João Cox

Distinguished Executive, Board Member, and Strategic Investor
Salvador, BR.

About

Highly accomplished executive with over three decades of experience driving significant growth and value creation across diverse sectors, including telecommunications, finance, and real estate. Proven leader in board governance, strategic investments, and complex organizational transformations, notably achieving a revenue increase from R$5B to R$13B and an EBITDA turnaround from -R$300M to R$3.3B for Claro S.A. Adept at steering companies through M&A, IPOs, and market expansions, leveraging pragmatic leadership and an innovative vision to deliver sustained profitability and stakeholder value.

Work

Junior Achievement Brazil
|

Member, Advisory Board

Brazil, Brazil

Summary

Provided strategic guidance and oversight as an Advisory Board Member, supporting youth entrepreneurship and economic education initiatives.

AG7 Partners
|

Chairman, Board of Directors

Brazil, Brazil

Summary

Chaired the Board of Directors, providing leadership and strategic oversight to drive company growth and governance.

Esfera Brasil
|

Member, Advisory Board

Brazil, Brazil

Summary

Provided expert advice and strategic direction as an Advisory Board Member, contributing to organizational development.

Vivara Participações S.A.
|

Chairman, Board of Directors

Brazil, Brazil

Summary

Chaired the Board of Directors, guiding strategic decisions and ensuring robust corporate governance for the organization.

Cox Investments & Advisory
|

Founder and Partner

Brazil, Brazil

Summary

Founded and led a strategic investment and advisory firm, developing a real estate platform, managing interim CEO roles, and investing across diverse technology, consumer, and real estate sectors.

Highlights

Developed and launched a successful real estate business platform focused on BTS (Build-to-Suit) and Power Centers, expanding market presence and asset portfolio.

Provided interim management as CEO and shareholder at WTorre S.A., guiding strategic direction and operational execution during critical phases.

Managed a varied investment portfolio across technology (VoIP, Digital Signage, mobile marketing), food & entertainment, and real estate, securing growth and returns.

Delivered high-impact consulting and advisory services in M&A, pre-IPO strategies, finance, technology, and corporate governance for diverse clients.

Embraer S.A.
|

Member, Board of Directors

Brazil, Brazil

Summary

Served on the Board of Directors, providing strategic oversight and governance for a leading aerospace manufacturer.

Braskem S.A.
|

Vice Chairman, Board of Directors

Brazil, Brazil

Summary

Served as Vice Chairman of the Board, contributing to strategic direction and corporate governance for a major petrochemical company.

Petrobras S.A.
|

Member, Board of Directors; Head, Investments Committee

Brazil, Brazil

Summary

Contributed to strategic governance as a Board Member and led the Investments Committee for a major energy corporation.

Linx S.A.
|

Member, Board of Directors

Brazil, Brazil

Summary

Provided strategic guidance as a Board Member, contributing to the growth and governance of a technology company.

Qualicorp Participações S.A.
|

Member, Board of Directors

Brazil, Brazil

Summary

Served on the Board of Directors, offering strategic insights for a leading healthcare benefits administrator.

Eldorado Celulose
|

Member, Board of Directors

Brazil, Brazil

Summary

Contributed to board-level strategy and governance for a major pulp and paper company.

TIM Participações S.A.
|

Chairman, Board of Directors

Brazil, Brazil

Summary

Chaired the Board of Directors, guiding strategic initiatives and corporate governance for TIM Participações S.A.

TIM Brasil S.A.
|

Chairman, Board of Directors

Brazil, Brazil

Summary

Chaired the Board of Directors, providing leadership and strategic direction for TIM Brasil S.A.

Cassol
|

Advisory Board Member

Brazil, Brazil

Summary

Provided expert advisory and strategic guidance as an Advisory Board Member for Cassol.

Estácio Participações S.A
|

Chairman, Board of Directors; Member, Board of Directors

Brazil, Brazil

Summary

Served as Chairman and Member of the Board, providing strategic leadership and oversight for a prominent educational institution.

OTP
|

Member, Board of Directors

Brazil, Brazil

Summary

Contributed to strategic direction and governance as a Board Member for OTP.

Asgaard
|

Member, Board of Directors

Brazil, Brazil

Summary

Served on the Board of Directors, contributing to governance and strategic planning for Asgaard.

PDG S.A.
|

Member, Board of Directors

Brazil, Brazil

Summary

Contributed to strategic oversight and corporate governance as a Board Member for PDG S.A.

