Silvano Gelleni

EY World Entrepreneur Of The Year™ Class of 2024, Venezuela
Chairman of Acumuladores DUNCAN

Share the joy of Silvano Gelleni’s winning moment at Entrepreneur Of The Year™ Venezuela.

Silvano Gelleni is driving the battery sector into the future.

When he was 8 years old, Silvano Gelleni accompanied his uncle, one of Acumuladores DUNCAN’s co-founders, on battery deliveries to customers outside Caracas. Embracing the family legacy, Silvano officially joined the business at 21 and as CEO he has been driving its growth and innovation since 1986.  

Over the years, his resilience has steered Acumuladores DUNCAN through tumultuous political, economic and social landscapes, including a temporary takeover by the government, to become Venezuela’s leading company in automotive and industrial batteries and energy solutions. 

Under Silvano’s stewardship, Acumuladores DUNCAN has evolved from a modest warehouse to a vertically integrated enterprise with a battery and plastic manufacturing facility, recycling plant and 17 distribution centers that reach more than 2,000 retail shops and 75 service centers across Venezuela and Colombia. This strategic expansion offers customers convenient access to maintenance, repairs and technical support. Acumuladores DUNCAN also operates a comprehensive battery recycling program, exemplifying its commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainability. 

Recognizing the imperative role of education in societal advancement, Silvano champions both internal and external educational initiatives to empower individuals and communities. Programs like these demonstrate the company’s unwavering dedication to excellence, ethics and perseverance as part of its commitment to Venezuela’s future.