Early Life
André Santos Esteves was born on July 12, 1968, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, to a middle-class family. He obtained a bachelor's degree in computer science from the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro. Esteves's early life and education laid the foundation for his future career in finance.
Rise to Success
Esteves began his career in 1989 at Banco Pactual as an intern in the IT department. He rapidly progressed, demonstrating exceptional skills in trading and finance. By 1992, he became a partner at Pactual. Esteves played a key role in the bank's growth, and he was instrumental in the sale of Pactual to UBS in 2006 for $3.1 billion. He then became CEO and Chairman of UBS Pactual and Global Head of Fixed Income, Currencies, and Commodities at UBS. In 2008, he founded BTG Investments and, in 2009, orchestrated the acquisition of UBS Pactual, rebranding it as BTG Pactual.
Key Business Strategies
Esteves's business strategy has been marked by strategic thinking, innovation in finance, and a commitment to ethical practices. He focused on building BTG Pactual into a leading investment bank in Latin America through strategic acquisitions and expansion into various financial services. His leadership was crucial in navigating market challenges and driving growth.
Philanthropy
Esteves is actively involved in philanthropic initiatives. He supports initiatives aimed at improving education, the environment, and healthcare. He is a board member of Conservation International, Inteli, and the Council on Foreign Relations, demonstrating his commitment to giving back to society. In April 2020, Esteves and other partners of BTG Pactual announced a donation of 50 million Brazilian reais for COVID-19 pandemic combat projects in Brazil. His philanthropic efforts also include founding the Institute of Technology and Leadership (Inteli).
