Rita Soares
Sérgio Rodrigues
Rui Tati
Entrepreneur
He is one of the most dynamic Angolan businessmen of the moment. He has worked in sectors that include shipping, oil, eletrical appliances, motorcycles and beverages, among others, with a portfolio that has already included global brands such as Coca-Cola, Heineken, Amstel and Yamaha. Two years ago he acquired the Portuguese company Pelcor, dedicated to the creation of cork products, and is implementing a worldwide expansion strategy. But, reading this, it would be difficult to believe that this career began in an entirely different field: as a pilot.
Was there any particular skill in your training as a pilot that you believe has proved useful in the business activities you have since performed?
Yes, of course, my sense of responsibility greatly increased during this training. I think that for the business activities that I have been performing, during my years of work, being responsible is, without a shadow of a doubt, one of the most important skills.
In addition to having studied aviation, you have made music, been in several companies, worked in different sectors and lived in several countries. Do you consider yourself a restless person?
I do not consider myself a restless person, I consider myself a person who is willing to do whatever it takes to be able and equipped to carry out whatever I set myself to carry out, in both my professional and personal life. I am a multitasker and when I believe in the possibility of improving the circumstances around me, I simply go for it.
You recently purchased Pelcor. What attracted you to this brand?
The fact that it is a brand that is inspired by the sustainability of an ecological raw material – cork – and because I believed that there is still much to be done within the concept Pelcor offers.
«I do not consider myself a restless person, I consider myself a person who is willing to do whatever it takes to be able and equipped to carry out whatever I set myself to carry out»
What are your business goals for the next few years?
To continue to develop Pelcor so as to take it to and position it at a higher level than it is at present, and to develop potential projects within the industry in which I operate.
As someone attentive to environmental issues, how do you see the evolution of this subject at a global level?
I see that there is growing awareness of environmental issues and a concern about finding effective solutions that can help reduce the effects caused by the indiscriminate use of the environment. However, there is still much to be done and everything only has to do with changing everyone’s attitude.
