Sergio Rial

Sergio Rial is a globally recognized finance leader with over 30 years of experience across banking, agribusiness, energy, and aviation sectors. He serves as Chairman of Vibra Energia (Brazil’s leading energy company), Vice Chairman of BRF S.A. (global food and agribusiness), Chair of Ebury Partners (fintech payments), and sits on the Global Board of The Nature Conservancy. His multi-sector leadership underscores a rare blend of strategic, operational, and ESG-driven governance.

Previously, Sergio was CEO of Banco Santander Brasil from 2016 to 2022 and Chairman in 2022–early 2023. He held executive roles at Marfrig Global Foods and served as CFO and EVP at Cargill. His early career included leadership in investment banking at ABN AMRO and Bear Stearns in New York. Notably, he was briefly CEO of Americanas S.A. in January 2023, demonstrating resilience amid complex turnarounds.

With degrees in Law and Economics, Sergio is fluent in six languages and has been repeatedly honored for his influence in agribusiness and global finance. At Apolonia, he brings transformational leadership, cross-border insight, and legacy-building execution across the Americas, GCC, Asia, and Europe.