Román Ramos Uría, founder of Grupo Ramos and a key figure in the transformation of the Dominican Republic’s retail sector, died on Wednesday at the age of 84, his family and the company announced. Born on October 18, 1941, in Pola de Allande, Asturias, Spain, Ramos Uría arrived in the Dominican Republic in 1959. Grupo Ramos grew into one of the nation’s largest retail chains, creating more than 10,000 direct jobs across the country. In 2005, Ramos Uría stepped down as executive president, passing leadership to his daughter, Mercedes Ramos, while continuing as chairman of the board. In a statement, the Ramos Fernández family and Grupo Ramos said his legacy will endure through the company’s values, leadership model and lasting impact on the Dominican business community.