COA Symposium Brings Together Leaders to Discuss Latin America's Key Business Challenges

Miami, October 7, 2024 – On October 30, the Council of the Americas will host the Council of the Americas Symposium and 29th BRAVO Business Awards at the Loews Hotel Coral Gables. This annual event brings together key business visionaries and thought leaders from diverse industries to discuss the pressing challenges and opportunities impacting Latin America and the global business landscape. More than 500 distinguished leaders from the Americas are expected to attend, representing multinational corporations, multilatinas, Latin American tech unicorns, venture capital firms, academia, media, NGOs, and more.

“The level of leadership we see at this Symposium underscores the importance of pushing for new ideas and innovation. It also highlights the critical role that dialogue plays in driving progress,” said Maria Lourdes Teran, vice president of AS/COA Miami and chair of the BRAVO Business Awards. “These discussions provide valuable insights and inspire future leaders to continue working towards a better future for Latin America.”

The day-long event will cover eight major themes, addressing key issues such as the energy transition, Latin America’s role in the world stage, digital inclusion, global mega trends, and the future of technology in Latin America. Highlights include:

Unleashing Latin America's Potential on the Global Stage

This panel will explore how Latin America is becoming a key player on the world stage, driven by growth in technology, a shift in geopolitics, and increased efforts in sustainability. Business leaders will discuss how they are navigating challenges and seizing new opportunities. Speakers include Paula Santilli, CEO of PepsiCo Latin America; Roberto Alvo, CEO of LATAM Airlines; Cristina Palmaka, president of SAP Latin America & Caribbean; and Ariane Ortiz-Bollin, vice president - senior credit officer for Latin America Credit Strategy and Research at Moody's Ratings. The discussion will be moderated by Michael Stott of the Financial Times.

Key Imperatives for the Region’s Clean Energy Transition

This panel will discuss how Latin America, a region rich in renewable energy resources, is well-positioned to lead the global shift to clean energy. As demand for greener solutions rises, leaders will explore the role of decarbonization, infrastructure investment, and local regulations in driving sustainable growth. Speakers include Juan Ignacio Rubiolo, executive vice president and president, International Business Unit and Infrastructure of The AES Corporation; Jairo Lorenzatto, CEO for Latin America at Smurfit WestRock; Shannon Kellog, VP of Public Policy for the Americas at Amazon Web Services; and Elizabeth Robberechts, division chief of Infrastructure and Energy at the IDB Invest. The session will be moderated by Carlos Barrera, CEO of Atlas Renewable Energy.

Advancing Digital Inclusion for Economic Growth

This panel will explore how expanding digital access in Latin America can drive sustainable economic growth. Business leaders will discuss using technology to increase access for underserved communities, from financial inclusion to improved connectivity. Speakers include Juan Pablo Mata, CEO of Grupo Mariposa; João Vitor Menin, CEO of Inter&Co; and Paula Bellizia, vice president, Latin America at Amazon Web Services; Alejandro Anderlic, head of Government Affairs and Public Policy, Latin America at Salesforce; and Andres Cadena, senior partner, McKinsey & Company. Francisco Aldaya, panregional editor-in-chief of Bloomberg Línea, will moderate the discussion.

A Look Into the 2025 Mega Trends

Haim Israel, global strategist and head of Global Thematic Research at Bank of America, will present an insightful analysis of the key megatrends set to reshape the global business landscape.

Investing in the Latin America of Tomorrow & What It Takes to Build Billion-Dollar Companies

This panel will explore investment opportunities and the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Latin America, focusing on how innovation drives growth. Speakers include Francisco Alvarez-Demalde, co-founder and managing partner of Riverwood Capital; Sebastián Mejía, co-founder and president of Rappi; and Mariano Gomide, founder & co-CEO of VTEX. The discussion will be moderated by Susan Segal, president & CEO of Americas Society/Council of the Americas.

Globant's Journey – Two Decades Shaped by Innovation & Global Impact

Martin Migoya, co-founder and CEO of Globant, will discuss 20 years of transformative growth and global impact. Recognized as the BRAVO Company of the Decade, Globant has emerged as a major player in the tech industry. This session will be moderated by Jorge Becerra, emeritus senior partner and senior advisor at BCG, who will guide the conversation on the company's journey and future prospects. 

A Country in Transformation – The Dominican Republic’s Leadership in Sustainable Investments

Vice President Raquel Peña will discuss the Dominican Republic’s rapid economic growth and strategies for sustainable investment. She will also highlight her leadership in advancing economic progress and regional integration. The conversation will be led by Adriana Cisneros, CEO of Cisneros, a key leader in fostering innovation and business development.

Central America Session: Advancing Regional Integration through Infrastructure

This session will discuss how improving digital and physical infrastructure can support growth in Central America. By increasing regional cooperation and attracting investment, these efforts can strengthen the economy and create new opportunities. Speakers include Enrique Bolaños, president of INCAE Business School; Ramiro Ortiz, managing director & chief business officer of Grupo Promerica; Guy Nae, head of Public Sector, Spanish Latin America, Google Cloud; Tomás Bermúdez, general manager, Country Department Central America, Haiti, Mexico, Panama, and the Dominican Republic at the Inter-American Development Bank; and Enrique García, regional director, Cementos Progreso. The session will be moderated by Alejandro Romero, global CEO of LLYC.

Following the Symposium, the Council of the Americas will honor exceptional leadership in the Americas at the 29th BRAVO Business Awards. This year’s distinguished honorees include Paula Santilli, CEO of PepsiCo Latin America, who will receive the BRAVO Visionary Leadership Award. Globant will be recognized as the BRAVO Company of the Decade. Francisco Alvarez-Demalde, co-founder & managing partner of Riverwood Capital, will be celebrated as the BRAVO Investor of the Year. João Vitor Menin, CEO of Inter&Co, will be awarded the BRAVO Innovative CEO of the Year.