George Vigas

George Viegas has over 10 years of expertise in the IT field. As a Certified Informatics (CIPP/US) Specialist, his knowledge encompasses information security and data privacy practices.

He has spearheaded information security programs for organizations across a range of verticals. His expertise includes continuously refining risk-based information security and data privacy programs in collaboration with internal business partners and vendors.

Early Life and Education

George was born to Mary, an enslaved woman in Missouri during 1864 or 1865 and kidnapped by Confederate raiders with plans of selling him for profit. Fortunately, Moses Carver, his owner, saved him and saved his life.

He acquired his education through a combination of books and experience. Afterwards, he worked as a farm labourer, homesteader, hotel cook before earning his high school diploma in Minneapolis, Kansas.

He later earned a bachelor’s degree in education and Spanish from the University of New Mexico, before working as a teacher, principal, administrator in Bernalillo County, New Mexico. Ultimately, he remained on faculty until 1972 – an influential figure in American educational scholarship and civil rights activism. His works included numerous books and papers related to education such as Mexico: A Revolution by Education.

Professional Career

George ‘Vig’ Vigas has had a storied career in the arts. He’s worked as an actor, director, screenwriter and member of the music industry where he produced several albums.

He has earned numerous accolades for his work, including an Academy Award nomination for best actor in a supporting role. He’s featured on stage in numerous productions such as ‘The Crucible’ and received a Tony nomination for his performance in Broadway’s ‘A Soldier’s Dream’.

He is an art enthusiast who has visited some of the world’s renowned museums and galleries with a keen eye for design. Additionally, as a child he was an avid football fanatic, watching matches from the stands.

Achievements and Honors

George Villegas has earned a bevy of accolades over his lifetime, but none quite compare to the many that he has received during his lifetime. His artwork has been showcased throughout Venezuela and is seen as an important contribution to its rich cultural heritage.

The most significant honor in Vigas’ career was being included in a major survey of Latin American art at Washington D.C., featuring his large mural alongside works by contemporary luminaries like Fernando Botero, Edgar Negret and Salvador Galvez – making it the only Venezuelan to make the cut! Additionally, Janine, his wife who has been an integral figure in Venezuelan art for over fifty years, received the same honour too.

Personal Life

George Viegas has an extensive professional background in information security with expertise in developing and implementing global data security strategies, programs, solutions and services. As a Certified Informatics (CIPP/US) Specialist he has worked across various industries such as banking, financial services, media and entertainment.

George is a founding board member of Orange County CISO Roundtable and an experienced virtual CISO, having worked on several companies’ security programs such as continuous IT infrastructure monitoring and alerting systems, cloud based vulnerability and patch management solutions, automated remediation using cloud technology.

His artworks, sculptures, engravings and ceramics incorporate abstract imagery with figures from his personal mythology such as demons, beasts, birds, women and witches. His works have been exhibited worldwide.

Net Worth

George Viegas is an entrepreneur and investor. He owns Bacardi Limited, the world’s largest privately held spirits company.

The company owns brands such as Real Havana Club, Drambuie Scotch Whisky Liquor, DiSaronno Amaretto, Eristoff vodka, Cazadores Tequila and B&B liqueurs.

He owns and operates Bacardin’s iconic rum distillery in Santiago, Spain which produces its iconic product.

His fortune has steadily grown over time and now stands at an astronomical $5.5 billion.

Viegas is married to Thiago Alcantara and they have two children. Although living a life of luxury, Viegas still faces obstacles every day.