Antonio Portela

CEO at BIAL

Speaker

António Portela holds a degree in Economics from the University of Porto and an Executive MBA from Porto Business School. He began his career at Roche Pharmaceuticals (UK) as a Medical Sales Representative and Market Analyst, launching a Hepatitis C drug before returning to Portugal to join BIAL.

In 2004, he became Deputy Director of Marketing at BIAL Portugal. Since 2007, he has served on the Board of Directors, leading the International Department and overseeing business expansion, entry into new markets, and global product launches. He was appointed CEO in January 2011, becoming the fourth generation of his family to lead the company founded in 1924.

António holds several prominent roles: President of the Higher Education Coordinating Council to the Portuguese Minister of Education, Science and Innovation (2023), Chairman of the General Board of COTEC Portugal (2022), BIAL representative at Business Roundtable Portugal (2021), member of the Board Founders of Serralves Museum Foundation (2021), Trustee of the University of Porto Foundation (2018), and EFPIA Board member (2017).