By Editorial Staff, EL TIEMPO
The Council of the Americas (COA) has officially unveiled the list of honorees for the 31st edition of the prestigious BRAVO Business Awards. As the region navigates a complex global economic landscape, these awards serve as a barometer for success, innovation, and resilience. The upcoming gala, scheduled for November 19, 2026, at the Loews Coral Gables Hotel in Miami, will bring together a high-level assembly of multinational executives, multilatina leaders, investors, and entrepreneurs to celebrate the individuals and institutions driving the economic engine of the Western Hemisphere.
This year’s ceremony is not merely a celebration of past achievements; it is a strategic gathering aimed at defining the trajectory of business in Latin America. Against a backdrop of rapid digital transformation and shifting geopolitical realities, the COA continues its long-standing tradition of recognizing those who have significantly expanded investment, fostered inclusivity, and championed sustainable growth across the Americas.
A Legacy of Leadership and Resilience
For over three decades, the BRAVO Business Awards have acted as a hallmark of corporate excellence. Susan Segal, President and CEO of Americas Society/Council of the Americas, emphasized the significance of this year’s selection process in a recent statement.
"Throughout the history of these awards, we have sought to shine a light on leaders whose vision, resilience, and commitment have successfully transformed their enterprises into powerful engines of economic progress and social impact," Segal noted. "The honorees selected for 2026 exemplify the spirit of innovation that is not only strengthening vital industries but also creating tangible opportunities and driving lasting prosperity throughout Latin America."
The selection of these specific leaders and companies reflects a broader trend in the region: a move toward operational efficiency, technological integration, and a deep-seated commitment to social responsibility, even when facing significant macroeconomic headwinds.
The 2026 Honorees: Profiles in Excellence
This year’s awards highlight a diverse group of leaders, ranging from seasoned executives navigating massive corporate restructuring to visionaries building the infrastructure of the future.
CEO of the Year: Roberto Alvo (LATAM Airlines)
Roberto Alvo’s recognition as CEO of the Year is a testament to crisis management at the highest level. Assuming the leadership of LATAM Airlines in March 2020—the onset of the global pandemic—Alvo faced the most turbulent period in aviation history. Under his stewardship, the airline navigated the complexities of Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, emerging not only solvent but with a significantly strengthened financial profile. By prioritizing digital transformation and operational efficiency, Alvo oversaw a comprehensive recovery that empowered the company’s 42,000 employees and solidified LATAM’s position as a leader in regional connectivity.
Legacy of Business Award: Banco do Brasil (Accepted by Tarciana Medeiros)
The Legacy of Business Award honors an institution that has stood the test of time while remaining relevant in a fast-changing market. Banco do Brasil, represented by its CEO Tarciana Medeiros, is being recognized for over two centuries of contributions to the nation’s social and economic development. Since taking the helm in early 2023, Medeiros—the first woman to lead the institution in its long history—has focused on modernization, promoting financial inclusion, and advancing the standards of responsible banking.
Excellence in Innovation: Rappi (Accepted by Felipe Villamarín)
Innovation remains the lifeblood of the modern Latin American economy, and Rappi, the Colombian "superapp" founded in 2015, stands as a prime example of this dynamism. Under co-founder Felipe Villamarín, Rappi has evolved from a simple delivery startup into a comprehensive technological platform that now encompasses rapid commerce, fintech services, and strategic technological alliances. The company’s recent achievement of positive EBITDA underscores the viability of the "superapp" model, cementing its status as a pillar of the region’s tech ecosystem.
Innovative CEO of the Year: Carlos Barrera (Atlas Renewable Energy)
Sustainability is at the forefront of the global energy agenda, and Carlos Barrera, founder and CEO of Atlas Renewable Energy, has been instrumental in this transition. Since the company’s inception in 2017, Barrera has scaled the firm to become the largest independent producer of renewable energy in Latin America, with active operations spanning Chile, Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, and Uruguay. A landmark $3 billion portfolio refinancing in 2025 marked the largest such transaction in the sector, highlighting Barrera’s ability to mobilize capital for green infrastructure.
The Council of the Americas Symposium: Looking Toward 2027
The gala will be preceded by the Council of the Americas Symposium, a forum where top executives will engage in critical discourse regarding the regional business agenda. The 2026 symposium will center on the "Artificial Intelligence Economy," exploring how the region can leverage its potential to host data centers and cloud infrastructure. Furthermore, the discussion will pivot toward the growing trend of Latin American firms expanding their operations into the United States, a sign of the region’s maturing global footprint.
"We are incredibly proud to recognize this year’s awardees for the profound impact they have had on their respective sectors," said María Lourdes Teran, Vice President of AS/COA Miami and President of the BRAVO Business Awards. "Bringing together the regional business community to discuss the future of Latin America is more essential than ever. These conversations ensure that our region remains a competitive and vital player in the global market."
Strategic Implications and Economic Outlook
The recognition of these leaders and companies provides a window into the broader economic outlook for Latin America. The shift toward renewable energy, the professionalization of the tech sector, and the stabilization of legacy financial institutions suggest a region that is increasingly resilient to global shocks.
The Role of Technology and AI
The emphasis on artificial intelligence in this year’s symposium is timely. As global investment flows toward digital infrastructure, Latin America is positioning itself as an attractive hub for data center development, driven by competitive energy costs and a burgeoning pool of tech-savvy talent. The success of companies like Rappi serves as a case study for how localized tech solutions can scale effectively across borders.
Navigating the Geopolitical Landscape
The rise of "multilatinas"—Latin American companies with significant international operations—indicates a shift in the balance of power. The ability of companies like Atlas Renewable Energy to secure massive financing demonstrates that international capital markets remain confident in the region’s potential, provided the projects are backed by strong leadership and a clear vision for sustainability.
A Gathering of Minds
The BRAVO Business Awards serve as more than just a ceremony; they are a vital networking hub. By gathering the most influential voices in the room, the Council of the Americas is facilitating the cross-pollination of ideas that are necessary to tackle the challenges of the coming decade. As the world moves toward a more fragmented economic environment, the unity and collaborative efforts of the Latin American business elite become a critical advantage.
The event in Miami on November 19 will not only honor the winners but also set the tone for the 2027 investment landscape. As industry leaders share insights on everything from the implementation of generative AI in financial services to the logistical hurdles of cross-continental trade, the event serves as a roadmap for sustainable, high-impact growth.
Conclusion: The Path Forward
As we approach the 31st annual gala, the narrative surrounding Latin American business is one of optimism and strategic evolution. The honorees—Alvo, Medeiros, Villamarín, and Barrera—represent a new generation of leadership that balances the demands of profitability with the necessity of social and environmental stewardship.
The Council of the Americas, through its tireless advocacy and recognition of these achievements, continues to play a pivotal role in bridging the gap between the region’s vast potential and its economic reality. As these leaders take the stage in Coral Gables this November, they do so not just as individuals, but as representatives of a region that is increasingly defining its own future on the global stage.
The focus now shifts to the implementation of the strategies discussed in the lead-up to the event, with the hope that the innovations recognized today will pave the way for a more prosperous and equitable tomorrow for all citizens of the Americas.
