Sergio Costa is an executive with 26 years of experience with a broad knowledge in building and leading multicultural teams and companies to exceptional performance and achievements. His experience in international business, business development, and investments, aligned with government relations and strategy design have prepared him to lead companies to make a difference and conquer respect from the market while providing healthy returns on investment.
Currently, Mr. Costa is the Managing Director, Business Development and International Relations for Investe São Paulo in Brazil. Over the past six years at this role, he has overseen and cooperated with teams in support initiatives to potential investors, site location, competitive intelligence, tax advisory, and articulation with public and private entities aiming at investment facilitation. He has led the company to exceed $18 billion in 170 announced investments creating nearly 70k direct jobs.
Prior, Mr. Costa worked for Apex-Brasil, a trade and investment promotion agency. He oversaw all the trade promotion initiatives while managing a team of 150 employees as the company’s Business General Manager. He also oversaw the structuring of the international branch of the business during his time with Apex-Brasil. Mr. Costa also was responsible for the development of market strategies to increase exports to Latin America and the Caribbean.
Over his distinguished career, Mr. Costa worked as a Business Consultant for various companies providing services in marketing, management, organizational leadership and business strategy. He also worked for AES, Sebrae-MG, and Sotreq; all located in Brazil. He is fluent in Portuguese and English while having an advanced knowledge of Spanish. He earned his degree in Mechanical Production Engineering and received a Master’s Degree in Organizational Leadership from Azusa Pacific University.