Construtora EVEN S.A
|

Member, Board of Directors

Brazil, Brazil

Summary

Served on the Board of Directors, providing strategic guidance for Construtora EVEN S.A.

Acel
|

Member, Board of Directors

Brazil, Brazil

Summary

Contributed to strategic oversight and corporate governance as a Board Member for Acel.

Claro S.A.
|

President and CEO, Vice President of the Board of Directors

Brazil, Brazil

Summary

Led Claro S.A. as President and CEO, overseeing significant client growth, revenue expansion, and a major financial turnaround, while serving on the Board of Directors.

Highlights

Drove subscriber base growth by approximately 28 million new clients within four years, significantly expanding market share.

Executed a successful management plan that organically increased revenues from R$ 5 billion to R$ 13 billion, demonstrating strong market penetration.

Achieved a remarkable EBITDA turnaround, converting a deficit of R$ 300 million to a positive R$ 3.3 billion.

Ensured net and operational profitability, achieving net cash flow despite an ambitious 3G launch and substantial investment program.

Orchestrated branding redesign and positioning across 14 countries, coordinating local market adaptation and enhancing brand visibility.

Championed and implemented a client-driven relationship culture and program, improving customer satisfaction and loyalty.

TeleBrasil
|

Member, Board of Directors

Brazil, Brazil

Summary

Served on the Board of Directors, providing strategic guidance for TeleBrasil.

Claro S.A.
|

Vice Chairman, Board of Directors

Brazil, Brazil

Summary

Served as Vice Chairman of the Board, contributing to strategic direction and governance for Claro S.A.

Stefanini S.A.
|

Member, Board of Directors

Brazil, Brazil

Summary

Contributed to strategic oversight and corporate governance as a Board Member for Stefanini S.A.

Construtora Moura Dubeux S.A.
|

Member, Board of Directors

Brazil, Brazil

Summary

Served on the Board of Directors, providing strategic guidance for Construtora Moura Dubeux S.A.

Cellcom - Israel
|

Vice Chairman, Board of Directors

Israel, Israel

Summary

Served as Vice Chairman of the Board, contributing to strategic direction and governance for Cellcom - Israel.

TeleMan - Netherlands
|

Chairman, Board of Directors

Netherlands, Netherlands

Summary

Chaired the Board of Directors, providing leadership and strategic oversight for TeleMan - Netherlands.

Cox Advisory
|

Partner

Brazil, Brazil

Summary

Provided expert advisory services, successfully facilitating high-value company participations and securing significant capital for industrial expansion.

Highlights

Facilitated the sale of company participations in Israel and the Netherlands, generating over US$ 700 million in transactions.

Secured approximately US$ 100 million in funding from BNB to expand a key petrochemical company, driving industrial growth.

National Financial System Court of Appeal
|

Effective Member - Publicly-held Companies Representative

Brazil, Brazil

Summary

Served as an Effective Member, representing publicly-held companies in the National Financial System Court of Appeal, ensuring fair and informed financial judgments.

Fórum dos Líderes Empresariais (Entrepreneurial Leaders Forum)
|

Elected Permanent Member

Brazil, Brazil

Summary

Elected as a Permanent Member of the Entrepreneurial Leaders Forum, contributing to high-level discussions and initiatives.

IBRI - Brazilian Investor Relations Institute
|

Member, Board of Directors

Brazil, Brazil

Summary

Served on the Board of Directors, contributing to the development and promotion of investor relations best practices in Brazil.

Abrasca - Brazilian Association of Public Companies
|

Member, Board of Directors

Brazil, Brazil

Summary

Contributed to strategic oversight and advocacy for publicly-held companies as a Board Member for Abrasca.

Telemig Celular Participaçoes / Telemig Celular S.A. & Tele Norte Celular Participações / Amazônia Celular
|

CEO & CFO, Head of Investor Relations

Brazil, Brazil

Summary

Served as CEO, CFO, and Head of Investor Relations, leading organizational restructuring, driving profitability, and managing public listings for major telecommunications companies.

Highlights

Orchestrated comprehensive organizational restructuring, implementing an entrepreneurial model that significantly boosted profitability and sales results.

Directed branding redesign and positioning initiatives, enhancing market segmentation and competitive advantage.

Implemented a client-driven relationship culture and program, improving customer engagement and loyalty.

Secured essential funding to support company growth programs while maintaining financial health and stability.

Managed successful listings for 2 companies on NYSE and 4 on Bovespa, enhancing market visibility and investor confidence.

