Ana Alves

Executive Board Member | VP @ Lusa

About

Senior Finance Leader with a global mindset and a solid track record in strategic leadership, financial management, and risk control within multinational organizations. With more than 20 years of experience across Sovena, Siemens, and other industry-leading groups, I’ve led high-impact financial operations exceeding €800M, implemented global hedge strategies (>$2B), and driven digital and operational transformations. Currently completing an Executive MBA at AESE Business School (2023–2025), further strengthening my strategic thinking and executive decision-making. I’m passionate about aligning cross-functional teams around shared goals, creating sustainable growth strategies, and driving excellence in governance and performance.

Country

City

Portugal

Industry

Food & Beverages

Skill

Board Level, Business Transformation, International Expansion, HR Oversight, Budgeting & Strategic Planning, Regulatory Compliance, Business Model Development, Investment Struturing, Cash Flow Planning, Treasury Operations, Performance Management, Financial Governance, BI & Reporting, Cross Functions Management, Budgeting & Forecasting, Cluster Coordination, Process Standardization, Multinational Controlling, Commodity Risk, Market Exposure

Experience

Executive Board Member | VP

Lusa

2026-3 - Present · 7 mos

Business Unit Finance Senior Manager

Sovena Group

2019-5 - 2026-3 · 6 yrs 11 mos

Lisbon Area, Portugal

Sovena is one of the largest Portuguese industrial groups, with a turnover of ~€2 billion and international presence across Portugal, Spain, USA, Brazil, Angola, Colombia, Argentina, and Chile. I joined during a pivotal phase of growth and transformation in the Oils & Seeds business, contributing to its global expansion. Currently leading the financial strategy for this business unit (up to ~€800M turnover), reporting directly to the Board. My role includes full P&L ownership, commodity and FX hedging, treasury oversight, investment structuring, and executive reporting. I also lead cross-functional IT transformation projects and manage a high-performing team across planning, budgeting, and operations.

Business Unit BA & Commodity Risk Manager

Sovena Group

2014-5 - 2019-5 · 5 yrs 1 mo

Led risk management and exposure strategies and foreign exchange. Oversaw daily operations on derivatives and forwards, developed mark-to-market models, and provided key analysis to top management. This role was crucial in reinforcing Sovena's global risk framework during a period of high market volatility anf operational complexity.

Senior International Controller

Siemens

2011-1 - 2014-5 · 3 yrs 5 mos

Portugal

Recruited to the newly created governance team for the Southwest Europe (SWE) cluster. Played a key role in the centralization of financial processes across Portugal, Greece, and Spain, contributing to a major financial transformation program and systems harmonization. Acted as a strategic partner to Country Boards and C-Level leadership, leading budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, and ensuring compliance across entities with a combined turnover of ~€2B. Also managed key regional projects including a large-scale HR IT implementation.

Senior Business Analyst

Heliportugal

2008-1 - 2010 · 2 yrs

Appointed by the former CEO of NetJets Europe to join the core team responsible for launching a new Private Jets division. Defined the business model, structured the finance function, and negotiated fleet financing exceeding $100M. Oversaw all planning, treasury, and performance systems, while ensuring compliance and reporting excellence during the launch and scale-up phase of the business.

Director of Finance And Accounting

Global Segurança

1999 - 2007 · 8 yrs

Led financial operations and people strategy for a family-owned business group. Oversaw budgeting, investment analysis, and performance tracking. A key milestone was leading the successful international expansion into Angola, including tax, legal, and operational setup.