Daniel Mas
Chilean politician (born 1965)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Daniel Sebastián Mas Valdés (born 20 October 1970) is a Chilean agribusiness engineer, business leader, and politician who has been serving as both Minister of Economy and Minister of Mining since 11 March 2026 under the presidency of José Antonio Kast.[1]
Daniel Mas | |
|---|---|
Mas in 2026 | |
| Minister of Economy | |
| Assumed office 11 March 2026 | |
| President | José Antonio Kast |
| Preceded by | Álvaro García Hurtado |
| Minister of Mining | |
| Assumed office 11 March 2026 | |
| President | José Antonio Kast |
| Preceded by | Aurora Williams |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 20 October 1970 La Serena, Chile |
| Alma mater | Pontifical Catholic University of Chile |
| Occupation | Agronomist, politician |
Prior to his appointment, he served as vice president of the Confederation of Production and Commerce (CPC), where he was involved in discussions on regulatory reform and investment conditions for the Chilean economy.[2]
Early life and education
Daniel Mas was born in La Serena, Chile. He holds a degree in Agribusiness Engineering with a specialization in Agricultural Economics from the Pontifical Catholic University of Chile.[3]
Professional career
Mas’s professional career has been closely linked to productive enterprises and regional economic development, particularly in northern Chile. In 2003, he assumed executive roles at Ecomac S.A., a construction and real estate company founded in 1965 by his father, Daniel Mas Rocha.[1] The company expanded its operations across several regions, including Coquimbo, Atacama, Biobío, and Los Lagos.
Between 2010 and 2014, Mas served as vice president of the Terminal Puerto Coquimbo (TPC), participating in regional infrastructure decision-making processes.[1] Mas also developed agricultural ventures and founded the business accelerator Kawen, which supports multiple entrepreneurial projects.[2]
Mas has held leadership roles within Chilean business associations. He was president of regional business organizations, served for sixteen years as a board member of CIDERE (Corporación Industrial para el Desarrollo Regional), and was active in SOFOFA; he served on SOFOFA’s Executive Council during a term of leadership under Bernardo Larraín.[2]
Within these circles, he was identified as a voice on issues of regulatory frameworks, investment conditions, and economic growth, particularly concerning infrastructure development, regional decentralization, and employment generation.[2]
Public career
In January 2026, president-elect José Antonio Kast appointed Mas as both Minister of Economy, Development and Tourism and Minister of Mining, positions he is scheduled to formally assume on 11 March 2026.[4]
As Minister of Economy, one of Mas’s primary mandates will be to streamline permitting processes, including advancing the implementation of the Framework Law on Sectoral Authorizations with the aim of reducing delays and administrative complexity while maintaining environmental, health, and safety standards.[2]
In the mining portfolio, he will take office amid ongoing discussions on regulatory certainty and investment conditions affecting the sector’s ability to sustain production and attract long-term capital.[2]