GCO - Grupo Concesionario Del Oeste - Argentina
|

Member, Board of Directors

Argentina, Argentina

Summary

Contributed to strategic oversight and corporate governance as a Board Member for GCO - Grupo Concesionario Del Oeste.

Grupo Odebrecht
|

CFO, Infrastructure Business

Brazil, Brazil

Summary

Led financial operations for the Infrastructure Business unit, overseeing strategic financial planning and execution.

Itá Energética S.A.
|

Member, Board of Directors

Brazil, Brazil

Summary

Served on the Board of Directors, providing strategic guidance for Itá Energética S.A.

Grupo Odebrecht
|

Finance Director, Holding

Brazil, Brazil

Summary

Directed financial strategies and operations at the holding level, ensuring robust financial health and compliance.

Unipar União de Indústrias Petroquímicas S.A.
|

Member, Board of Directors

Brazil, Brazil

Summary

Served on the Board of Directors, providing strategic guidance for Unipar União de Indústrias Petroquímicas S.A.

Grupo Odebrecht
|

CFO, Petrochemical Business

Brazil, Brazil

Summary

Managed financial operations for the Petrochemical Business, notably executing groundbreaking securitization and overseeing IPO registrations.

Highlights

Executed the first-ever dividend securitization in the international market, diversifying funding sources.

Managed all registrations at the SEC for the company's IPO, ensuring regulatory compliance and market readiness.

Poliolefinas S.A
|

Member, Board of Directors

Brazil, Brazil

Summary

Contributed to strategic oversight and corporate governance as a Board Member for Poliolefinas S.A.

Poliolefinas do Nordeste
|

Member, Board of Directors

Brazil, Brazil

Summary

Served on the Board of Directors, providing strategic guidance for Poliolefinas do Nordeste.

Universidade FACS - Business Administration
|

Graduate Professor; Accounting, Finance & Control and Business Economics

Brazil, Brazil

Summary

Instructed graduate students across Accounting, Finance & Control, and Business Economics, contributing to their professional development.

Highlights

Provided comprehensive instruction in Accounting, Finance & Control to graduate students, preparing them for advanced roles.

Taught Business Economics, equipping students with essential analytical and strategic decision-making skills.

Faculdades Integradas Estácio de Sá - CENID
|

Capital Markets Professor, Monetary Policy and Capital Markets Professor

Brazil, Brazil

Summary

Educated postgraduate students in Capital Markets, Monetary Policy, and Business Administration, fostering expertise in complex financial subjects.

Highlights

Taught advanced courses in Capital Markets and Monetary Policy to postgraduate students, enhancing their financial acumen.

Developed and delivered curriculum for Business Administration post-graduation, integrating theoretical knowledge with practical applications.

DESENBANCO - BANCO DE DESENVOLVIMENTO S.A.
|

Superintendence Assessor

Brazil, Brazil

Summary

Supported superintendence operations, providing key assessments and contributing to strategic initiatives for a development bank.

Highlights

Assisted the Superintendence in critical decision-making processes, providing data-driven insights and recommendations.

Contributed to the evaluation and implementation of development projects, aligning with the bank's strategic objectives.

SECRETARIA DA INDÚSTRIA, COMÉRCIO E TURISMO (BA)
|

Economist, Division of Programming and Pre-Investments

Bahia, Brazil

Summary

Analyzed economic data and developed programming and pre-investment strategies for the Secretariat of Industry, Commerce, and Tourism.

Highlights

Conducted economic analyses to inform industrial and commercial development policies for the state of Bahia.

Developed strategic programming and pre-investment initiatives to stimulate regional economic growth and tourism.

Education

The College of Petroleum Studies
Oxford, England, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

Postgraduate Studies

Petrochemicals Economics

Université du Québec à Montreal
Montréal, Québec, Canada, Canada

Maitrise (not completed)

Économique

Courses

Mémoire sur L'Allocation des Ressources Humaines dans le Processus du Développement Économique

Universidade Federal da Bahia
Salvador, Bahia, Brasil, Brazil

B.Sc.

Economics

Awards

30% Club Brazil Award

Awarded By

30% Club Brazil

Recognized for Vivara having at least 30% of its Board of Directors composed of women, promoting diversity in corporate leadership.

Inconfidência Medal of Honour

Awarded By

Grande Medalha

Awarded the prestigious Grande Medalha, signifying significant contributions.

