zema

Zema is a Brazilian surname which has become widely associated with a major national retail group and with a prominent political figure. Grupo Zema, also known as Zema Group, is a Brazilian retail company that operates a chain of department stores and supermarkets. Founded by entrepreneur Romeu Zema, the group markets electronics, home appliances, furniture, and general consumer goods, and has expanded its footprint across several Brazilian states.

Romeu Zema Neto is a Brazilian businessman who founded the Zema Group and entered politics. He was elected governor of Minas Gerais in 2018 and assumed office in 2019, representing the Novo party. As governor, Zema promoted fiscal reform, privatization of state assets, and modernization of public services, while navigating the state's economic and social challenges.

In public discourse, Zema is most commonly encountered as the surname of these figures and the brand, especially within the Minas Gerais region where the retailer has deep roots. The name itself does not denote a single institution beyond these uses, and its recognition largely stems from the retail network and the political career associated with Romeu Zema.