Grupo Ramos founder Román Ramos Uría dies at 84

Román Ramos Uría, founder of Grupo Ramos and a key figure in the transformation of the Dominican Republic’s retail sector, died on Wednesday at the age of 84, his family and the company announced.

Born on October 18, 1941, in Pola de Allande, Asturias, Spain, Ramos Uría arrived in the Dominican Republic in 1959. He joined La Sirena as an employee in 1963 and, just two years later, acquired the iconic store during the 1965 April Revolution, laying the foundation for what would become Grupo Ramos.

Under his leadership, the company reshaped the country’s retail industry by introducing self-service shopping, fixed prices and new store formats, including Super Pola, Aprezio and Multiplaza. Grupo Ramos grew into one of the nation’s largest retail chains, creating more than 10,000 direct jobs across the country.

In 2005, Ramos Uría stepped down as executive president, passing leadership to his daughter, Mercedes Ramos, while continuing as chairman of the board. He remained focused on strengthening the company’s institutional development and long-term governance.

Beyond his business achievements, Ramos Uría was recognized for promoting values such as integrity, humility and hard work, while supporting social initiatives through organizations including Fe y Alegría, Sanar una Nación and UNICEF.

In 2025, he was granted Dominican citizenship through privileged naturalization in recognition of his contributions to the country and his distinguished business career.

In a statement, the Ramos Fernández family and Grupo Ramos said his legacy will endure through the company’s values, leadership model and lasting impact on the Dominican business community. They also thanked the public for the messages of support received following his passing.