COA Symposium to Gather Business Leaders in Miami to Discuss Leadership in an Era of Disruption

 

MIAMI, Oct. 11, 2019 – October 25, The Council of the Americas will convene over 400 high-level decision makers from business, government, and multilateral institutions from across the region  for the 25th Anniversary Council of the Americas Symposium and ^h BRAVO Business Awards,  at the  Four Seasons Hotel in Miami. During the full-day conference, business and civil society influencers will discuss topics ranging from leadership in a world of constant disruption and the digital payment revolution to ethical considerations in artificial intelligence. The Council of the Americas Symposium will be webcast live.

“In times of great change, it is critical that leaders who constantly promote the development of the Americas, such as those participating in this symposium, discuss these pivotal issues which will shape the future of the region,” said Susan Segal, president and CEO of the Americas Society/Council of the Americas (AS/COA). 

“It is an honor for us to have made it to the 25th edition of the BRAVO Awards, which have come to symbolize motivation and inspiration for future generations who will continue working for the social and economic development of the Americas,” said Maria Lourdes Gallo, vice president of AS/COA in Miami.

On the morning of the Symposium, executives and CEOs from some of the most prominent companies in the hemisphere will address today’s fast-paced changes impacting leadership and expansion in their companies. Some of the event’s panels include the following:

Leadership in a world of constant disruption

Executives from companies working in various industries will discuss the skills needed to lead in an uncertain global environment of constant change. Panelists: Ana Paula Assis, IBM; Andre El-Mann, Fibra Uno; Andres Gluski, AES Corporation; Gerardo Mato, HSBC; and Joao Miranda, Votoratim. Moderator: Martin Reeves, BCG.

Building a customer-centric company

High-level executives will speak on strategies for meeting customer expectations by using new technologies including artificial intelligence and machine learning. Panelists: Paula Bellizia, Microsoft; Fernando Gonzalez, CEMEX; Erika Herrero, Belcorp; Claudio Muruzabal, SAP; and Paula Santilli, PepsiCo. Moderator: Jose Manuel Rodriguez, CNN en Español.

Digital challengers: The next wave of expansions

Tech startups have revolutionized the landscape for traditional financial services organizations by offering new alternatives to consumers in Latin America. Panelists: Kiki del Valle, Mastercard; Osvaldo Giménez, MercadoLibre; Fernando Iraola, Bank of America Merrill Lynch; and Cristina Junqueira, Nubank. Moderator: Jorge Becerra, Boston Consulting Group.

In the afternoon there will be two simultaneous sessions on artificial intelligence and responsible growth for maximum impact, as well as the optimization of traditional commerce and e-commerce in a changing geopolitical context.

In addition, there will be three discussions on business and social impact leadership during the day, led by:

• Luis Alberto Moreno, president of the Inter-American Development Bank, and Carlos Vives, founding artist of Tras la Perla and winner of several GRAMMY awards.
• Blanca Treviño, president and CEO of Softtek.
• Susana Balbo, founder of Susana Balbo Wines, and Susan Segal, president and CEO of AS/COA.

Following the conference, outstanding leaders from across the Americas will be recognized during the 25^th BRAVO Business Awards. This year’s winners include:

• Cristina Junqueira, David Velez and Edward Wible, co-founders of Nubank (Visionary Entrepreneur of the Year).
• Claudio Muruzabal, president of SAP Latin America and the Caribbean (Technology Leader of the Year).
• Susana Balbo, founder of Susana Balbo Wines (Lifetime Achievement).
• Andre El-Mann, CEO of Fibra Uno (FUNO) (Investor of the Year).
• Carlos Vives, Grammy award-winning artist and founder of the “Tras La Perla” initiative (Social Impact Leadership).
• Joao Carvalho de Miranda, CEO of Votorantim S.A (CEO of the Year).
• Luis Alberto Moreno, president of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) (BRAVO Legacy Award).

Sponsors: HSBC, Bank of America Merrill Lynch, LLYC, The AES Corporation, Boston Consulting Group, Microsoft, Baker McKenzie, FedEx Express, gA, IBM, Mastercard LAC, SAP and Softtek.

Supporting Organization: Enterprise Florida.

Associated Media: CNN en Español and Financial Times.

Symposium Partner: The Inter-American Development Bank.

For more information, visit: www.as-coa.org/bravo

Follow the discussion on Twitter: #BRAVObiz | @ASCOA

Press contact:

AS/COA Media Relations | mediarelations@as-coa.org | 1-212-277-8333