Carlos Moreira da Silva is the Glass Person of the Year

Carlos Moreira da Silva has been named by the Phoenix Award Committee as Glass Person of the Year 2025. He was described as visionary industrial leader and a key architect of BA Glass’s transformation into the world’s fourth-largest glass container manufacturer.

From his tenure as CEO of BA Glass (1998–2003) and Chairman (2003–2019), to his current role as a major shareholder through TEAK Capital, his strategic foresight has propelled the glass maker to become a beacon of innovation, resilience, and sustainability in the packaging sector.

Born in Porto in 1952 into a large and deeply principled family, Mr Moreira da Silva earned a degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Porto and later obtained a PhD in Industrial Management from the University of Warwick (UK).

His career began in academia as an Assistant Lecturer at the University of Porto in 1973. After becoming Assistant Professor, he pivoted to executive leadership in 1986, serving as Executive Director of EDP and later joining the Board of Sonae Group.While at Sonae, he launched the newspaper Público and led Sonae Indústria, notably steering the integration of Tafisa in 1995. In 2000, Sonae acquired 49.9% of BA Glass, which at the time operated only three production plants.

By 2004, Mr Moreira da Silva led a successful Management Buyout, alongside the Silva Domingues family and key executives, taking full control of the company.Under his leadership, BA Glass grew rapidly through a series of strategic acquisitions, reaching 14 manufacturing plants across Europe and Mexico, and producing more than 20 million glass units daily.

The company’s culture, deeply influenced by Mr Moreira da Silva’s values, prioritizes employee well-being and environmental responsibility. Its goal to become carbon-neutral by 2050 demonstrates a clear commitment to future-proofing the industry.

Mr Moreira da Silva’s legacy continues through his son, Tiago Moreira da Silva, now leading BA Glass, reinforcing a tradition of excellence and innovation in glass manufacturing.