Sonae has announced the appointment of Luís Mota Duarte as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Sonae Sierra, effective January 2027. He will succeed Fernando Guedes de Oliveira, who has been with the company for over four decades. Guedes de Oliveira has played a significant role in the development of Sonae Sierra, leading the company through various stages of growth and transformation.
During his tenure, Guedes de Oliveira has been instrumental in expanding Sonae Sierra's international presence and evolving the company into an integrated real estate platform. Under his leadership, the company has diversified its competencies in investment management, real estate promotion, and service provision, and has expanded into new asset classes. Guedes de Oliveira became CEO in 2010 and has been a key figure in shaping the company's growth strategy.
Luís Mota Duarte has been with Sonae since 2014 and has previously led the company's M&A division. He joined Sonae Sierra in 2018 as Deputy CEO and Executive Director responsible for Investment Management. Before joining Sonae, Duarte had a 14-year international career in London, working in private equity, investment banking, and business development. He is an Associate Fellow at the Saïd Business School, University of Oxford, and a professor at the Nova School of Business & Economics.
Cláudia Azevedo, CEO of Sonae, has expressed her gratitude to Guedes de Oliveira for his leadership and contribution to the company over the years. She has also expressed her confidence in Duarte's ability to lead the company in its next phase of growth, citing his deep understanding of Sonae Sierra and its teams, as well as his experience and focus on creating value.
Guedes de Oliveira has reflected on his time at Sonae Sierra, expressing pride in the company's growth, internationalization, and transformation. He has thanked the company's teams and partners for their support and commitment, and has expressed his gratitude for being part of the company's construction and development.
Luís Mota Duarte has assumed the leadership of Sonae Sierra with a sense of responsibility and ambition. He has highlighted the company's solid foundation, quality teams, and competencies, and has expressed his commitment to continuing to evolve and grow the company, seeking new opportunities and creating value for investors, partners, and clients.
The transition marks a significant change in leadership for Sonae Sierra, but the company is expected to continue its growth trajectory under Duarte's leadership. With his extensive experience in real estate and investment management, Duarte is well-positioned to lead the company in its next phase of growth and development.
Key points
- Luís Mota Duarte to succeed Fernando Guedes de Oliveira as CEO of Sonae Sierra in January 2027.
- Guedes de Oliveira has been with Sonae for over 4 decades and has played a significant role in shaping the company's growth strategy.
- Duarte has extensive experience in real estate and investment management, and is well-positioned to lead Sonae Sierra in its next phase of growth.
