WASHINGTON – The Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars mourns the passing of Jesús Reyes-Heroles, a close friend and collaborator with the Wilson Center’s Mexico Institute.

"Ambassador Reyes-Heroles was a committed advocate for his country and for the US-Mexico bilateral relationship. His contributions to that relationship, to greater bilateral understanding, and to the work of the Mexico Institute are too numerous to count,” said Andrew I. Rudman, Mexico Institute director. “We extend our deepest condolences to his family. He will be missed."

Reyes-Heroles was the Executive President and Co-Founder of GEA Grupo de Economistas y Asociados, a Mexico City-based political and economic consulting firm. Previously, Reyes Heroles served as Secretary of Energy in President Ernesto Zedillo’s Cabinet, acted as president for several businesses including Petroleos Mexicanos (PEMEX), and was nominated Director General of the Banco Nacional de Obras y Servicios Publicos (BANOBRAS) before becoming the Mexican Ambassador to the United States in 1997.

Reyes-Heroles was a frequent collaborator with the Mexico Institute, providing his insights on issues ranging from NAFTA to energy reform and democracy. His most recent article for the Mexico Institute looked at how severe droughts across the country have imperiled access to quality potable water, and the insufficient response of the current administration.

The Wilson Center sends its sympathy and support to the Ambassador’s family and friends.