Maia, Portugal, Oct. 2, 2026 (Lusa) - Sonae's Board of Directors on Thursday proposed Cláudia Azevedo as the next Chair of the Board of Directors and João Dolores as Chief Executive Officer (CEO), the company announced in a statement.
«The proposal follows a succession planning process initiated after Paulo Azevedo decided to conclude his term on Sonae's Board of Directors and Cláudia Azevedo chose to complete her second term as CEO, as they believe the necessary conditions are in place for a transition and the start of a new cycle in the Group's leadership, which has the support and enthusiasm of the entire Azevedo family», the document states.
According to the group, the proposal «has the support of Efanor, Sonae's majority shareholder, and provides for the change to take place at the start of the new term of office, following the election of the Board of Directors by the general meeting of shareholders in April 2027 and the confirmation, by the new Board, of the appointments now proposed».
João Dolores is currently a member of Sonae's Board of Directors and Executive Committee, where he serves as CFO.
«He has made a decisive contribution to shaping the company's strategy in recent years and to the execution of its investment activities and support for the Group's businesses,» Sonae highlighted.
The company also noted that Cláudia Azevedo began her career at Sonae «as an intern in 1994 and gained experience in managing diversified businesses», adding that «over the last eight years as CEO, she has led the company through its growth and internationalisation process».
The statement indicates that she will retain «her executive duties until the start of the new term of office, working closely with João Dolores over the coming months to ensure a smooth transition».
«For me, too, a new chapter is beginning, with the same commitment to Sonae and its future. Over the coming months, we will work together to prepare for the next cycle and ensure a successful transition,» said Cláudia Azevedo, quoted in the same statement.
João Dolores, for his part, expressed his gratitude for «the trust» placed in him, a responsibility he approaches «with deep commitment and great enthusiasm for the future».
ALN/ADB // ADB.
Lusa
