The global cooperative movement lost one of its distinguished leaders on Saturday, August 1, with the passing of Américo Utumi at the age of 92.
A Brazilian national, Utumi served on the Board of the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA) for twelve years, from 2001 to 2013. He also served as Chief of Staff to Roberto Rodrigues, who was President of the ICA from 1997 to 2001.
A loyal companion to Rodrigues, Utumi traveled extensively around the world, promoting the values and potential of the cooperative movement to communities in more than 80 countries. Wherever they went, they carried a message of hope, peace, and prosperity.
Américo Utumi also served as Executive Director of the ICA Agricultural Cooperatives Organization and as a member of the Board of the Organization of Cooperatives of the Americas (OCA).
In Brazil, he served three terms as President of the Organization of Cooperatives of the State of São Paulo (OCESP) during the 1980s and 1990s. He also held the positions of Vice President and Superintendent of the Organization of Brazilian Cooperatives (OCB).
A lawyer by profession, Utumi began his career representing the members of the Cotia Agricultural Cooperative in São Paulo, where he later became Vice President. In recognition of his outstanding work at what was then the largest fruit and vegetable cooperative in Latin America, he was appointed Municipal Secretary of Food Supply for the City of São Paulo.
Dr. Américo, as he was widely known in Brazil, was deeply passionate about the cooperative movement. He served on the boards of numerous private organizations and public institutions, always championing the cooperative model and promoting economic development with social justice.
The global cooperative movement has lost an important voice, but his lifelong dedication and commitment will continue to inspire future generations.
Widowed since 2011, Américo Utumi is survived by two children and two grandchildren.
Dr. José Alves de Souza Neto
President of Cooperatives of the Americas