Executive of the Decade

Awarded By

Consumidor Moderno magazine

Recognized by Consumidor Moderno magazine for exceptional executive leadership and impact.

National Entrepreneurial Leader in Telecommunications

Awarded By

Gazeta Mercantil newspaper

Voted by Gazeta Mercantil readers as the leading entrepreneurial leader in telecommunications in 2003, 2007, 2008, and 2009.

Honorary Citizen of Minas Gerais

Awarded By

Assembleia Legislativa de Minas Gerais

Granted the title of Honorary Citizen of Minas Gerais, recognizing contributions to the state.

Modern Consumer Award

Awarded By

Modern Consumer Award

Telemig Celular, Amazônia Celular, and Claro were consistently recognized as the best companies in customer care in the mobile telecom sector for multiple years (2000-2008).

Sales Person of Brazil

Awarded By

Associação dos Dirigentes de Vendas do Brasil

Recognized by the Brazilian Sales Directors Association for outstanding achievements in sales leadership.

One of the top 100 most influent Brazilians

Awarded By

Isto É magazine

Listed among the top 100 most influential Brazilians by Isto É magazine, acknowledging significant national impact.

Entrepreneur of the Year

Awarded By

Isto É Dinheiro magazine

Recognized as Entrepreneur of the Year by Isto É Dinheiro magazine for exceptional entrepreneurial achievements.

Honorary Citizen of Belo Horizontino

Awarded By

Câmara dos Vereadores de Belo Horizonte

Granted the title of Honorary Citizen of Belo Horizontino, recognizing contributions to the city.

30 Top Entrepreneurial Companies in Brazil

Awarded By

Exame magazine

Telemig Celular was nominated among Brazil's top 30 entrepreneurial companies by Exame magazine.

The leading individuals: sell-side view of the best CEO in the telecom industry in Latin America

Awarded By

Institutional Investor Magazine

Recognized by Institutional Investor Magazine as the best CEO in the Latin American telecom industry from a sell-side perspective.

Marketing Man of the Year 2004 - MG

Awarded By

Marking Magazine Editora Referência

Elected Marketing Man of the Year by an examining board based on spontaneous nominations, highlighting marketing leadership in Minas Gerais.

The Best 100 Companies to Work at in Brazil and The best 40 Companies for Women to Work at in Brazil

Awarded By

Exame magazine with Great Place to Work

Telemig Celular and Amazônia Celular were nominated among the best companies to work for in Brazil, and among the best for women.

Grand Prix for the Best Overall Investor Relations Program in Latin America

Awarded By

IR Magazine

The only Brazilian company nominated 3 times for this award (2000, 2001, 2003), recognizing excellence in investor relations.

Brazilian Mobile Operators - Ranking System

Awarded By

Brazilian Mobile Operators

Telemig Celular and Tele Norte Celular were recognized as the best telecom companies in Brazil for transparency with investors.

Best Corporate Governance

Awarded By

Wall Street Journal

Telemig Celular was indicated as the 7th best Brazilian company for corporate governance, with Tele Norte ranked 10th by Wall Street Journal.

Best Telecom Company in Investor Relations in Latin America

Awarded By

Morgan Stanley Dean Witter

Ranked 2nd in the Annual Investor Relations Rankings by Morgan Stanley Dean Witter.

Deal of the year

Awarded By

Trade Finance Magazine

Recognized by Trade Finance Magazine for a significant deal in Brazil.

Languages

Portuguese
English
French

Skills

Leadership & Strategy

Pragmatic Leadership, Strategic Planning, Business Acumen, Innovative Vision, Board Governance, Executive Leadership, Corporate Strategy, Organizational Restructuring, Interim Management.

Financial Management

P&L Management, Financial Discipline, Fundraising, Investment Management, Capital Markets, IPO Management, Dividend Securitization, Financial Analysis, Budgeting.

Business Development & Growth

Client Acquisition, Revenue Growth, EBITDA Turnaround, Market Expansion, M&A Advisory, Business Platform Development, Partnership Development.

Operations & Marketing

Client-Driven Relationship Management, Branding Redesign, Market Segmentation, Multichannel Marketing, Customer Care, Operational Profitability.

Technology & Industry Expertise

Telecommunications, 3G Launch, VoIP, Digital Signage, Mobile Marketing, Petrochemicals, Real Estate, Aerospace, Pulp and Paper.

Corporate Governance & Compliance

Board Oversight, Regulatory Compliance (SEC), Investor Relations, Risk Management, Transparency, Ethics.

João Cox