Antonio Saraiva
Founding PartnerManaging PartnerAntónio Saraiva is a Founding Partner and Managing Partner of Nexus Approach, playing a leading role in the strategic advisory of companies, investors and organisations of significant economic and institutional relevance, both in Portugal and internationally.
Recognised as one of the most influential figures in the Portuguese and European business landscape, he has built a distinguished career over several decades, marked by business leadership, institutional representation and corporate diplomacy.
He currently serves as Chairman of the Board of Directors of Taguspark – Science and Technology Park, the largest science and technology park in Europe and a leading institution in the promotion of innovation, entrepreneurship and knowledge-based economic development.
- Language
- English
- Portuguese
- Focus Areas
- Competitiveness
- Investment
- Economic diplomacy
- Innovation and business internationalisation
For 13 years, from 2010 to 2023, he served as President of CIP – Portuguese Business Confederation, Portugal’s leading business confederation, where he led the institutional representation of Portuguese companies before the Government, European institutions and major international economic forums.
At the European level, he also served as Vice-President of BusinessEurope, the foremost European business confederation, representing business organisations from 35 European countries and acting as a key interlocutor with European Union institutions on economic, industrial and regulatory matters.
He was also Vice-President of the Economic and Social Council (CES), the constitutional body responsible for consultation and social dialogue within the Portuguese State, playing a significant role in matters relating to economic policy, competitiveness and business development.
Throughout his career, he also served as Chairman of the Board of Directors of Metalúrgica Luso-Italiana, S.A., further strengthening his extensive experience in business and industry.
In recognition of his distinguished career and contribution to the Portuguese economy and industry, he was awarded an Honorary Doctorate (Doctor Honoris Causa) by Lusófona University.
In parallel, he remains actively engaged in academic and institutional activities, serving on the strategic bodies of several higher education institutions and lecturing in Corporate Diplomacy at ISCSP – the Higher Institute of Social and Political Sciences, as well as Economic Development at Coimbra Business School.
He has also received several national and international honours, including the Commander of the Order of Prince Henry and the Grand Cross of the Order of Business Merit – Industrial Merit Class, awarded by the Portuguese State, as well as the title of Knight Commander of the Italian Republic.
António Saraiva remains actively involved in key issues relating to competitiveness, investment, economic diplomacy, innovation and business internationalisation, and is widely recognised for his leadership, consensus-building skills and strategic vision.