Santiago Negri, Director and General Manager of Grupo Capelle Hnos., former President of CREA, and a key figure in managing family agricultural businesses. His answer took us on a journey through history and lessons learned, while also offering a strategic look toward the future.
Management and Innovation in a Family Group
Grupo Capelle Hnos. faces the challenge of rethinking itself and projecting itself as a business group led by the third generation. What distinguishes their management approach is the inclusive and collaborative focus of “the 5 cousins,” who work together to integrate other family members. This process not only involves operational leadership but also transforming the strategic vision into a structure that prioritizes specialization and added value.
According to Santiago, the key is to dream together and build an attractive space for partners, collaborators, and even future investors. “It doesn’t matter where we want to be in 10 years if we don’t do it together, with generosity and openness to delegate, learn, and grow,” he emphasizes.
He also explained that this model is based on inclusive and planned governance: “Delegating isn’t just about knowing how to do it; it’s also about wanting to do it. It’s about closing your eyes and trusting that someone else will do it well.” This approach, which prioritizes dialogue and generosity, ensures smooth transitions and shared leadership that transcends individualism.
The Role of Family: Calling and Cohesion
Grupo Capelle’s history is deeply rooted in family values that have evolved with generational transitions. Santiago shared how his grandfather and parents paved the way, and how today they are building on that foundation by integrating all family members with a strong commitment to agriculture.
A central dynamic of the group is the constant search for consensus, where decisions pass through multiple levels of dialogue among cousins, siblings, uncles, and parents. This creates a business ecosystem where challenges are shared, and opportunities are maximized.
The goal is to make the group an attractive and relevant place for all involved: partners, collaborators, external investors, and society in general. This includes not only financial results but also commitments related to sustainability, social impact, and personal balance for those involved in the project.
The 10-Year Vision: Specialist Companies
Santiago explained that the future of Grupo Capelle lies in specialization: companies focused on specific areas like grain quality or pig production, under a group structure that promotes collaboration. This model allows each unit to operate with strategic independence while maximizing synergy within the group.
“We want to be a group that inspires others. We want our partners, collaborators, and the society around us to feel that they are part of something bigger, sustainable, and value-generating,” Santiago said.
CREA Culture: What Was Learned and Shared
As a former President of CREA, Santiago left his mark by promoting a long-term vision for this movement that connects agricultural businesses across the country. His goal was to consolidate the values of collaboration and continuous improvement, ensuring that CREA continues to be a pillar for rural development in Argentina.
“CREA gave me friends and lessons, and I tried to give something back: a seed for CREA to continue growing and transforming agriculture over the next 60 years,” he recalled, moved.
This interview with Santiago Negri was not only a journey through the history and present of Grupo Capelle but also an inspiration for those looking to manage family businesses with an innovative and sustainable approach. His model combines traditional values with a modern vision that integrates specialization, inclusive governance, and environmental commitment.
In Santiago’s words: “Leadership is an act of generosity and passion, and our mission is to build companies that are not only successful but also make a positive impact on those around them.”
At Simpleza, we celebrate these stories of companies that make a difference in Argentine agriculture, and through management and leadership, build the future.
