It is with heavy hearts that we mourn the passing of Javier Lebrija Sr., founder of Grupo Solquim, our partner in M. Holland Latinoamérica (MHL). This is a profound loss for the Lebrija family – one that is reverberating throughout the M. Holland community and the broader industry.
While he was passionate about his work and business, everything paled in comparison to the love he had for his family. An outdoorsman and enthusiastic skier, Javier enjoyed spending time in the mountains and many winter holidays in Colorado with friends and family. In the latter part of his life, he retired to Austin, TX, where he commuted to and from his home in Mexico City. Javier’s passing comes just two years after his late wife, Susanne. Today, their legacy endures through their five sons and 12 grandchildren.
Javier was born in Torreon, Mexico and led a life fueled by passion and ambition. After founding a transportation company in 1970 and under his exceptional leadership the business evolved into a chemicals and plastics distributorship. In 1982, he purchased Grupo Solquim and successfully grew the company into one of Mexico’s leading distributors of solvents and polymers, serving nearly 500 customers and establishing a presence throughout Latin America, Spain, and the Caribbean. His leadership and entrepreneurial spirit were instrumental to M. Holland’s expansion into Latin America in 2015.
A chemical engineer by trade, Javier motivated everyone whom he worked with by sharing his depth of knowledge, passion, and wisdom. Those whom he inspired most were perhaps his family. Two of his sons hold leadership roles at MHL, Xavier currently as director general and Patricio sits on the MHL board. As part of our M. Holland family, we offer our full support and deepest sympathies as they mourn the loss of their beloved father.
As a leader, he showed great empathy, and one of his greatest gifts was his ability to empower and motivate – his door was always open to any employee who needed to feel heard. Those who knew and worked with Javier considered themselves lucky. Included in that fortunate group is our CEO Ed Holland, who regarded Javier as a friend and partner. Ed described Javier as high energy and filled with personality. “I wish I had more time with him than just the last few years,” Ed reflected. “He will be missed.”
Ed Holland with Javier Lebrija Sr.
As is the case within any supportive family, M. Holland comes together in times of celebration and sadness. In the days ahead, we stand unified in honoring the life and contributions of Javier Lebrija Sr. If you would like to share your thoughts or condolences, please do so by sending an email here.
Javier with his wife Susanne
Lebrija family portrait from 1980
Lebrija winter family vacation in 1982
Javier with his family last fall
Javier’s 40th birthday party
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