Anáhuac México University awards Juan Francisco Beckmann Vidal an honorary PhD

The businessman and philanthropist, who is recognized for transforming the tequila industry and for his impact on Mexico's cultural development, received the University's highest academic award for his business, cultural and social legacy.

On August 14, 2025, Anáhuac México University awarded an honorary Ph.D. to Juan Francisco Beckmann Vidal, the honorary lifetime president of Becle, S.A.B. de C.V. (José Cuervo), in a formal ceremony held at Casa Cuervo. Through this honor, our institution recognizes his exemplary career as a business leader and his firm commitment to Mexico's integral development.

Juan Beckmann, originally from Mexico City, studied public accounting and earned a master's degree in business administration from the Monterrey Institute of Technology and Higher Education (ITESM). He later studied senior management at Stanford University. In 1964, he joined José Cuervo, the world's oldest tequila producer and in 1977, he became chairman of the board of directors. Under his leadership, Jose Cuervo evolved into a global leader in the tequila industry with a presence in more than 85 countries.

In addition to his entrepreneurial vision, Beckmann has promoted cultural and economic transformation in Tequila, Jalisco. He has driven infrastructure development, turned the town into a Pueblo Mágico (Magical Town) and promoted its recognition as a World Heritage Site by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). His philanthropic work has also been significant. Through the Beckmann and José Cuervo foundations, he has supported educational, cultural and tourism initiatives that have impacted thousands of people directly.

The academic ceremony was attended by Rector Dr. Cipriano Sánchez García, L.C., who performed the formal investiture by placing the cap and medal on Juan Beckmann and presenting him with the honorary degree. This was followed by the reading of the laudatio by Edgar González Olea, Director of the School of Economics and Business, and was attended by university authorities and members of the Rector's Committee.

Our rector delivered a moving message in which he described Juan as a living example of leadership and respect for others. He emphasized that true success is not limited to business achievements but is also reflected in the ability to transform lives, build community, and serve others generously. The rector highlighted Juan's personal qualities, such as simplicity, humility, approachability and vision. He also emphasized Juan's commitment to the common good, deep faith, and ethical responsibility as a businessman. He emphasized Juan's work in Tequila, where Juan fostered hope and dignity through economic, cultural, and social development. He also recalled Juan's generosity towards the most vulnerable, including children with cleft lips and palates, the elderly, and victims of natural disasters. Juan embodies the values that Anáhuac México University seeks to convey: leadership with integrity, impact and a deep commitment to Mexico.

Complete biography of Dr. Juan Francisco Beckmann Vidal, here: