Joao Caetano Sebastiao
Resumen profesional
Results-driven international executive with 25+ years leading growth, market access and investment across Spain, Portugal and wider Europe. Country Director at the UK Department for Business and Trade (DBT) in Spain and Regional Director for Europe South. Former Edelman managing director. Trusted by boards and governments to unlock complex markets, build high-value partnerships and land investment. Skilled in navigating complex EU policy cycles, shaping stakeholder coalitions, and translating technical dossiers into actionable advocacy for industry and governments. Fluent in English, Spanish, French and Portuguese (working Italian).
Datos destacados
33
33
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Experiencia
Country Director, Spain
UK Government - Department for Business and Trade (DBT)
01.2024 - 12.2025
- Led a multidisciplinary team (Market Access, Trade Policy, Exports, Investment Promotion) to boost UK-Spain trade and investment across several industrial sectors (Energy sector, Solar, Tech, LS)
- Regulation & Market Access - led regulatory dialogues on consumer, net-zero industry, EV/green mobility, sustainability, and industrial decarbonization. Supported UK and European companies entering Iberian markets by removing regulatory barriers and aligning projects with national and EU objectives.
- Contributed to a record financial year (2024-25): £42bn+ FDI and capital investment into the UK; 30k+ jobs supported via >600 investment projects; €950m in export contracts for UK firms in Spain.
Regional Director, Europe South
UK Government - Department for Business and Trade (DBT)
01.2015 - 01.2024
- Directed trade & investment operations across Portugal, Spain, Italy, France, Cyprus, Greece and Israel; managed ~100 staff. Led multi-country regulatory strategies across Southern Europe, aligning national stakeholders with evolving EU frameworks.
- Delivered services to >1,000 UK companies annually and assisted >1,500 European firms to establish UK platforms for global growth.
- Built strategic partnerships across chambers, trade associations and government to drive free and fair trade.
Managing Director
Edelman Portugal
01.2012 - 01.2015
- Led a 60-person team serving clients across Portugal, Spain and Lusophone markets.
- Key clients: DIAGEO, Channel, EDP, Vodafone, BP, Portuguese Government, Angolan Government, SONAE, Novartis, AZ, COTEC, Siemens, Nestlé.
- Specialized in government-to-government advisory, reputation, and stakeholder trust.
- Extensive experience working within the EU political and regulatory ecosystem, engaging with the European Commission, Parliament, and Permanent Representations on files related to markets, sustainability, competition, digital regulation and market access.
Marketing Manager
Parque EXPO Group (EXPO'98 / Urban Regeneration)
01.2005 - 01.2012
- Implemented business plans and led marketing projects for large-scale urban regeneration.
- Managed investor data, public affairs, spokesperson duties, events and advertising campaigns.
Marketing Director
Polis Programme - Urban & Environmental Rehabilitation (Portugal)
01.2001 - 01.2005
- Launched and implemented national programme; led marketing & corporate communications across multiple cities (e.g., Porto, Coimbra, Leiria).
Executive Director
Portuguese Tourism Association
01.2000 - 01.2001
- Coordinated activities and investments with government and agencies across tourism regions.
Contract Management Lead
AICEP - Portuguese Investment, Commerce & Tourism (Madrid Delegation)
01.1998 - 01.2000
- Promoted Portugal in Spain; coordinated investment campaigns, events, seminars and press initiatives.
Public Relations Officer; Product Manager; Spanish Market Manager
EXPO'98 - Lisbon World Exposition
01.1993 - 01.1998
- Organised promotional/advertising activities and thematic exhibitions.
- Coordinator of the Portuguese Pavilion at Taejon (South Korea) World Expo; led operations and press.
- Implemented promotional activities for the Portuguese public; led Spanish market campaigns.
Formación
PhD - Strategic Communication
Universidade Nova de Lisboa
MSc - Strategic Communication
Universidade Nova de Lisboa
MSc - Business & Marketing (Brand Management)
ISCTE Business School
LisbonGraduate - Marketing Management
IPAM
Executive Development Programme - Business Administration
Northwestern University - Kellogg School of Management
01/2021 - 06/2021
Enfatiza tus habilidades clave
- International Growth & Market Entry
- Public & Corporate Affairs
- Regulatory Navigation
- Investment Attraction & Expansion Projects
- Marketing Strategy
- Communication
- Sales Pipelines
- Stakeholder Management
- EU Policy
- Regulation
- Brussels Lobbying
Sitios web, porfolio, etc.
Idiomas
Portuguese
Nativo
C2
English
Nativo
C2
Spanish
Nativo
C2
French
Experto
C2
Italian
Principiante
Personalizado
- Growth advisory for defense, energy, life sciences, technology, and advanced manufacturing.
- Market access and regulatory strategy; stakeholder engagement.
Diplomas
- Certificado de Project Managment
- Media Training
- Leadership
- Mentoring
.
Afiliaciones
American Marketing Association
Associação Portuguesa de Profissionais de Marketing
Éxitos profesionales
UK Government Department for Business and Trade Permanent Secretary Award
Cronología
Country Director, Spain
UK Government - Department for Business and Trade (DBT)
01.2024 - 12.2025
Regional Director, Europe South
UK Government - Department for Business and Trade (DBT)
01.2015 - 01.2024
Managing Director
Edelman Portugal
01.2012 - 01.2015
Marketing Manager
Parque EXPO Group (EXPO'98 / Urban Regeneration)
01.2005 - 01.2012
Marketing Director
Polis Programme - Urban & Environmental Rehabilitation (Portugal)
01.2001 - 01.2005
Executive Director
Portuguese Tourism Association
01.2000 - 01.2001
Contract Management Lead
AICEP - Portuguese Investment, Commerce & Tourism (Madrid Delegation)
01.1998 - 01.2000
Public Relations Officer; Product Manager; Spanish Market Manager
EXPO'98 - Lisbon World Exposition
01.1993 - 01.1998
MSc - Strategic Communication
Universidade Nova de Lisboa
MSc - Business & Marketing (Brand Management)
ISCTE Business School
Graduate - Marketing Management
IPAM
PhD - Strategic Communication
Universidade Nova de Lisboa
Executive Development Programme - Business Administration
Northwestern University - Kellogg School of Management
01/2021 - 06/2021